Chapter Three: To Locate the Grimm

"What do you mean by using her Grimm Cells?" Ruby looked at Maria as if she had grown a second head.

"As a Grimm, she has the ability to turn people into creatures called Ghasts," Blake spoke. "They are powerful and dangerous, but lose all sense of reason. They also cannot go into the sunlight."

"But, by using her Grimm Cells like this, with pieces of her flesh and blood," Maria pointed at Pyrrha. "She can manipulate them to do as she pleases and they will still be able to go into the sun."

"Well, then, how do we free her?" Ruby demanded. "She'll give us any answers we need about her."

"We would have to find where it is located," Maria looked down. "It burrows into the brain, we believe, but the main source is somewhere else in the body. Perhaps it's connected to Cinder's Semblance, but we have no way of locating it easily."

"I'll pull it out," Ruby looked down at Pyrrha. "Sundragon should be precise enough to do it without damaging her."

Ruby looked at Pyrrha, punching her arm. The limb rippled and contorted, wriggling as if something was buried beneath it.

"That's where it is!" Maria gasped. "How'd you know that?!"

"Lucky guess. Now, do I have to hold her head still?"

"Yes. Make sure she does not move."

"Right," Ruby put her hands on Pyrrha's head, holding it still as she put a knee on her arm. Sundragon pinched what looked like the source of the wriggling, pulling out what resembled a jellyfish. It was black with a see-through membrane around it, glowing a pulsing orange. As Sundragon pulled it out gently, red tentacles with white claws at the end pierced Ruby's arm, beginning to crawl up her arm.

"Ruby, stop!" Maria reached forward, but Blake stopped her, the younger woman shaking her head.

"She needs to concentrate."

The tentacles made their way to Ruby's face, veiny bumps appearing on her face. The silver eyed girl made no motion of resistance, just continuing to pull it slowly out.

During the process, Pyrrha woke up, looking at Ruby. Blake put a finger up to her lips, signaling the redhead be quiet. Ruby continued to pull the creature out of her body. When she'd pulled it completely out of Pyrrha's head, Sundragon throwing it away.

Before the thing could escape to the outside, Maria punched the strange creature, a silvery glow bursting from her hand.

"Aura Burst!" The Grimm Cells evaporated, turning to dust. Maria looked at the pile of dust, panting softly as she looked at Pyrrha.

"Do you understand your situation?" Blake looked at Pyrrha. "We are looking for information on the one that put that in your body."

"That… that thing was inside me?"

"Yes. And, in only a few weeks, it would have destroyed your brain and sucked you dry of nutrients."

"What do you know of Cinder?" Maria looked at her as her prosthetic hand flexed its fingers.

"Cinder Fall was a terrible monster when I met her," Pyrrha looked away, the student looking frightened at the recollection of the memory. "It's not a story I wish to recount. But, in the face of you all, I think I may be able to."

"Oh, hello," Autumn walked in, holding a bowl of water and some food and drink. "I figured you were a friend of Ruby's since she brought you home. Most people she beats up just go to the hospital. I brought you some food and drink while you recover."

"Beating people up is a regular occurrence for you?" The redhead glanced at Ruby, who made no reply. "I can't say I'm too surprised. Thank you, Mrs. Rose."

"Think nothing of it," Autumn took the water bowl and set it down next to Pyrrha, taking a cold cloth and placing it on her forehead. "This should help with any fever. You looked like you could use some. It may also help your wounds here. Do you need anything, mama?"

"I'm good, sweetie," Maria pulled Autumn close, kissing her cheek. "But, don't go to too much trouble for me."

"Oh, I won't mama. Just enough."

"That's my girl. Now, how about you go and take a break yourself? I know you've been working hard today."

"Aww, thanks, mama. I will in just a minute."

"That's the kind of woman I would want to be romantically involved with," Pyrrha sighed, looking at the ceiling. "A kind, considerate woman… preferably in my age range. I'm not a MILF hunter after all."

"Are you saying my daughter's hot?" Maria asked.

"Mrs. Calavera, behave," Blake took a hold of Maria's arm. "We need to remember our original goal."

"Right, Right," Maria sighed. "Pyrrha, what do you know of Cinder Fall?"

"Well, it's not the greatest of stories." Pyrrha began. "We were headed to Menagerie on a trip some time back."

"We?" Blake asked.

"My cousin, Jaune, and I were headed to Menagerie with my parents. While we were there, Jaune and I got separated from my parents."

Flash

"Pyrrha, I don't like this," Jaune looked around nervously.

"I don't either," Pyrrha held his hand, taking the lead so as to put on a brave face. "But, we'll find a police station or something and make it back to mom and dad. I'll keep you safe, Jaune, I promise."

Jaune nodded, his older cousin making her way through the streets. It was already dark, the shadows in the street lights moving ominously. Pyrrha kept taking turns in the road, looking back and forth. Nothing looked familiar. She was so used to Vacuo streets that she didn't know where the hell she was. Menagerie was such a strange beast.

She glanced back at Jaune, his blue eyes filled with worry. Even though they were the same age, she needed to take the lead and be brave. It was her fault they were lost in the first place. They shouldn't have left her parents to explore. It didn't matter if they were almost adults, it was stupid of her.

The winding streets confused her, making her unsure of the way. She had no idea if they were anywhere near them. But, neither of them could shake the sense that they were being drawn somewhere. Something… dangerous was bringing them near.

They turned one last corner to stand in front of a mansion. Though it looked pleasant on the outside, it felt to the teenagers as if it was a den of evil. Neither made a move, neither daring to. But, the door creaked open, out stepping a woman with dark skin and mint colored hair. Her red eyes flashed as she looked at the two of them.

"Ah, it would appear as if we have visitors," Her sinister smile put the teens on edge. Pyrrha stepped in front of Jaune, despite her fear, having the sense to summon Milo Akoúo behind her.

"Now now, there's no need to use your Semblances here," The woman waved in a beckoning manner. "I've no plans to hurt you. Come on in."

Pyrrha and Jaune's eyes widened. She could see their Semblances… and, even though Jaune hadn't used his Semblance, she knew he had one. What was this woman? Out of her fear, Pyrrha recalled her Semblance, still standing in front of Jaune.

Compelled by a force that seemed to override their fear… or rather their desire to run away, the two stepped into the house after the woman.

The woman led them through what seemed like a maze of corridors, making no mistakes as she led them up to the top of the house. As Jaune and Pyrrha reached the top, they froze at the sight in front of them.

Standing there, chest wrapped in bandages, was a tall, terrifying woman. She wore skintight aquamarine pants and had a brown vest on. Her heels seemed to be as sharp as a tack, ready to pierce someone's heart. They couldn't see her face, but they could see two glowing orbs where her eyes should be, one orange like a fire, the other shining silver.

"Ah, I see you've brought me visitors, Emerald," Every word she spoke brought a shiver down the teens' spines. While each word was as silky smooth as a glass of milk, they were no doubt spoken by someone who positively radiated evil, like a sun. They were completely frozen, not even the strange compulsion to come in giving their legs motion. The mint haired woman bowed and left the room.

"Ah, so you must be Pyrrha and Jaune," The woman's eyes fixed on them, a coil of silver vines snaking their way around her arm and an eyeball appearing in her hand. "I could tell you were coming with my body's Semblance. But, I did not expect you to be so strong in person."

Pyrrha remained in front of Jaune, her voice choking in her throat as she tried to speak.

"P-Please, let J-J-Jaune go," She finally managed. "I-I will let you… do whatever you want… but let him go."

"N-No, let her go," Jaune managed to find his courage in the face of Pyrrha's request.

"Oh, worry not, Pyrrha, Jaune," Suddenly, without even seeing her move, the woman was right behind them, an arm around each of their shoulders. They noticed now how muscular her body was, 'built like a brick shithouse' as Pyrrha's father would say. "I've no plans of keeping you here. But, where are my manners? I know all about you two, but you don't even know who I am. Would you like to know who I am?"

Jaune was the first to nod, his sense of danger alerting that this may be the best way for them to survive. The evil woman smirked, suddenly once again in front of them. They didn't even feel the air movements from her movement. It was as if she had always been there.

"My name is Cinder," Those four words would be ingrained in their minds for the rest of their lives, repeating endlessly as they stared once again into the eyes of this evil woman, like a mouse coming face to face with a snake. "But, worry not, I have some fun jobs for you two. Something to make your trip worthwhile. I've use for your Semblances."

"Wh-What do you want with us?" Pyrrha asked.

"For you, Pyrrha, I have some people I need you to send a message," As Cinder spoke, something black dripped from her fingertips, crawling toward the teens. "But, for you, Jaune, I have a special project I'm working on that I will need you. Of course, I'm sure you need a little… encouragement, so my little friends here will help you out."

The black substance moved toward the two teens, latching onto their legs. Pyrrha and Jaune had no time to scream before it pierced their legs, burrowing deep. And, with that, was the last fully conscious thought before darkness claimed them.

Present

"And, the last thing I really remember is waking up here," Pyrrha looked at Ruby. "I don't know how I can repay you, Ruby."

"You can tell us anything you know about Cinder," Maria looked down at her. "This battle is one that has been coming to my bloodline for a century. We need to find her before she proceeds with her plans. Anything helps."

"All I remember was that she was in Menagerie," Pyrrha sighed. "But, that doesn't narrow it down much or even tell us if she's still there, does it?"

"No, but it's a start. We can try to look for any clues. I'll try to use my Semblance to find her again. Thank you, Pyrrha. Even if you don't know, you've given us some insight to her motives. What could she be planning?"

"The worst part is that Jaune may still be there," Pyrrha looked up toward where she presumed Menagerie to be. "I hate the thought of Cinder still having him in her clutches, but I was unable to protect him from her."

"We'll bring him back as best we can," Maria promised, holding her hand out to Pyrrha. Pyrrha took it, allowing herself to be pulled up. She stood on shaky legs as Maria helped her out to the main section of the house. "But, for now, you probably need a little food and the stuff my daughter brought is gone."

"I would like that," Pyrrha smiled, nodding as they sat down at the table. Autumn brought over piping hot lasagna, Maria licking her lips.

"Just like your mother taught you," She reached for it with her fork, only for her hand to be slapped away by Autumn's.

"Uh Uh Uh, mama," Autumn scolded her. "Guests first, remember?"

"I am a guest," Maria rubbed her human hand.

"Yes, but nonrelated guests before family," Autumn shook her finger playfully at Maria. "Pyrrha is our guest and so she will get first portions."

"Fine Fine," Maria pouted, crossing her arms.

"Oh, you don't have to—" Pyrrha was cut off by Autumn dumping a generous portion onto her plate.

"There you go," She smiled. "Now, eat up so you can recover quicker. I'm sure it still hurts a bit to move after you got beat up like that."

Pyrrha looked away, beginning to eat the pasta dish, licking her lips. Ruby, Maria, and Blake also took their portions, eating up as well. Autumn took her portion last, sitting down to eat.

"This is so good, Autumn," Maria moaned with the goodness of the food. "How do you always make such good food?"

"With practice, mama," Autumn grinned, giving a victory sign. "Do you need anymore?"

"Yes please," Maria held her plate out and Autumn gave her some more.

"So, what are we going to do to find Cinder?" Blake crossed her arms after she'd finished.

"You're still on about that? We can take a crack later," Ruby rolled her eyes. "Right now, it's eating time."

"Very well," Blake sighed. "We must keep our strength up, I suppose. But, we must be very careful to succeed here. If we do not find her, many more might die by her hand."

"After dinner," Maria was now on her third helping. "I'm hungry now."

Blake looked at the older woman, rolling her eyes. Her topmost bow twitched irritably, looking at Ruby. Ruby looked at her, their eyes locking before Blake looked away.

When they had all finished, Maria once again grabbed a camera, using her Life and Death to see a picture of Cinder. It was very similar to the older picture.

"She looks just as intimidating in the picture," Pyrrha shuddered as she looked at the picture. "The only difference is that I cannot hear her voice directly or feel that terrifying evil presence. I was such a coward… and now, Jaune hasn't come home because of me."

"If it makes you feel better, I did not fare much better," Blake sighed. "My story isn't much braver."

Flash

I was in Menagerie, walking to my favorite bookstore to buy some… anatomical models.

"Meaning erotica," Maria interjected.

"Hush," Gambol Shroud appeared, pinching Maria's lips shut. "Now, where was I? Oh, right."

While I was walking home, I turned through my favorite shortcut when I saw her. The sensuality of her was intoxicating, her very presence making my knees quiver. Her beauty and charm was unrivaled, making her appear as a goddess in my eyes. But, those eyes, that one amber and one silver, stared into my soul, appraising me as if I was a prize of trophy.

"Blake Belladonna, was it?" She spoke with honey covering the Venus Fly Trap. "Descendant of Kali Belladonna, former queen of Menagerie before the great war. I've heard much about you. As one who divines fortune, you must be of use to me."

Because I had met your grandmother, I knew about Cinder and what to expect. But, my knees were still knocking together as I looked at her. That muscle, that terrifying, analytical gaze with which she looked at me. It was enough to unnerve me. I am not ashamed to say that I turned tail and ran. I will not say I was a coward. Behind me, I could feel her Grimm Cells crawling nearer to me. I knew they would catch me if I did not keep running. Fortunately for me, I knew that city like the back of my hand.

I ran for my life until I reached home and called Mrs. Calavera. I could not take a chance and Gambol Shroud wasn't powerful enough to keep me safe for long. My best bet was to wait until morning and make a run for it. I met Mrs. Calavera at the airport and we went to her home in New Vale.

So, don't think of yourself as a coward, Pyrrha. I ran, just as you wanted to.

Present

"Wow, I didn't know she tried to do that with you too." Pyrrha gasped softly. "We must be prepared.

"Oh, you're all so sweet," Autumn smiled. "Well, I'm feeling a bit tired. I've been up super early the past few days and I need some sleep. I'll see you tomorrow, mama, Ruby."

She leaned and kissed both of them, Ruby pushing her away gently.

"See you tomorrow, sweetie," Maria smiled. "You better make those awesome muffins tomorrow if you're going to ditch us."

"I'll do my best," Autumn giggled. "See you tomorrow, mama."

With that, Autumn retreated to her room. Blake's eyes followed her as the others finished off the lasagna. The raven haired woman then finished her own lasagna, everyone heading off to do their own thing.

"You should call your parents," Maria told Pyrrha. "They must be worried sick."

"You're right," Pyrrha sighed. "But, I think they're still in Menagerie, looking for Jaune and me. What would I tell them?"

"Tell them we'll get your cousin back," Maria put a hand on her shoulder. "Because that's what we're going to do, whether alive or dead, we will find and avenge him."

"Thank you so much, Mrs. Calavera," Pyrrha smiled. "I don't know if I can stand up to Cinder, but I'll do my best if it comes down to it.

"That's all I can ask for," Maria pat her. "Now, go call them."

Pyrrha nodded, walking over to the wall phone on the side of the kitchen. She picked it up, dialing her mother's scroll number. It rang twice before it picked up.

"Hello?" The voice on the other end sounded choked, strained, as if the answerer had been crying nonstop.

"Hello, mom," Pyrrha said quietly. Immediately, the voice perked up.

"Pyrrha?! Where are you, sweetie!?" Her mom exclaimed.

"I'm in Vacuo," Pyrrha clenched the phone tightly. "I'm… I'm sorry Jaune and I wandered off."

"Oh, sweetie, it's alright," Her mother sobbed once. "You're safe, aren't you?"

"I… I am." Pyrrha couldn't bring herself to talk about Jaune. She clenched the phone even tighter.

"Where's Jaune?" Her mother asked. "Is he with you?"

"No…" Pyrrha's voice was quiet. "I don't know where he is. But, I'm going to find him. I promise you that. I'm with some friends and we're going to find him."

"Pyrrha, wait, just talk to me," Her mother tried to keep her on the line. "Are you being held hostage? Say pineapples for yes and pepperoni for no."

At that moment, Blake knocked Maria over the head for trying to eavesdrop on Pyrrha's conversation.

"Mom, that only works if I was starting off with ordering a pizza… Listen, if you want to talk to them, you can."

"No, I believe you… I just don't want you to get hurt."

"I won't. My friends are pretty strong and they have righteous hearts. We'll get Jaune back."

"Is this about your invisible friend?" Her mother's reply was after a pause.

"Yes…" Pyrrha nodded. "It has to do with it. Just… just trust me on this. I'll be there soon."

"Sweetie, please don't get yourself killed," Her mother was sobbing now.

"If I can save Jaune, I'll do anything," Pyrrha gripped the phone tighter. "I love you mom. See you soon."

She hung up the phone before she could make any more protests, wiping tears from her eyes.

"You guys don't have to come, but I wanted her to think I would be safe."

"We have a common enemy," Maria crossed her arms. "We'll stay with you. We need to rest now. Tomorrow, we can try to find out where Cinder still is."

The next morning, Blake walked into the kitchen to swipe a fish or two to make a sandwich. The room felt a bit frigid when she walked in.

"Someone left the fridge open," She muttered, sighing. "Such Neanderthals…"

As she walked closer, she saw a delicate, feminine hand outstretched from the door. Blake moved past it, gasping in horror to see the prone body of Autumn. Blake shuddered as she felt her temperature. It was burning up. Blake turned her over to see something pushing its way out from her back. It was clawed and vicious, black with white bone plating sticking up from various parts of its body. It had horrible orange eyes, the tiniest pinpricks of silver in the eye sockets.

Blake turned to get Maria and Ruby, but she saw them standing there, watching Autumn.

"No… not my baby girl…" Maria muttered before she began to yell, grabbing Ruby's vest. "Why the fuck did it have to be her?! I didn't think it would be her!"

Ruby was holding a beer can, but it was now crushed, the beer exploding out from it as she removed Maria's hands.

"I've seen this before," Blake spoke. "In most cases, it's when someone's spirit and personality aren't attuned to a Semblance crafted for battle and it wastes them away. We call it Grimm Sickness among those of us that have seen it because it resembles the souls sucking hatred of a Grimm. It is theorized that the way one gains a Semblance and the Grimm are linked somehow. But, in this case, it seems to be that upon receiving the call of alarm from Summer Rose's body fighting Cinder for dominance, Miss Autumn's Semblance warped and twisted from a Semblance of peace and tranquility like her personality to one of battle. It's clashing with her nature. I suspect we have at most sixty days to cure her. The only way would be to stop the cry for help… which most likely means killing Cinder."

"Then, what are we waiting for?" Pyrrha's voice came from behind Ruby, holding the picture Maria had taken. "Let's figure out where she is and get going. This is one more reason to pursue this monster at any and all costs."

"Let me see that picture," Ruby held up a hand, taking the picture. Sundragon emerged from behind her, looking at the picture. "Sundragon is precise and can see things others might not be able to. We'll see if there's a clue so that we can go punch her shit in and save mom."

The Semblance stared at the picture, taking a pencil and drawing something. It looked a strange insect, with a long body ten legs with white wings and orange eyes.

"That's a decadragonfly," Blake looked at it. "They only exist in Menagerie. If that's where Cinder is, then we leave immediately."

"For Jaune," Pyrrha held out a hand.

"For mom," Ruby put one on top of hers.

"For Autumn," Maria placed her hand.

"For Miss Rose and Jaune," Blake was last.

"I'll call the Branwen Foundation and they can care for her." Maria clenched her free fist. "The second they get here, we're leaving."

"Agreed," The other three replied. Maria made the call, explaining the situation. Within an hour, agents from the Branwen Foundation were there.

"Thanks for doing this," Maria shook their hands. "I hate having to call you guys out here like this."

"The better for us to study Semblance behaviors," The leader said. "Besides, you're going to stop Cinder Fall, Madame Branwen's main reason for starting this organization… or, at least things like her. She fought for that and passed it on to Miss Velvet, who also believed it."

"May the gods rest their souls," Maria nodded solemnly. "Thank you once again."

"Thank us when you've stopped Cinder Fall," The leader nodded back.

Maria nodded, the group standing in a line as they walked to the car they were taking to the airport. The Huntress Crusaders were bringing the war to Cinder, bringing Fate to its climax.


And, so, the pieces are set in motion for the battle, the most dangerous battle of the Roses. Cinder Fall against the Crusaders. Who does Fate favor?