Okay, here is the next chapter of the Grimm Rider. Also, the Goddess of the Night, Lunaria, I picked the voice actress for her. Gal Gadot, who played Wonder Woman, and her singing voice is Carrie Underwood.
Enjoy!
In a barren wasteland, lies a realm where Creatures of Grimm reside and are created. The landscape is filled with rocky terrains, enormous Gravity Dust crystals sprouting from the ground. And the sky is a dark red. There are pools of a viscous, tar-like substance. And emerging from the pool of black slime, a large paw emerges from within the slime and a Beowolf gradually crawls out, slime sliding off of it and onto the ground. And it wasn't alone, more Beowolves emerged from various pools, growling, and snarling in their wake on this desolate wasteland. It is unbeknownst to the public, but only few know about this realm. And this realm is called...
The Realm of Darkness.
This realm was formerly the domain of the God of Darkness. It was a dangerous place that no one dared to venture. For it is filled with Grimm that can kill anyone on sight. However, someone has taken this realm after both powerful deities left the world. There, in the distance, lies a castle within the center of this realm, where a dangerous faction is gathered and plans to destroy all the Kingdoms of Remnant.
And that faction belongs to Ozpin's mortal enemy, Salem.
Salem and her subordinates have taken the Realm of Darkness as their base of operation, the Evernight Castle, built out of rock and purple crystal, where they gathered to discuss a certain matter. And it was the plan of destruction of Vale that failed as well as the demise of Cinder Fall.
Within a high building, there is a large, windowed room, it is dimly lit, only illuminated by weak candles, the dark sky, and sometimes the moon. Its décor are smaller crystals and candles, mostly black, dark purple, and red. And at the center is a long purple, crystal table with seven chairs. But there were three people occupying some chairs while the four remaining chairs stayed empty. Those in the room were Arthur Watts, a brilliant mad genius, Tyrian Callows, a scorpion Faunus sociopath, and Hazel Rainart, a big and cold man. Three loyal subordinates that served under Salem. These men have different intentions in working with Salem. Some were for revenge while the other was to serve her with blind loyalty.
Watts was sitting on the other side of the table, looking at his Scroll with a calm expression. Across him on the other side was Tyrian Callows, a sociopathic serial killer. He sits in a crouch casually on his chair, resting his arms on his knees with a sadistic grin on his face. And across from Tyrian was Hazel Rainart. His arms are crossed, and he looks asleep. These men have different histories against the kingdoms. Watts wanted to do it out of revenge against Ironwood and Pietro Polendina, Penny Polendina's father/creator. Holding a great grudge against Ironwood because he refused to acknowledge the greatness of his genius and felt a severe blow to his pride when the General selected Pietro's work over his own. And that's when Salem found him, to work with her to take revenge against those who wronged him. So, to make sure no one knows he was working for Salem, he faked his own death, creating the Paladin Incident.
Hazel joined Salem to avenge his sister, Gretchen. His sister joined Beacon Academy against his wishes. Since it was too dangerous and Hazel tried to tell her not to, but she was stubborn and attended anyway. But soon, tragedy struck, when during a training mission, Gretchen was killed. And Hazel blamed Ozpin for her death. Wanting to take revenge, he was sought by Salem, and joined her, to avenge his sister.
And Tyrian, on the other hand, didn't join just for revenge. No, he joined because he wanted to. Not because he's a homicidal maniac but enjoys the thrill of killing and serving Salem with blind loyalty. After all, she was the one that sent those Grimms to attack his transport vessel that was taking him to prison, thus saving him in the process. Due to her action, Tyrian believes that Salem is a Goddess of Destruction and Death, worshiping her with admiration, wanting to be in her good favor and grace. And he's the only one who knows that Salem's true intention is to destroy this work rather than making new one. Which he gladly supports, even if it means his own death, but he finds it a beautiful ideal to follow. Because Salem is everything Tyrian yearns for, as his obsession with destruction is entirely personified in Salem.
And that's why Salem chose them with her plan.
"You hear that?" Watts suddenly spoke, catching the two men's attention, which earned a smirk under her mustache as he looked at the empty seat that used to belong to Cinder Fall, "Silence."
Hazel gives Watts an unimpressed sideways glance. Knowing very well how amused Watts is when he found out that Cinder failed and died on her mission to destroy Vale. But was thwarted by some students in Beacon Academy.
"I've half a mind to thank the little girls that bested Cinder." Watts said with a hint of sick amusement.
He and the others learned the truth that Cinder's plan was thwarted by Ruby and Voltaria. The two girls were able to apprehend Cinder, stopping her and her team from destroying the city, and were able to finish Cinder off. How they know about her plan was unbeknownst to them, but these two girls took Cinder down and made a protection barrier that no Grimm could break as it expands beyond the borders, including Mount Glenn.
Tyrian grins, tapping his fingers together in a menacing way, "Oh, indeed, poor, poor Cinder, she couldn't handle the task. It was too big for her, especially after her demise by the hands of two little girls." Tyrian grins manically as a crazy idea comes to mind, "If she was still alive, I'd hunt those two girls down." He snickers lightly, "Find them and, well, you get what I mean?" And then he cackles madly, thinking many ways to kill both Ruby and Voltaria.
Hazel stares at him blankly while Watts scoffs at Tyrian, "Pathetic. Why did she even-" Watts was cut off when a sound of a heavy metal door being unlatched.
The doors open wide by themselves, and everyone stands just before their leader enters the room. Their leader, Salem, is a woman with skin that deathly pallor with jet black sclera in her eyes and glowing crimson irises. Her pale white hair is styled into a larger bun with six offshoots wrapped together that also suspends several obsidian-colored ornaments. Dark purple veins are lined on her face and arms and has a black diamond-shaped marking in the center of her forehead. She wears a very long, short-sleeved black robe that obscures her feet and partially drags across the ground, with its distinctive feature being a curved high collar with dark red trim bordering the outer edge of a narrow window exposing her bust in a vertical ellipsis resembling an eye, and completed with a long shawl emblazoned with three interconnected, maroon-colored vertical elliptic sigils resembling a trio of overseeing eyes above a series of maroon-colored diamond emblems.
Salem's appearance made her look as if she was some kind of demoness from Hell.
Salem glides alongside the table with soft footsteps before reaching the head of it, jewels jangling from her hair. Salem stops, facing away from them and toward a candle and crystal display. She looks at the remaining members of her circle with a calm yet cold expression. No one knows what she is currently thinking now, but right now, there's a matter to be discussed.
"Watts," Salem spoke towards the genius in the room. Watts straightens up a bit and looks towards Salem as she turns to him, "Do you find such malignance necessary?" She questions him before gesturing for all to sit down.
Watts bowed his head in an apologetic manner, "I apologize, ma'am. I'm not particularly fond of failure." He answered as he and Salem sat simultaneously.
"I understand, Watts, Cinder has failed to become our Fall Maiden, failed to destroy Beacon Tower, and most importantly...she failed to kill dear Ozpin. So, I'm curious, what has caused her failure?" Salem questions the men in the room.
Watts answered to Salem the reason for Cinder's failure, "Well, the girl with the Silver Eyes and the mysterious Grimm Girl."
Hazel understood what he meant, "Yes. We've dealt with their kind before. But the Grimm Girl remains a mystery to us all. How is it that a novice and a child were able to best one of us?"
Watts agreed with Hazel, satisfied that he was on his side, "My thoughts exactly. Even without her new power, it should have been effortless."
"True, I hoped Cinder would have succeeded, but it appears that I was wrong. She was not worthy to be our Fall Maiden. However, this doesn't mean our plan has change," Salem said in a dead serious tone, catching everyone's attention, "Since Cinder is no longer with us, Dr. Watts, you are to take Cinder's place and meet with our informant in Mistral."
Watts nodded in understanding. "Of course."
Salem turns to the sociopathic killer, "Tyrian, I want you to continue your hunt for the Spring Maiden."
Tyrian laughs hysterically, "Gladly!"
"And Hazel, I'm sending you to see if the White Fang is still with us. Considering Adam Taurus has perished in battle, see to it that they remain sufficient for our next attack, and ensure that Sienna Khan feels the same."
Hazel nodded his head, his expression remaining neutral, "As you wish."
Even though his expression was neutral, Salem could easily read him, "Something is your mind, Hazel?"
Hazel glanced towards Salem, who was patiently waiting for his answer. Hazel knew very well that things won't go as planned since they have a new threat in their way, "What about the girls?"
Knowing he was referring to the two girls, Watts was the first to respond with a scoff, "What about them? Seems to me that this is Cinder's problem, not ours. And considering that she's no longer here, I doubt we can do anything about it." He said, stating in a matter-of-fact tone.
However, Salem had other ideas, she agreed with Hazel. For all she knows, they'll thwart her plan in destroying Haven like they did to Cinder at Beacon. "I have to agree with Hazel on this, Watts." Salem said, earning a surprise look from Watts, as the immortal woman turned to homicidal madman, "Tyrian?"
Tyrian looks at Salem with adoration and excitement, "Yes, my lady?"
"Spring can wait. Find the girls that killed Cinder." Salem orders to Tyrian, earning excitedly giggles from the craze killer as he claps his hands happily, until Salem adds that deflates his sickening joy, "And bring them to me alive, especially the Grimm Girl."
Tyrian froze, knowing his grace wanted them alive and not dead, groans disappointedly, pouting like a child since he can't do what does best. But it only lasted for a second as looks back up at Salem with an acquiescent shrug. Agreeing to bring those girls alive doesn't mean he couldn't bring them unharmed.
Salem nodded in satisfaction as she looked back at the remaining members, "Even though Beacon has yet to be fallen, we should see to it that Heaven should fall accordingly as planned."
After giving their orders, Salem dismisses them, and they all rise from their seats. But before they part ways, Tyrian looks towards Cinder's empty seat and lets out a sickening snicker, amused and ecstatic at the thought of finding those girls that killed Cinder. It would be a delightful hunt, and he can't wait to get his blades at them. Tyrian begins laughing wickedly, already finding ways to harm them.
"Eye for an eye." He mutters wickedly before he goes into an uncontrollable fit of manic laughter as he leaves the room in a sickly cheerful manner.
Ready to bring great satisfaction towards his grace.
Oscar opened his eyes and found himself floating amongst the stars. His eyes widen in awestruck as he quickly stands up or floats up as he looks around with a bewildered expression. He was presented in a world with the beauty of stars, the colors of purple, midnight blue, white, and hints of black. Oscar always sees these stars in books, but this must be a dream. Suddenly, small stars started surrounding him, letting childish giggles, which surprised Oscar in the process. He could hear children's voices, speaking through his mind.
"Go to Mistral. Go to Mistral. Go to Mistral." They all said to him, giggling about.
"W-Why? Why should I go? And what's going on?" Oscar asked in confusion.
The stars then moved away, spinning around to form a mirror like projection, revealing Mistral being attacked by Grimm. Oscar was horrified by this. Seeing such a massive Grimm attack and the city falling apart, it almost made Oscar want to hurl up. Wondering why they are showing this to him?"
"You must go and helped them." A woman's voice was heard within the stars. Her voice was soft and gentle, which made Oscar feel relaxed and safe. "You are the key to unlock the truth."
"What do you mean? I'm just a farmer." Oscar said through the abyss of stars.
"There is more about you than meets the eye, Oscar Pine, for you have great potential that has yet to unlock." The woman said to Oscar.
"I...I don't understand, what potential?" Oscar asked the voice, clearly confused on what's going on.
"In due time. But for now, you must go to Mistral and assist the girl with silver eyes, and the child of night. Only then can you find your true potential."
"Please, tell me what potential I-AAHH!" Oscar suddenly was blown away by an unknown force, sending him back to reality. "W-Wait!"
"Do not fret, Oscar. For someone will guide you through your journey, so that you are not alone." The voice slowly fades as the world around him slowly disappears.
"Wait! Don't go!" Oscar called out, trying to reach the voice, but was pulled away. "Wait!"
"Wait! Whoa! Omph!?" Oscar yelped as he fell off his bed, groaning as he lay on the wooden floor of his bed. He sits up and rubs his head, easing the pain when it makes contact with the wooden floor. "Ow...man...that was some dream."
"It wasn't a dream!" Came a small, tiny, and high pitch voice. (Kristen Li, who played as the voice of Bubbles in the new Powerpuff Girls series).
Oscar's eyes widen as he looks towards his bed. His eyes widen even more at the sight of a small pixie with blue/purple/pink coloring, midnight blue hair, and purple eyes. She was smiling at him brightly as her blue wings released sparkly dust when she flew up to him.
"Hello! I am Maristela! But you can call me Mari! I am a Star Pixie and I'm here on the behalf of my Goddess, Lunaria, to guide you on your journey on helping the girl with silver eyes and the child of night. Any questions?" Mari said in a cheery tone.
Oscar, however, was still dumbfounded on what just happened. Believing that he was still dreaming, Oscar gently slaps himself on the face, trying to see if he could wake up. Mari notices Oscar slapping himself and tilts her head.
"Are you okay?" Mari asked Oscar, curious about his look.
"...I must hit my head really hard." Oscar mutters out, his dumbfounded look never left his face.
Mari pouted and flew to his face, "Well, wake up! It's time to smell the flowers! Because you're gonna help fulfill a prophecy!"
Oscar gave her a confused yet stunned, "Prophecy? What prophecy?"
"To stop a great destruction from happening on Remnant!" Mari said, puffing her chest.
...
...
"...WHAAAATTTT?!" Oscar gapped at Mari, completely aware that he is now awake.
He couldn't believe his eyes. So, the dream wasn't a dream, but actually a message from a goddess?! What in the world did he get himself into!? And what is this about some prophecy? He has no idea why he was chosen!
"Oscar? Is everything alright? I heard you scream." Oscar's Aunt, Olivia, said through the other side of the door.
Oscar snapped out of his trance and was about to speak when Mari stopped him, "SHHH! Your aunt can't know about me! It must be kept a secret!" She hushed him in a loud yet quiet tone.
Oscar wasn't sure on what to do or say but seeing that his aunt might get a heart attack if she finds out about this, Oscar had no choice but to lie, "Nothing's wrong, Aunt Olivia! I just fell off my bed."
"Are you sure that you're okay?"
"Yup! I'll have to be careful when I sleep." Oscar said to his aunt.
"All right, just be careful next time, you need to get some sleep. You have to deliver some hay to Farmer Jones; he needs it for his cattle." Olivia reminds her nephew.
"Sure thing!" Oscar calls out, listening to his aunt's footsteps leaving his room, allowing Oscar to let out a sigh of relief and stress, "What did I get myself into?" He mutters out as he turns and leans on the edge of his bed.
Mari flies over to him and stands on one of his knees, "Well, it's destiny that you were chosen to help out on this journey." She said with her arms crossed and eyes closed as she nodded her head.
Oscar gave her an annoyed yet confused look, "A journey to what exactly? I didn't even agree to this!"
"But you have to! The fate of the entire world is in dire state if you don't help the silver-eyed girl and the child of the night!" Mari said to Oscar.
Oscar sighs as he mutters out, "It's not real. It's not real. It's not real."
"You better believe it's real, buster!" Mari said to Oscar in a dead serious tone, even though it's adorable to hear. "Because the Goddess knows that you have special talent within you."
"Talent? The only talent I have is farm work. I'm not even a huntsman." Oscar said to Mari.
"Not that, I meant to say, you have magic." Mari said, earning a flabbergasted look from Oscar.
"...You're joking, right?"
Mari shook her head, "Nope! You, Oscar Pine, have magic within you." She said to him in a strict manner.
"This has to be a joke!" Oscar said, almost loudly, raising his arms up above his head, "You can't honestly believe that I have magic!"
"That's because you are the first in your generation to ever inherit it!" Mari said to Oscar, hands flying upwards, "You have an ancestor that did magic before and now you."
Oscar stared at her with confused eyes before slumping his head on the edge of the bed, "I am really losing it." Oscar mumbles in a tired and gloomy tone, covering his face with his hand.
Mari flies beside his face, her arms and legs crossed, as her wings flutter about, "Don't worry, you're still sane." She assures the farm boy.
Oscar lifted his hand and frowned, clearly not amused by this, as he turned towards Mari, "I'm talking to a pixie that I thought was a fairytale." He reminds the Star Pixie in a dry tone.
Mari huffs as she straightened herself and placed both hands on her hips, "Hey, I didn't say you were normal. I said you were sane. There's a difference between-"
Oscar groaned and almost shouted in frustration, "Shut up! You think this is funny? It's not." Oscar was clearly not amused on what's going on.
Mari pouts as she glares at Oscar for his rudeness, "HEY! This is no joke! My Goddess chose you for a reason, I don't know why, but it's true! Back then, people would consider it an honor to be chosen by the Goddess of the Night!"
This caught Oscar's attention. He looks back at Mari, his frustration now replaced with curiosity. "What do you mean by 'back then'?"
Hearing this, Mari explains Oscar her words, "You may think that you find all fairy tales were nothing but stories, but we're real! We used to live amongst humans, even gods. And those mortals who are chosen by the gods will become great heroes as well earning great honor! But being blessed by the Goddess of the Night is the greatest of all honor there is! For she is one the most powerful gods there is!"
"She is?"
"Yup! Well...she is third strongest next to the God of Darkness and God of Light, but they're good friends and they show mutual respect to one another. But the point is, my Goddess chose you for a reason, Oscar."
Oscar sighs and shakes his head, "Maybe she chose wrong."
"NONSENSE! My Goddess never chooses wrong! For she sees greatness in everyone! Including you!" Mari said to Oscar. "We both have responsibility to uphold and an opportunity for you to get out of your comfort zone."
"What are you talking about!? I like what I'm doing." Oscar said, protesting Mari's words.
Shaking her head, Mari came face to face with Oscar, "No you don't! The moment when I got here, I knew for a fact that you don't want to live the rest of your life working as a farmhand in Mistral."
Oscar's eyes widen again and looks at Mari, "So you just decided to read my thoughts?!"
"No! I didn't! You always wished it upon the stars! And of course, I and other star pixies heard it! You want a life of adventure! To explore new lands, meet new people, and make friends! That's what dreams are even after your parents' death!"
Oscar was silent, his expression became blank as looks towards Mari with an unreadable expression. True to her words, his parents did die during their travels. You see, Oscar's parents were both huntsmen, they work hard to make enough money to move to a good place to raise Oscar. However, during one of their missions, they were both killed by Grimm after they were ambushed by bandits, drawing the Grimm right to them. Oscar was only eight at the time, he had nowhere to go. Luckily, his father's sister, Olivia Pine, took Oscar in and raised him but also taught him how to be a farmhand. It was Oscar's life, and he was used to it, but part of him wanted to travel, to explore, and to be...adventurous like his parents. Yet he has a nagging voice at the back of his head to tell him not do it. It was very frustrating for him if he couldn't decide whether to go or not.
Until a thought came to mind of his hybrid dino friend, Ultimasaurus, or Oscar likes to call him, Ultima.
He knew very well that Ultima wishes to travel to different parts of Remnant, stretching his legs and hunting prey (the animals that he could hunt, not the people or Faunus), to feel the taste of the new lands instead of being hidden away in the cove. In all honesty, Oscar felt guilty to not let his friend explore, because he fears that the people, mostly Atlas, would hunt him down if they find out about him. And another thing, Oscar really wanted Ultima to meet with other hybrid dinosaurs that were like him. That way, he wouldn't feel left out, even if Ultima didn't mind being the only hybrid dino around, but still...Oscar felt like it was time to stop hiding his friend, and let him explore, to find others like him.
Letting out a sigh, Oscar looks back at Mari, who returns looking at him, waiting for his answer. "I don't have much of a choice, do I?" He questions the pixie, giving her a half smile.
Mari beams at him with a wide smile. And the next thing Oscar knew, she hugged the right side of his cheek, "I knew you have a heart! Now, we should start preparing! It's gonna be a long train ride."
"Actually...we're gonna walk." Oscar stops Mari, causing the pixie to look at him in confusion. "I have a friend that I want to bring along."
Mari tilts her head, "What kind of friend? Does he know how to fight?" Mari asked Oscar curiously.
"...You can say that..." Oscar said with a sheepish smile.
Later on, Oscar was able to sneak out of the house without his aunt knowing as he and Mari headed to the forest. Oscar shows her the cove, where his friend was currently living. Mari asked why was living here instead with him? Oscar replied to her that his friend is quite rather...big. Upon reaching the cove, fireflies were seen dancing through the air and the lake was producing glowing algae. Mari was amazed by this place, but wondered, why is his friend living here and not with him.
"So...why is your friend living here again?" Mari asked the farmhand, "Does he not like living under a roof on his head?"
Oscar laughs nervously, holding a lantern in hand, before setting it down on a rock platform, "Well...like I said...my friend is...big, very big, and he's not comfortable with um...strangers...human and Faunus strangers that is."
Mari tilts her head in confusion, "What do you mean?"
Suddenly, the earth beneath them started to shake, causing Mari to freeze in mid-air when a looming presence was behind her. Slowly turning around, Mari lets out a cute 'MEEP!' as the Ultimasaurus looms down at her, his green eyes burn down to Mari's tiny form. Oscar made a sheepish smile as he gestured Mari to his friend.
"Mari, this is Ultima, my friend. Ultima, this is Mari." Oscar introduced sheepishly.
Ultima snorts at Mari, releasing strong air from his nostrils, sending the pixie flying. Mari screams, being blown away. But she soon got her position back before glaring towards the now amused Ultimasaurus.
"That was so rude!" Mari exclaims towards Ultima, who ignores the small pixie.
Oscar chuckles nervously as he pats Ultima's face gently, "He didn't mean to."
"Oh, yes, he did! He did it on purpose!" Mari exclaims, pointing her little finger at the hybrid. "Just look at his smug face!"
Oscar looked at his hybrid's friend and saw that Ultima was not showing any expression. He was just staring at Mari before glancing towards Oscar calmly. A sweat dropped from the back of Oscar's head, clearly understanding that his friend was keeping his cool while he torments the poor pixie. Anyways, back to the topic on hand, Oscar looks at his friend, ignoring Mari glaring towards Ultima with puffy cheeks.
"Ultima...there's something...there's something I want to tell you." Oscar said to his friend.
This caught the Ultimasaurus's attention. He was curious about on what Oscar was going to say. The hybrid dinosaur always enjoys hearing Oscar's daily time, hearing few gossips from here and there, and learning some interesting things going on. Knowing his friend was listening, Oscar took deep breath and said everything that Mari told him.
"We're going to Mistral." He said, getting Ultima's full attention, "Mari said that...I can help some certain people there...and...and this will give us an opportunity to travel and possibly...meeting the two dinosaurs people keep talking about." Ultima tilted his head at Oscar, continued to listen to the farmhand's explanation. "I know I always keep telling you that I enjoy visiting you here, but...but I feel like it's time for you and me to travel, to explore all parts of Remnant, and I can't do that if I don't get over my fear. Also...giving you a chance of freedom...so, what do you say? Do you wanna come along?"
Ultima listened to Oscar's words, understanding that they were all genuine, knowing very well that he was ready to go and conquer his fear of traveling. And Ultima waited very patiently for this, he really wanted to go, not just to see others like him, but to travel with Oscar and share great memories, even if they have to bring the nagging pest along, he will endure it. For Oscar's sake. So, with a gentle warble, Ultima nuzzles his human gently, assuring him that he will come along.
Oscar smiles before gently scratching Ultima's head, earning happy purrs from Ultima, "I knew you would understand. Now, there's one thing we need to do before we head off."
"And what's that?" Mari asked, fluttering besides him.
"I have to save enough money before we go." Oscar informs Mari, who just realizes what he meant.
"Oh...right, humans need to call it 'money' when traveling." Mari said to herself before slumping in mid-air, "I knew that this journey's gonna take a while." She mutters sadly, flying on top of Oscar and slumps on his head.
Oscar smiles and gently pats her, "Hey, give me time, I've got some money for myself, I just...don't know when to use them." He said to her in an assuring tone, "Just give me a month, and then we go to Mistral." Oscar looks at Ultima and smiles at him gently, "All of us."
This earned a gentle bellow from Ultima while Mari huffs and sits on Oscar's head with her legs crossed in a mediation pose. "All right, fine! I can wait a month, but you must know, time is of the essence! We have to be at Mistral as soon as possible!"
Oscar laughs a bit before Mari comes in front of him. "I promise, we'll be there as soon as I save enough for the journey." He assures her, lifting his pinky finger up.
Smiling, Mari holds his pinky with her small hands. She understood this human gesture; it is called a pinky promise. It is a traditional gesture most commonly practiced amongst children involving the locking of the pinkies of two people to signify that a promise has been made. And Oscar is intending to keep his end.
So, with the promise made, Oscar worked hard to save enough money for their journey to Mistral. Mari had to stay hidden at home. Oscar offered her to stay with Ultima, but the pixie refused since she and Ultima are not on speaking terms. The two of them had a silent feud and refused to respect one another. So, Mari stays with Oscar and hides in his room or explores the surroundings at night, being patient for Oscar's sake. Lucky for her, it was market week, where everyone sells lots of items and materials. Oscar and his aunt sold all the cops and eggs when they were in town. Oscar got half of the money while the rest was for his aunt since she has to pay the bills and buy some materials needed for the farm and Oscar.
Once Oscar had enough money, he prepared some essentials and sweets for the journey. Turns out, pixies love sweets, and he made sure to pack a lot for Mari. Ultima doesn't need Oscar to bring him food since he can just hunt his own food. When all is done, Oscar sets off at sunrise, with a green backpack on and Mari on his shoulder, as he walks along a dirt road away from the farm. He made sure to leave a note to his aunt, assuring that he will back after he finished his journey to Mistral, making sure she believes that he was traveling. Oscar then stops and looks over his shoulder, looking at the farm he was raised by his aunt one last time before he faces forward, adjusts the backpack, and resumes walking.
"Don't worry, Oscar, you'll see your aunt soon, I promise." Mari assures Oscar.
Oscar sighs softly, unsure if he did the right thing, but...he'll soon find out eventually, "I hope so too, Mari." Oscar said softly.
Oscar continues following the dirt road in a forest. There, he and Mari went to the deep part, where they met up with Ultima, who was waiting for them through the thick forest. Oscar smiles at his friend, seeing how patient he was waiting for them.
"Thanks for waiting for us, buddy." Oscar said gently, patting Ultima's snout, earning purrs from the hybrid.
Mari huffs at Ultima, crossing her arms and turning her head, clearly showing no respect for the hybrid, and the same goes for him, "At least you had some patients, Thorn." She said to Ultima, who glared at him.
Oscar sweat dropped and looked at Mari in confusion, "Thorn?"
"Yes, you may call him Ultima, but to me, he's nothing but a thorn in my side!" Mari exclaims, shaking her little fists towards Ultima, earning a low growl from the hybrid.
Oscar lets out a worried groan, having a bad feeling that these two may not get along on the journey. "Let's just go before sundown. It's a long way to Mistral." Oscar said to them.
With their glaring match over, they allowed this feud to be over, for now. Ultima lowers his body and allows Oscar to get on. Oscar has been riding Ultima for some time and got used to it. With his human on his back and the annoying pest (Ultima will always call Mari that) on his human's shoulder, as the hybrid sets off to Mistral's direction. The trip will probably take some time to get there, but it would be worth it for the adventure.
"You know...the weirdest part is how it feels." Oscar said, getting both Mari and Ultima's attention, "Leaving home is crazy. Going to the city is crazy. Everything you've told me is completely crazy."
"I know it's crazy." Mari said to Oscar.
"...But it doesn't feel crazy anymore."
"What do you mean?" Mari asked the farm boy.
Oscar explains his reason, "It feels like I'm doing the right thing..."
"But?" Mari asked further.
"But it's scary." Oscar bows his head as he speaks, then lifts his head up and looks nervously at the sky, "I...I don't know what to do or say if I meet those girls you mentioned."
Mari pats his cheek, "Don't you worry, Oscar! Leave everything to me! They'll understand the situation clearly, and who knows, maybe you'll get one of them to like you."
Oscar almost blushed when she said that to him, "Woah, let's not get overzealous here." Oscar stops Mari from overdoing it.
Mari huffs and crosses her arms, "Suit yourself." She then looks at Ultima and orders, "Make sure you stay in the road, Thorn!"
Ultima snorts, silently mocking her in his mind, clearly finding her annoying and as a parasite. But he has to keep a clear mind since they have a long road ahead of them. And praying to the magical tree, Mother Oriella, to give him strength to face off any enemies that come in their way, as well as protecting Oscar from danger, and maybe trying to get rid of the annoying parasite. But he has a feeling it might not happen.
But it will still be an interesting journey for all of them.
Hey, guys, so...if you were wondering why I just have a chapter for Salem and her group, and Oscar, I wanna make a quick explanation. Since Oscar no longer is merged with Ozpin's soul, I decided that Oscar should be one of Ozpin's descendants since he often gets reincarnated every time he dies. And maybe Oscar is a descendant of one of Ozpin's previous reincarnations (maybe he started a family), and possibly inherited Ozpin's magical abilities, and was the only one who has it.
I know it doesn't make sense, but I need a way to make Oscar special. And how else he would travel to Mistral with Ultima.
And thanks to the people giving out the names for the Ultimasaurus. The next chapter will be up soon. Stay safe and Happy Halloween!