Oh man, oh man, oh man...

Writer's block and my busy schedule is a real bitch to deal with.

Anyway, I'm not dead. Far from it. In fact, I'm happier than I've ever been for a very long time. Because I want so desperately to animate, and I've found the perfect place for me.

But I'm sure you don't want to hear it, so let's flip the switch and shout "IT'S ALIVE!"

Chapter 34: A Revelation Of Biblical Proportions

Professor Kor's class had ended some time ago, but I had asked to stay for a bit longer, as nobody would be using the lecture hall for anything. The perfect place for peace and quiet, while I pondered on this mystery.

Feeling the Fragment tumble within my fingers, I just kept spinning it, trying to make head or tail of what Cinder had told me. If Kimba wanted the Reckoning to happen, then why would she entrust me with this? The Fragment would grant souls on the Grimm, they'd rise up, slaughter everyone. Kimba had said as much during my nightmares.

But if humanity would beat back the onslaught, then they'd be severely weakened. Which is where Kimba would supposedly stroll in and kill everyone, if Cinder's word was correct.

Two stories. Both had similar outcomes, a similar basis… too much linked them together. The only difference was who was in the wrong. But who could say for certain? Both Kimba and Cinder would vehemently deny any wrongdoing I would point out. In the end, I believed neither side. Gripping the crystal, I decided.

If this is the key to both sides, neither of them should use this. I need to destroy it.

I raised my hand, ready to slam the Fragment into the ground, and crush it to dust. But as I wound up strength for the hammering impact, I remembered: the Fragment held trillions of souls. If I destroyed the crystal, I would likely free them, and they would want bodies. Soulless bodies. I would merely accelerate the Reckoning. I lowered my hand, and gazed into the rainbow glint, watching as the colours swirled endlessly.

It'd be fruitless to hide it: Kimba would easily know, and Cinder had an entire army of contacts. They'd find it, no matter where I would hide it. And besides, all I knew was Beacon Academy. There was no third-floor corridor guarded by a three headed dog, no ancient chamber slumbering within the bowels of the school. Nowhere to hide it… except with me.

I opened my rucksack, and slid it into a pocket. But as I did, I felt something sharp slice into my finger, causing pain to radiate violently.

"Ouch!" I jerked my hand back, glancing for the injury. It didn't take long to find: a shallow gash had been opened in the side of my pinky finger. Blood dripped slowly from the wound, the warm liquid running down the side of my palm. Squeezing my finger, trying to stop the blood, I looked around in my bag for the perpetrating object. Seeing something unfamiliar, I pulled it out.

A book, small in size, like a personal diary, with a faded flower embroidered on the cover. The book I had taken from the library before the food fight, that day I met Neptune. The book with no words. And my blood had stained the sides of the pages. I was about to stuff it back in my rucksack. It was just taking up space in the bag. But something niggled in the back of my mind. A feeling, which seemed to tell me to open the cover, and glance at the pages.

Out of pure curiosity, I opened the book to the second page. To my surprise, words began to form, the exact same colour as the coppery fluid dripping down my finger. The handwriting was sloppy, unrefined, like so many other books I had seen on Remnant. Whoever wrote this must have just started learning to write. But why was such a book in the library?

My nayme iz Adam. I am heuman. Chiyld of Foundor. I am keyping this rechord, az I learn to rite. I hayte them. We hayte them all. They hit us, treat us lyke animuls, use us four tests. They want us to wership them. I will not.

I want to fyte. To rebell. But I am not a fyter. I am just a servent. What caan I doo?

That was all that was written on that page. Whoever kept this diary, whoever this 'Adam' was, it must have been a long time ago. And who was the 'Foundor'? Some kind of deity they worshipped? I turned the page, and continued to read, the handwriting appearing more elegant as I read on.

I've met a scribe while I waz on an errand. She helped me, tought me how to write. How to spell. She hates the Founders as well. And she wants to fight, too. But we risk so much. Even now, I dred what my master will do to me for being layte. The scribe says that it's just one more reason to hate them.

I am seeing her again. I want to learn more.

I improve every day. Writing is no longer a challenge. I can spell better. I have learned her name: Eve. A beautifull name. Like a sweet tayste of fresh strawberries. But as I watch her teach me, I notice a scar. A bad scar. It looks like a brand. A fresh one. What has her master done to her?

I asked about the scar. She says that her sister was stolen. Used as a test for an "exx-pear-e-meant". She "ree-zisted". Was punished for her "inn-sol-ense." She wants "ree-venje".

She should not suffer like this. If I had the chance, I would kill her master. Snap his body in two like a twig.

Oh Lord, what have I done? My master saw my journal. He tried to burn it. Said that I wasn't worthy for the written word. I rescued it. Then he began to beat me. He tied me down, he tried to brand me. Said that he would torture the knowledge out of me. I don't know how, but he must have bound me wrong. The ropes snapped.

Burning flesh. Screaming. Sizzling smell of cooked meat. I stand above the body of my master, his body rippled with black marks. His flesh smokes. His eyes don't see. The brand has gone through his throat, the hot tip charring his voice box. My hands are stained with blood, sweat, and bile. I need to hide. But where?

Eve will know.

Adam… and Eve?

It couldn't be. It wasn't possible. There was no way it was possible.

And yet…

I'd glanced over the Bible once or twice. Creation, Cain and Abel, Noah's ark. The famous stories. I wasn't really religious, but I accepted why people had that belief. They were free to believe what they wanted. As long as they didn't force their beliefs onto me, I accepted them. But the stories…

They couldn't have been real.

'Could they?'

Shutting the book with a quiet snap, I wrapped it in a leather binding, left over from an earlier class, and stuffed it in my rucksack, which was quickly heaved onto my back. I quickly left the classroom, the diary's contents racing through my mind as I wandered aimlessly to my dorm room. It wasn't possible. It couldn't be. Adam and Eve were created by God, not some oppressive, psychotic race of evil overlords. I shook my head. There was no possible way that it could happen…

'Listen to yourself, Darrel. Why do you keep saying it's impossible? Have you stopped and looked around? You have the fang of a Nightmare Maw as a trophy, for God's sake.' I told myself.

I decided that it wasn't worth arguing with myself. Not until more info came up. Rapping my knuckles on my cheekbones, a habit I did to try and refocus on the task at hand, I pulled out my Scroll, and began to run an exploded view of my weapons, seeing all the upgrades I had installed.

This is absurd. If he discovers the truth, our entire plot will be undone before it's even commenced.

M'lady, I assure you, I'm ready to step in.

But why? Why would you leave that accursed diary where he could find it?! You are taking an enormous risk, Kor.

I know, M'lady. But if he believes what he reads, then he may prove to be more malleable.

Or he could misinterpret it's purpose, think our plot is the more evil. Are you prepared for the consequences?

M'lady Cinder, I am always prepared.

The next day was Saturday, the day before the dance, and progress had been slow. The dance lessons weren't going anywhere, and I had my final lesson in a few minutes. To make matters worse, the revelation that diary had provided me just wouldn't leave my mind. Adam and Eve coming from Remnant…

I pounded my cheekbones. I had more important matters to worry about. Sighing, I readied my tuxedo that Yang had provided me for the dance. It wasn't bad: just a simple black shirt and blue dinner jacket, coupled with a blue tie and trousers. If anything, when I tried it on, she said it "brought out my eyes". I assumed that was good.

Either way, Emerald had said that she wanted to see how the dancing would pan out when I looked the part. To be honest, I was terrified of using that stupid mat. It was just stupid: I'd ridden a Nevemore, punched a Boarbatusk, and blew up a Wahtani, but the one obstacle I couldn't surmount was a stupid electric dance mat. Life just wasn't fair.

"Good, you made it."

I shut the door, clicked the lock, and looked back. Emerald waited for me, dressed in a dark sage-green cocktail dress. Very flattering.

"Okay, enough gawking, Darrel. Get changed, and let's get started." She remarked snidely. I shook my head, and unzipped the bag carrying the tux, revealing it to the world. Taking my time, I took my jacket and tunic off, when I felt a supple hand on my torso.

"Darrel… when did you get this beauty?" Emerald asked, startling me. She jumped back, as did I.

"Sorry, didn't mean to scare you. But that scar on your body… what's that from?" She asked. I just decided to humor her. I didn't really like to brag about my achievements. I kind of hated having the spotlight on me.

"During initiation, a Nevermore tried to carry me away. A talon sliced into my side, and hey presto, Scarbody staring back at me in the mirror." I shrugged. Emerald gasped in awe.

"Wow… how come I've never heard of it?" She asked breathlessly.

"Because I don't strut around campus shirtless, Em. Now are we gonna dance, or do I need to keep talking about past conquests?" I chuckled humourlessly. Emerald just smiled.

"Well, the past conquests sound intriguing… but you're right. I'm meant to teach you to dance. So, get dressed, and let's do it." She responded, a hint of sadness flowing into her voice. As she stepped back to the combat floor of the lecture hall, she faced the wall, giving me the privacy I so desperately wanted.

Twenty minutes in, and my leg was already numb with electricity. This was hopeless.

"Urgh, why can I not get this?!" I yelled in frustration. Emerald simply stepped over, and put a hand on my shoulder.

"Darrel, you're so close. You just need some confidence in yourself." She said soothingly. I just shrugged her off in irritation.

"Emerald, I appreciate the help, but this isn't getting us anywhere. You're just wasting your time trying to get me to know how to dance. I'm sorry, but this isn't working." I spat, shedding my tux in preparation to hand it back to Yang. Emerald just sighed.

"Darrel, this isn't getting anywhere because you just don't believe in yourself. So stop bashing yourself, and just think positive." She responded gently. I looked back at her.

"It's thinking positive that got me the scar on my body in the first place! I thought I could take it out, be a hero! But I'm just a scared little kid out of my depth!" I yelled back. Emerald just let out a huff, and strode over to a messenger bag. Ripping the zip open, she pulled out a water bottle, and stomped back to me.

"Darrel, just take a drink. You need the hydration." She stated. Looking from the bottle to Emerald, I just snatched it away, yanked the top off, and started gulping down the liquid. But right as it hit my tongue, my tastebuds seemed to squeal in delight. The liquid was sweet, and sugary. Something stirred in my mind, like a forgotten memory. Had I tasted this before?

"Okay, okay, you should stop before you drown yourself." A female's voice echoed dully in my ears, muted, as if I was wearing earplugs. Finally, a hand snatched the bottle away, leaving me to gurgle the last of the liquid down my throat.

"Hey! You listening?" The same voice, but louder. Looking around dizzily, I finally laid eyes on Emerald, bent over her messenger bag. God, I'd never really taken the time to admire her body. She was drop dead gorgeous, the way her mint green hair just flowed into perfect locks. Her sleek, slim body, the dress only serving to highlight every curve on her body. Something just screamed at me to take her in my arms and–

"Hey, Darrel! We gonna dance or what?"

Coming back to my senses, Emerald just strode to the dance mat, waiting for me to dance with her.

"Sure thing, Emerald." I called out, lightly pounding on my cheekbones. Strolling over to her, I took her hand in my left, and her back in my right. She did the same, and a simple waltz melody droned from a nearby speaker. Picking up the melody, I stepped in time. One, two, three. One, two, three. Everything just felt right. Emerald smiled up at me, and I looked down at her, giving her a happy grin.

"Thank you so much for this, Emerald. You didn't have to do this." I breathed. Emerald just smiled warmly.

"Hey, I just want you to have a good time tomorrow night. And if I'm being honest, I heard about what you did with your team a few days ago. I do like guys who… get things done." She winked.

Her red eyes shining like rubies…

Rubies…

Ruby red eyes…

Oh no.

I pulled away, frantically ripping off my tuxedo, and pulling my combat clothing on.

"Hey, hey! What're you doing?!" Emerald cried out. I didn't look back, just continued to stuff the suit into its bag, and pull my gear on at the same time.

"I still need to ask Yang to the dance! Thank you so much for the help, Emerald, but I have to go now!" I yelled back. Emerald just strode up to me, and spun me around.

"Yang's probably already got a date, you know. And you think I offered to help teach you to dance for free? Think about it, Darrel. Yang's probably busy enough setting up the dance. Whereas I'm right here in front of you, without a date, ripe for the picking."

That got me thinking. Yang had been busy planning for the dance, and trying to convince Blake to go. That aside, I'd barely seen her at all this week. It was too much of a risk. And Emerald didn't have a date. She'd taken time out of her day to help a random stranger. The choice seemed clear as crystal.

"You're right. Emerald, will you…" I began, but at the all-important question, something seemed to catch the words in my throat. Almost like my body didn't want to say the words. But why? It was just a simple question!

"Darrel?"

Emerald looked at me curiously, almost wondering why I had clammed up. I just knocked my head a few times.

"Will you… willyougotothedancewithme?" I gibbered, forcing the words free. Emerald gave a warm smile.

"I'd be honoured." She answered, before hoisting her bag on her shoulder, and striding out the door. I watched her go, before feeling a panic rising in me.

I'd asked Emerald.

I'd asked EMERALD.

Yang was going to kill me.

I paced in the dormitory bathroom, nerves slowly overtaking what little reasoning I had left. Yang was expecting me to go with her to the dance. Emerald had goaded me into asking her. And now I was left with a major dilemma. One that I just couldn't see a solution to, at least, not without seeming like a pretentious pervert. I just sighed, and tried to think about how to tell Yang the news. None of the situations ended well.

"You asshole! How could you?!"

"Oh. Then I guess I'm really happy for you."

"You're dead to me, Conway."

"Okay, go have fun. I'll just be here… crying myself to sleep."

Gripping the mirror, I just began to hammer my head against the glass, leaving greasy smears where my hair impacted against the surface.

"Darrel! You! Idiot! You! Complete! Idiot!" I snarled to myself, punctuating every word with a blow to the mirror. The pain was dulled by the feeling of hate for myself, but I continued to bash my skull against the mirror. Finally, having had enough, I leaned away, wiping my head clean of blood, which had started to trickle down my fringe.

*Clink-clink*

A small glass vial fell from a shelf nearby, a familiar vial containing a jet black, bubbling liquid dropped to the ground. Luckily, the vial didn't shatter. Bending down and clasping it gently, I recognized the vial: the same one that "CK" had ordered me to store some Wahtani saliva in. Whoever they were, they had told me to get it, but never told me what it was for, or what to do with it. It was like they'd never even contacted me. I was about to put it back when I heard a crinkling in my pocket, like scrunching paper, as I stood. Reaching into the pocket, I felt a little scroll of paper, rolled up tightly. As I pulled it out, and unrolled it, a small message began to form from blood-red ink.

Darrel,

If you're reading this, then Emerald has succeeded in her mission for you.

Some time ago, you were sent to retrieve Wahtani saliva. I am the one who asked this of you. I am aware of its deadly nature, and I know the risks you are taking, but so much is at stake here. I need that saliva to weaken Kimba's army. You know where to find me.

Cinder

The letter burnt to ash, and crumbled in my hands in seconds. Looking at the vial of deadly liquid, an idea began to form in my head. I may be able to kill two birds with one stone…

I know, I know, I'm treading on thin ice here with incorporating such a controversial subject into my story. But please let it be known that while I may not be religious myself, I am in full acceptance of anyone believing what they wish. God, Buddha, whatever you believe, I won't degrade it or have a lesser opinion of you because of it.

And now I feel like I'm aping Assassin's Creed...

Anyway before I go, a quick announcement...

Someone by the name of Recycler contacted me, and asked me to write something new. You wanna know what it is? Well, then here you go!

Darkrai opened his eyes, revealing their dull slate-like blue to the world. What met his gaze was an unfamiliar sight. A world, not unlike his very own. Green leaves formed a canopy above his head, casting random shadows that danced in the wind. The sweet scent of the fresh air wafted up his nose, filling him with indescribable content. But something felt…

Different.

"No. Not different."

"Wrong."

Hoopa's portal was not comfortable. That infernal hellion had somehow tricked him. Their battle must have been a ploy to throw him out of his world. If he was to be believed…

*GRRRR…*

This noise… a kind of growling, not unlike an Ursaring's predatory snarling. As Darkrai glanced around, seeking the entity who dared to intimidate him, his eyes fell upon a rustling bush. As the leaves parted, his eyes grew wide.

What stared him down was a creature unlike any he had ever seen. A hulking black body, the size of a Rhyperior, with innumerable bone white spines, sharp as a Scyther's blades, and a gleaming mask, patterned with a blood red marking. Beneath the mask was a slobbering maw, and eyes that shone like glittering rubies. The beast lumbered to Darkrai, snorting audibly. Darkrai merely watched this creature, uncertain of its intentions. Until the beast proved to be friend or foe, he would defend himself with all his power.

After a moment that seemed to last forever, the beast lunged forwards with unexpected agility. Darkrai attempted to dodge, but the beast was just too fast. A paw struck Darkrai in the side like a hammerblow, and he was sent flying into a tree. The hard impact stunned the Pokémon for a moment, before he rose up, floating some feet above the ground.

This beast was a foe.

And now was the time to finish it.

As he raised his hands, a small black orb appeared, and slowly grew in size, until it was about the size of a small boulder. The beast roared, and charged forwards. Darkrai let his attack loose, and the orb rocketed towards the monster, engulfing it in a swirl of black energy. As the orb dissipated, the beast stumbled unsteadily, before slamming to the forest floor, in a deep slumber.

Darkrai chuckled. At least his powers still worked in this strange land. But his small moment of pleasure quickly gave way to unease, as more growls resounded all around him. More of these beasts, identical to the slumbering monster snoring at his mercy, emerged, obviously angry at how their friend was eliminated so easily. The low rumbles filled Darkrai with an unfamiliar emotion.

Dread.

But even so, he raised his hands, and felt his dark power flow through him, his own fear fueling his power.

The beasts lunged.

Yang shook off the dazedness. That Deathstalker had some bite left in it, that was for sure. As she pulled a bramble out of her golden locks, heaven forbid, she looked up the cliff. Blake looked down from above.

"Yang! Are you alright?" The black-clad girl yelled to her partner. Yang responded with a thumbs up.

"Just peachy! Keep on fighting, I'll try to climb back up!" She yelled back. Looking back to the cliff face, she tried to plan a way back up. As her eyes tracked from rock to rock, she quickly saw a way she could climb. As she stepped back for a running jump, Yang prepared to charge forwards, when a cry of pain sounded some way behind her.

She stopped, and spun around. Had she imagined that? There was no way anyone would be here. But if they were, then they were in a lot of danger. Yang looked back to the top of the cliff, where the rest of her team were fighting off the Deathstalker. Then back to the bushes. She sighed with a smile.

"A Huntress's work is never done."

She charged into the bushes, the undergrowth whipping at her skin and causing a few small cuts.

Darkrai groaned. This was getting too much for him. Every time one of these beasts fell, another took their place, and even then, the ones who he had used Dark Void on soon awoke, angrier than ever.

As he unleashed attack after attack, the monsters continued to dodge and grow closer. Darkrai wouldn't last much longer at this rate. He just wanted to rest. He was drained, and at the mercy of a horde of monsters.

If only there was something he could do…

Hearing a moan of pain, Yang peeled away the branches of the shrub, and looked to the source. A herd of Ursai Majors had cornered something, but she couldn't see what it was. But either way, it was clearly something sentient. That alone was reason enough to jump in.

Besides, the mission was to cull some of the Grimm back to more manageable levels. What was a few more?

Cocking her bracelets into gauntlets, she leapt from the shrub, and slammed her fists together, fire billowing around her. The Ursai turned to look at her, and growled before charging. She just flashed a grin, and pumped her arms, ejecting a round forward. The Ursai just kept coming, but one by one they fell to her weapon, until a small crowd of about eight or nine were left. They were too close to hit accurately now, but that didn't matter to Yang. She just jumped over the swiping arm of one of the Ursai, and flipped forwards, swinging a kick at a few of the Grimm. The blows didn't do all that much damage, as the majority of Yang's power came from her arms, but it was enough to put her in an advantageous position. She slammed a fist into the ground, and it rippled, the shockwave causing the Grimm to go flying. As they growled in pain upon landing, Yang stood and smiled at her handiwork. One or two of the Ursai had been killed by the shockwave alone, leaving her with a more manageable number to deal with.

One of the Ursai charged forwards, ready to close its jaws around Yang's skull. But it was met with a fiery punch to the face, and was sent flying away, snapping a tree in half like a matchstick as it plowed through the wood.

Another leapt skyward, and flipped over, ready to impale Yang with its spines. But she was ready. With a yell, she sprinted for one of the other monsters, and slid underneath its body, dodging a grab as she did so. As she spring to her feet, the Ursa in the air came down on its target, which was unfortunately the Ursa that Yang had slid under. The two monsters ended back to back, the other's spines protruding through the opposite body. They struggled for life as they tried to pry themselves apart, but they were both claimed by death before they could do so.

Two Ursai with one misdirection. Now there were only three left.

But a blow quickly caught her by surprise, sending her flying through the air. Quickly thinking, she planted a hand on the ground, and twirled her body gracefully, landing on her feet. As she stood, she pumped another round, and fired, the bullet white hot. It struck true, and the Ursa was engulfed in flames, as it slowly burned to ashes. By the time its body collapsed, there was nothing left.

She was so focused on her handiwork, she failed to notice the other two Ursai lumbering towards her, furious at her actions. One tackled her to the ground, while the other pinned her arms down. She tried to fight them off, but the two Grimm were too strong. They leered down, and Yang felt all of her confidence vanish. Was this how it would end? Fallen prey through a school assignment? How undignified…

Darkrai watched the action unfold before him. This girl… she was fighting off the monsters with her bare hands. How? One by one the creatures fell, until only two remained. But these ones had grown smarter. They quickly rushed her, and pinned her to the ground. Up until now, Darkrai had merely assumed these creatures to be Pokémon defending their territory. But now… they seemed more bloodthirsty. Willing to kill over a slight misgiving. As he looked at the girl, who hadn't noticed him yet, he saw something familiar…

Blonde hair…

Violet eyes…

Small face…

"Alicia?"

As Yang struggled, she looked over, and saw a small creature, unlike anything she had ever seen. Jet-black, with flowing shoulder protrusions, a flowing white hood, and a red collar. It had an hourglass figure, but it had no legs. It looked just like a Creature of Grimm. One she had never seen before. It approached her, a malicious look in its blue eye. As it stood over her, Yang just looked at his hard.

"If you're gonna do it… do it." She spat, before shutting her eyes and waiting for the end.

"DARK VOID!"

The voice caught her off guard, and she opened her eyes, as two orbs engulfed the Ursai, and disappeared. The Grimm wobbled unsteadily, before slamming to the ground with a heavy thud. She looked to the two Ursai, and heard soft rumbles coming from their maws. They were…

Sleeping?

"Alicia? Is that you?"

The same deep voice that had yelled out only moments before caused her to turn back to the Grimm. She looked closer. It looked so much like a Grimm… but it looked so different at the same time.

"Alicia?"

Again with the deep voice. But it had no visible mouth. Telepathy, perhaps? Finally working up the nerve to speak, she looked up to the Grimm.

"Who are you?"

The creature cocked its head to one side, confused.

"You… don't remember?" The Grimm asked. Yang saw that it was confused, and stood, hoping to bring some clarity to the situation.

"I've never seen something like you before. Who–or what–are you?" She asked tenderly. The creature didn't respond for a moment, before finally answering.

"I am Darkrai, master of nightmares. I mean no harm."

Yang stared at the creature. This… Darkrai… why was it being attacked like that?

"So, my name's Yang. I, uh… how can I understand you?" She asked. Darkrai just blinked.

"It is simple. I have lived among your kind for years, watching in the shadows, learning your ways." The dark creature answered. Yang just stared blankly. This creature had watched humanity for years? How had no one been able to detect him?

But it was a question that went unanswered, as the two slumbering Ursai, forgotten until now, slowly awoke from their slumber. Growling quietly, they rose to stand on their hind legs, dwarfing both Yang and Darkrai. The two barely had time to turn and take in the terrifying sight before one of the giant monstrosities swiped an enormous paw at the two of them, sending the pair flying into the brush nearby. Yang was on her feet in a second, while Darkrai struggled.

"Come on, Darkrai! Use that Dark Void… thing!" She hissed to the shadow. But Darkrai was weak, having sustained several injuries beforehand, and without the luxury of time to heal the wounds.

"I… can't… too… weak…" the creature groaned, before collapsing in a heap on the ground. Yang growled, and looked back to her foes. She had taken two Ursai down before. This shouldn't be difficult.

But these ones were smarter, and more accustomed to combat against Hunters. They had years of experience in their skulls, experience that they had used to survive.

Yang charged forward, hoping to crush one Ursa with a mighty blow. But before she could strike, the other beast charged into her, knocking her off balance. Flying past the intended target, she struck the ground, and rolled onto her side. Stunned by the surprise attack, she recovered her senses just in time to see one of the Ursai standing above her, both arms held aloft, ready to swing down for a double hammer strike.

*SCHWING*

A familiar whirling noise whistled in the air, as the beast lowered its arms in confusion, before collapsing to it's knees and falling forward. Yang was too exhausted to move, and was prepared for the crushing feeling of the mighty weight upon her tired body. But right as the beast was about to smother her, a red streak shot through, a pair of tiny, but strong hands wrapping themselves around her waist as it did so. As the world slowed back down, the red flash decelerated, revealing Ruby's concerned face.

"Sis! You're okay!" Ruby squealed, before wrapping herself tighter around her sister's waist in a rib-breaking hug. Yang smiled, returning the hug. The rest of her team couldn't have arrived at a better time.

"Sorry to break up the reunion, but we have more pressing matters, Ruby!" Weiss yelled, holding her rapier aloft, now charged with yellow energy. Ruby nodded, and released her hold on her sister, unfurling Crescent Rose and stabbing the scythe blade into the ground. Immediately, she began to squeeze the trigger incessantly, unleashing a hail of high-calibre rounds on the final Ursa. Before long, the beast was perforated in holes, all courtesy of Ruby's marksman skills, and Weiss and Blake's swordplay. It gave a final gurgle, slammed to the heavy ground, its body emanating the telltale wisps of black smoke symbolizing its death.

The three girls sheathed their weapons away, and Ruby extended a hand to Yang. She took it, and was hoisted to her feet. But it only took a second before she remembered.

"Darkrai…"

She broke out into a run, towards the bush where the Ursa had catapulted the duo to. But when the brambles parted, there was no sign of him. Darkrai had vanished. But Yang would not allow herself to give up so easily. She broke through the brush, determined to find this creature.

"Yang?! Where are you going?!" She heard Ruby cry out behind her, but she was too busy to pay attention to her sister and leader. Darkrai was hurt, and he wouldn't survive long out here alone. But as she went deeper into the forest, hope began to fade. Hiding spots were plentiful in the woods, and Yang just didn't know where to start looking.

"Darkrai? Where are you?" She called out. All that resounded was her own echo, reverberating through the trees.

"Come on, Darkrai! You won't last long alone out here! Let me help you!" She yelled. Silence was her only response. Or at least, it seemed to be. But she barely had time to yell before a black shadow swung down to her, and pulled a black orb from out of nowhere, pressing it into her head. It engulfed her skull, quickly growing in size to swallow her whole body. As the orb consumed her, it faded, and her eyelids grew heavy. Unable to resist, she slumped forward, asleep and snoring before she even hit the ground.

As Yang awoke, she rubbed her eyes, trying to clean the dirt from her face. As her fingers scraped across her face, she became slowly more cognizant. The forest sky had darkened incredibly, the night sky black as the abyss. Neither moon nor stars provided any illumination for her… until one ray of light shone out of nowhere. In the light was…

a little wagon. And in that wagon was a small, pale-skinned girl, about the age of a toddler, sleeping the sleep of the dead. The wagon was being pulled along by a five-year old girl, tiredness apparent all over her face. It was a wonder she hadn't collapsed yet.

And then, Yang remembered. That small girl in the wagon was Ruby. The tired girl was herself. And in front of the three, a dank, decrepit shack appeared from the gloomy darkness. The younger Yang stopped, panting tiredly, before looking up.

"Hello? Is anybody there? I'm looking for someone." She called out, fear encroaching into her exhausted voice. A soft growl was her only reply. One that grew in volume, as three pairs of glowing red eyes flashed angrily in the darkness. Yang remembered the terror she felt when this had happened a long time ago. How weak, exhausted and sore she was. Then the Beowolves lunged from the darkness, claws and mouths ready to slash and devour the two girls. In the past, one of the Grimm had been slashed in two, and a tall man wielding a scythe, her uncle Qrow, appeared from nowhere.

But in this memory, he never came. The Beowolves just pounced on the younger version of Yang and Ruby in the wagon, and began to feast on the two defenseless girls. A horrifying sight for sure, enough to make Yang's skin crawl and her stomach churn.

"Do not look. It is merely an illusion."

That voice… Yang looked away from the grisly scene, and looked to see where the one who had spoken was hiding.

"Darkrai?! What is this?! Why are you-?!"

"Please… I cannot control this. It's a simple defense I employ: haunt the dreams of those that are nearby, change them into nightmares. I cannot control it. Which is why I stay in seclusion." Darkrai explained. Then, before Yang's eyes, the familiar shape of this nightmare creature faded into view.

"But-but-but… why are you doing this?!" Yang asked, still feeling ill at what had transpired in front of her eyes. Darkrai just sighed.

"I must leave you this message: I trust you, Yang. But I do not trust your compatriots. If they see me, they will try and kill me. I cannot stay anywhere, until I find a way home. Goodbye." Darkrai calmly explained, before fading back into the gloom, leaving Yang all alone in the middle of the forest. She was about to move, when one of the Beowolves from before pounced on her back, and with a bellowing roar, sunk its teeth into the flesh of her shoulder.

"NNOOOOOOOOOOO!"

Yang shot bolt upright, her eyes taking in the surroundings. She was no longer in the Emerald Forest, but in a sterile white room. She was dressed in a nightgown (Yang shivered: there was a reason she preferred shorts as sleeping apparel), and the bed was woolen, itchy and uncomfortable. There was no doubt: she was in the med-bay back at Beacon.

"Yang! You okay?!"

The door flung open like a tempest had struck it, revealing Ruby, her boot outstretched. She dashed to her sister's bedside, ready to comfort her, should it be necessary. Yang just panted softly, a cold sweat dripping from her brow. That nightmare… why did Darkrai show her that? Was inflicting nightmares really out of his control?

"Ruby?"

"Yeah. We found you asleep. You were muttering something, but we couldn't tell what. It seemed like you were having a nightmare." She responded, pulling the covers back up to Yang's chin. Yang closed her eyes, then opened them and looked straight at her sister.

"You ever think that… dreams are real? Like, I dunno, a… what's it called… a premonition?"

Ruby just shrugged.

"Who knows? The world works in mysterious ways, Yang. Why do you ask?" Ruby inquired, cocking her head to the side in curiosity.

'Should I tell her? About Darkrai?' Yang thought to herself. True, Ruby would be able to help. But Darkrai said that he didn't trust anyone but her. Besides, Yang felt as though Darkrai was capable of a lot more than what she had experienced. In that moment, she decided.

"No reason. Just… thought I saw something in the forest." Yang brushed it off, and lay back down. Ruby smiled at her sister.

"Okay, get some rest, sis. I'll see you tomorrow." Ruby soothed, rubbing a soft hand over Yang's shoulder, before leaving the medical wing. Yang just lay there, thinking.

'And now I need to find it.'

And there you have it! A Pokemon/RWBY crossover!

Much of the inspiration came from A Grimm's Aura, by Black Omochao, and it really shows. However, Darkrai arriving in Remnant is not the only plot point to this.

Yveltal, Arceus, and Ash Ketchum will also have a part in the story too. Keep watching for updates!

Oh, and every bit of credit for this story belongs to Recycler. It's his idea, his concepts, his suggestions and his brainchild alone. Aside from being his scribe, I have no part in this whatsoever.