Sandstorm over Remnant

Chapter 3

Grimm reality

Winter awoke from her nap and stretched, letting out satisfied sigh. Weiss was gone she noticed but she had left something for her on the nighstand "So sweet of her" Winter muttered as she grabbed the coffee by the table. It was cold but she just needed the caffeine, hearing her door creek open she reached for the plasma pistol on her hip just in case "Ah Winter, I'm sorry if I woke you up. I just wanted to see how you were doing"

Letting go off the weapon Winter smiled at her little sister "Thank you Weiss, I am feeling just fine. How long did I sleep?"

Weiss looked at her scroll and hummed "Like an hour at most, I had time to get food and speak with the ermm Mr. Courier. He seemed nice… has his eye always glowed like that Winter?"

The specialist smiled sadly "No, when I first met him he had green eyes, one of the clearest shades of green I have ever seen too. It began to change on…" Weiss saw her sister look uncofrotable as she recalled what happened "I-I rather not think about that place right now. Where is he by the way? I want to know what he and Headmaster Ozpin spoke" Weiss hummed as she recalled her conversation with the man.

"He said he was going out for a walk. I don't know where he headed but he did say that he would see you in the morning or something along those lines" Winter let out a sigh and grabbed her LAER "Do you have your weapon Weiss"

Weiss shook her head "No, I left in the locker. Is there something wrong?" Winter tossed her the small plasma pistol "He is in the woods, I bet curiosity got the best of him and he decided to mess with the Grimm. How is Grimm activity on Emerald Forest?"

"Well… they did dispatch a team recently so I assume that there are some out there" Weiss replied as they walked out of the room and headed towards the forest, the younger Schnee sister looked down at the pistol and frowned "How do… how do I use this?"

Grimm, assailed mankind since the dawn of time.

That's what history said. The more humanity changed and evolved the Grimm had changed too rising above to become better than humanity, to be better at killing them, it was assumed that the Grimm of today were deadlier than those from the past, even if older Grimm where more powerful by nature.

But such bizarre evolution and life seemed to be unnatural, as if someone was changing them to become better killing machines while making sure that the efficient killers did not pass away. Six remembered that the explanation from the headmaster seemed to be vague, the Grimm had always been there he said, the old ones are more dangerous. They have changed, so with what little information Six filled in the gaps himself with his own theory. It worried him a bit how no one questioned the why of it maybe it was because to the people of Remnant it was just the nature of the world here, a looming threat always present.

Like radiation back home, it was quietly on the back of your mind.

But he had to admit, it felt nice to be able to shoot the existential threat. It gave hope to actually push it back even if it was for a moment "Come on, show me what you got" Six muttered as the Beowulf growled at him.

Red met red as they stared at each other, the Beowulf smelled the air and growled in confusion. This thing reeked of metal and blood, almost human, but like him it was a mockery of all life and yet… the Grimm could smell it, the faint smell of fear. It was all it needed to know, the thing could feel and Grimm where designed to chase those that had emotions, the blessing of the gods.

So the beast fulfilled its purpose and lunged at him with all its speed, Six barely dogged it time as the white claws reflected the light of the broken moon. The first thing that came to mind was that the creature was fast, way too fast for his liking and the more he fought it the more the creature would gain the upper hand.

Like the Deathclaw of the wasteland, speed and raw power were its weapons.

So Six decided to use the same tactic he had used to kill Deathclaws before. VATS and hits to its vital organs, entering the state of slowed time Six saw it launch towards him with its belly exposed for a perfect shot, pulling the trigger with inhuman speed Six grinned as he saw blood erupt from the creature.

But it did not seem to stop it, it only made creature angrier "Shit"

The large claw struck him hard and launched him backwards, gunpowder barely tickled him, Six frowned and stood his ground "All right then… plan B" Old Glory shone brightly under the moon as the Beowulf launched itself at him again. A loud crack echoed as white bone splintered under the powerful strike, the creature was stunned for a moment as it was confused on what had just happened. Six grinned as he twirled the weapon around "Look at that, not so strong now huh"

Another strike on its gut split it open, seeing an opportunity the courier moved quickly to see what was inside so with his other hand he rammed his fist inside the wound and grabbed anything he could to rip out its guts but as he tried to do so only black smoke came out. His eyes widened as he could gape in shock "Wha-at?" the grimm quickly slashed at him to put some distance, it was barely clinging to life but the smell of fear was intoxicating to the killing machine, it compelled the monster to press on.

Now wary of the creature Six decided that he had to end this quickly if he wanted to live, so he reached for psycho and injected himself "FUckingg kill hahahah" Six grinned as the drug flowed through his veins and momentarily made him forget his own fears. Putting old Glory on his back Six ran towards the beast and reached out with both of his hands, grabbing the creatures head,the Grimm howled as blood erupted from its neck, Six pulled with all his might as the creature tried to bite him or do anything to get him off.

"By Oum" Weiss muttered as Six ripped the head of the Grimm, in a display of savage brutality six raised the head above him as the body began to dissipate, Winter paid little attention to the scene, more interested in scanning the area for other threats, when nothing showed up in either her field of view or her PipBoy Winter let out a sigh and allowed herself to relax; no Grimm around. It had not taken them that much time to find the man, barely a five minute walk towards the loud shot of the riot shotgun that she had become familiar with, unaware that he had and audience Six dropped the head and frowned as the animal he had just killed began to fade into nothingness.

It was not natural.

But it could bleed, if it could bleed it could die and that was all that mattered. Out of the corner of his one eye he spotted movement and quickly twisted around to point at the threat, Weiss gasped as Winter simply waved "Oh it's you, I thought you were resting"

"It got boring" Winter replied as he walked towards his side, eyes still scanning the area just in case "Got what you wanted Six?" Weiss looked at the man as he scratched the back of his head in what seemed to be a nervous tick "… is not what I expected, it felt like fighting a robot not an animal, there was nothing on its eyes… no survival, hunger or anything, just the need to kill"

Winter placed a hand on his back "That's the curse of Grimm, they have eternally preyed on us, we have advanced so much and yet we know so little of them" Weiss nodded as the trio began to walk back towards Beacon, Six was quiet as they walked back while the two sisters talked about history. He paid attention sporadically but the only image on his mind were the red eyes staring at him with cold hatred.

"… but we have gotten better at handling the Grimm now haven't we Winter? Hunters and huntresses protect the kingdoms from them. That's why we train so hard so that one day Grimm become a thing that only exist in the badlands, I- I really hope you can see how much I have progressed Winter" the younger Schnee said as Six smiled softly. Seems like the baby sister wanted to impress her role model.

Winter for her part simply nodded "I have no doubt that you have become better Weiss. But your team on the other hand…" there was slight mirth in her voice but it made Weiss look embarrassed nonetheless. The younger Schnee even stopped walking for a split second.

"Things have changed! I- I forgot to add in my letters how much we have all changed, even the dolt Ruby has been taking the tournament seriously" the young girl said as Six eyed her with curiosity. Winter hummed "The little girl?"

Weiss nodded quickly "Yes, she is being surprisingly mature… for Ruby that is"

"Relax Weiss, I am just joking. You girls got this" this made the younger visibly glow with pride. Six for his part turned to Winter "This tournament seems like a big deal huh?"

Winter giggled at that, Weiss almost choking at the comment.

"Oh is not that big of deal, only the most important even on all of the kingdoms Six" Winter commented as Six rolled his eye "Sure sure make fun of the tourist, I might stick around for it if it's so good" the specialist gave him a look "So… you plan to leave soon then? Build the teleporter right away?"

Six hummed as they returned to beacon "I actually don't know, a part of me is itching to get the ball rolling. Mr. House's plan to renovate Freeside and the surrounding areas can be sped up with all the wood from here, new houses and maybe even a few guards post here and there for the Kings… but the part of me that just loves to explore doesn't want to do the main thing just yet you feel me"

"Like doing the side missions first?"

Both of the adults turned to Weiss who blushed under the attention "I…(cough) I have learned a thing or two about video-games here on Beacon, all against my will I assure you Winter"

"In a way yeah, but the most important thing is this" Six rubbed his hands together as he stared at Vale far off in the distance the serious look on his face gone "How many casinos do you think there are in the city?"

Winter snorted "Far too many, but may I remind you that you don't have any lien? Throwing them a bottle cap would result only in a punch here Six" Six shrugged and gave her a smile "Oh come on, you know that lady luck always smiles at me and besides money falling from the sky wouldn't be the weirdest thing that has happened to me"

"The old ladies do not count Six"

Six snapped his fingers at her "But Fisto does and the old ladies did a number on me you have to agree"

"We don't speak of that day… it was too bizarre for my liking. I see your hand Weiss, no do not asking him what happened. He will not shut up for like an hour" lowering her hand Weiss did as she was told but Six had already spotted it and wrapped an arm around the smaller girl "Finally someone who cares about the good stuff do you want to know about how I got mugged by a bunch of old ladies huh? Well I think that I should start by saying that that's not the first time that weird things happened to me, it all began with this fridge outside of Goodsrpings…."

Winter let out a sigh as her sister was assaulted with stories of the wild things that had happened to them on their journey as a familiar jingle played in the air and Winter braced herself for the worst. A poster with what looked like a cartoon version of her sister and her team if they had been squished down, smacked her on the face, Winter quickly slapped it way as she let out another long sigh.

"This his fault somehow… I am going to kick him for this"

Weiss on the other hand stopped the man as he rambled on, her attention on a particular word he had said "Wait… Brotherhood? Who are they? Winter never mentioned them"

Six smiled sadly as he let go of Weiss.

"They… they were some people that we needed to negotiate back in the Mojave wasteland"

Winter shook her head "Negotiate… yeah right. That's one way to put it, Veronica would certainly have other words for what happened that day" the comment made Six visibly flinch "Sorry"

The specialist simply shook her head "Just… you did what had to be done I suppose and now they are in another place. Weiss is getting late I suggest you head to your dorm, I wish to show Six the city tomorrow and I would like to ask for your help as you have been on Vale more time than me"

"S-sure Winter. I will wait for your message tomorrow then, goodnight Winter… goodnight Mr. Six" Weiss quickly left the scene as the air became tense, the couple on the other hand stayed outside for some time as they stared into the forest, so full of life "Did she go with them?" a soft question reached the ears of Winter. "She didn't, I think she had already lost her home before you destroyed the bunker. I don't know where she went Six and I hate to think about what happened because I don't know if it was good or bad. What gave you the right to choose their fate? Or House, heel even me? But… was it the only way?"

"I don't know, that's what makes it so hard. I hope to see Veronica again, I never told her about… never mind, the Sierra Madre is best left forgotten I think" Six said sadly as he pulled from his coat his trusty Vault 13 canteen and took a long swing from it. Winter leaned on his shoulder a bit, enjoying the intimacy and the quiet, who knew what awaited them in the days to come.

"Target spotted, Sanctuary is in view. Prepared to land whenever you are ready scribe"

The scribe from the Brotherhood gave a quick nod "Roger, head towards the middle of the settlement. The Minute Man already seem to be gathering there might as well ask them where the main target is"

The pilot turned to him "Understood, landing the vertibird" the loud engine roared as the machine began its descent towards the settlement. The scribe looked at his notes as he scanned the information about his mission, the information on the minute men while scares was useful for the introduction. He quickly spotted one of the key leaders so as soon as the vertibird touched the ground he exited the ship and walked towards the man with the hat and the laser rifle "Preston Garvey?"

Preston frowned a bit as the scribe extended his hand "Yeah, who are you and what do you want with Sanctuary?"

"Scribe Damian of The Brotherhood, we are here to speak with your general Paladin Nate" the mention of the general made Preston frown deeply as he motioned everyone to leave him alone with the scribe. The Minute Man motioned Scribe Damian to follow him "You missed him by a kilometer or so, he doesn't like to be here in sanctuary. He lives in the Red Rocket gas station it's close, follow me"

The scribe made a mental note that this man spoke of his general with what seemed to be barely controlled hatred. Motioning the pilot to wait for him the scribe followed as he took in the sights, houses made out of metal and wood all made the humble settlement look cozy and inviting, Garvey seemed to think so too. He waved at multiple of his subordinates as they reached a bridge.

In the distance the scribe spotted something that seemed to be out of time, they walked in silence until they arrived at the gas station, the scribe's eyes widened as he stared at dozens of Power Armors under the restored gas station.

"This looks like… like…"

Preston snorted "Like the war never happened, I know. General! You here?" there was a loud bang as smoke came out of the garage part of the gas station. "Yeah, im here"

"Then i will take my leave" Preston said as he quickly moved back towards sanctuary. Nate let out a sigh as he shook his head "Sorry about that scribe, he… well we have not seen eye to eye recently. Come inside please, I was just trying to repair a coffee machine" the man said as the scribe got to meet the famous paladin for the first time, he was of average and seemed well built. White shirt and grey pants was not something he expected the successor of Paladin Dance's legacy to look like.

The scribe walked inside and whistled impressed at all the restored technology "You have quite the impressive collection of gadgets and trinkets sir, fixed them all yourself sir?"

Nate simply nodded with a sad look on his face, to a place lost in time "Yes, what can I do for the brotherhood scribe?"

"Oh yes, I was sent by elder Maxson to inform you of a recent development that is of high importance. Do you remember the arrival of the Mojave chapter near the capital wasteland?"

Nate rubbed his chin "I do, I was away in far harbor when the new reached Maxson. The elder told me of some of what they said, is this… red eye monster hunting them down?" the scribe shook his head as he handed The Sole Survivor a small technical document.

"Worse, readings of energy reached us all the way over here. In the commonwealth, more specifically the Prydwen's scanners" Nate frowned as he read everything. This looked like it was powerful something this powerful to be picked up on the other side of the country was almost unheard off.

But eh remembered that there was something similar happened in the past, nuclear test sites could be detected from all over the American empire which would mean "They are using something to rival the power of a nuke"

The scribe quickly nodded "Precisely, we don't have the man power or the weapons to rival something like that. But there was something interesting from the report, it sent out a signal almost like the one the Institute used to teleport Synths all over the Wasteland, it is deeply concerning and it puts in question the theory that the institute was the most advanced technological menace the brotherhood would face. That's all I have for you, no doubt the elder has more orders so if you could follow me to the…"

Nate raised his hand and shook his head "Negative, I need to take care of something here. I will arrive at the Prydwen as soon as I can but I cannot let the area destabilize itself" the scribe offered a shor nod "Ofcourse sir, I will inform the elder of this. See you on the ship Paladin" a short salute followed as Nate was left alone once again, he passed his fingers over the faded name on his wedding ring. "It's happening again, something wants to destroy the world again Nora" he wished she would reply to him.

That by some miracle she would come to him and hold him. He was tired, so tired. All he wanted was to stay here, do the job that he was robbed by the military and the big war it was almost comical to him. Here he was a man that came from a long line of soldiers, a family that had built his legacy on war but he had wanted to be a repair man.

He loved to build, to connect. It was the reason he had been promoted and allowed the honor to wear power armor back in Alaska. Nate let out a long sigh as he took a seat "I really thought that was it… I just wanted to be with Nora and Shaun" the name of his boy made him feel sick. All he had done, all his blood was for nothing the war ended in brutal destruction and his own son was brainwashed by the Institute. He had nothing, he was no one and no matter how much he fixed, how much he rebuilt he alone could not fix this world. But he still had war… and it was his duty to answer so standing up once again he turned off the lights and headed towards the power armor station.

"Boss… you there? It's me, we got a bit of a situation. Mags and some pack fuck are butting heads. The big man is doing nothing to reign in his stupid mutt so I think it's up to you to… well you know, show the man the structure around here" his radio blared to life as Nate let out a small curse as he picked up his radio "I read you, I will get to Nuka World as soon as I can. Also I want you to prepare… that side project of mine"

Nate could hear the grin on the voice of his right hand man "Oh don't worry Overboss, your little toy is ready. Over and out" Porter Gage closed the communication as Nate pressed his hand over the chest of the Power Armor similar to the one he had used in the war. It did not matter what it was, or who it was. He had a duty to preserve America, as a Brotherhood member but more importantly

"As a soldier" the Sole Survivor said sadly.

A/N: Next chapter, Night out on Vale! I replayed Fallout 4 for this story and all I got to say is poor Sole Survivor.

Now I want to share how the next uploads are going to go: Next upload is going to be this story (Night out on Vale), followed by Blood from Vault 18 (Six's prequel) and then this story again (title undecided). I don't know if I will upload a bonus chapter for Snowflake in the sand soon but will see.

Thank you for reading!