No no NO! This was not supposed to happen!
This was bad, this was very, very bad! Sienna could practically feel the Grimm coming in the distance. The sounds of their approach echoing off the empty streets and walls as they rushed through.
What the dust just happened! She turned back to Vermillion, his mangled body just lay there. Blood soaking in the sand below as she tried to process what had just occurred.
All he did was read the markings, that had been the whole point of their entire trip, and then this?! It was normal all up until he finished the last word, at which point something shot through him. It was some... odd sort of tendril, blasted right from the rock and through his chest, a spray of blood and flesh as it escaped through his back. And then another, and then another, as more and more shot forth claiming a spot through him. Leaving his chest nothing but a broken mess as they forced themselves in.
She had watched as they preceded to wrap back around the front of him. Coiling around his body as it drew him against the stone, only to fade into smoke a moment later and leaving his body to drop to the ground, gaping holes all across his torso as blood stained the sand below him. All throughout this he had been deathly still, not a twitch or sound as he was ripped through. She could swear she saw his eyes glow.
However none of that mattered at the moment as she heard a crash to her side. She turned to see an alpha Ursa blow it's way from the wall, several smaller Beowolves rushing in from behind it. They must have been the first to arrive as she could hear the sound of Grimm from all around her.
Shit! She couldn't stay like this, they would get surrounded.
She reached her hand to Vermillion, hoping to grab him and run. Sienna was met with a burst of pain however as her hands made contact, forcing her to pull away. He was covered in a dark sort of smoke, seeming to rise from the wounds as well as other parts of his exposed flesh.
Oh that's just wonderful. She thought as her attention was torn away by the sound of claws scraping the dirt behind her.
Sienna made a roll to her side, swiping Cerberus at the Beowolf as it landed. The Grimm was left with a gash across it's snout, giving her a growl as it made for her again. In a bid of desperation she made a rush for the nearest alleyway as the beast followed.
Dust! I need to get rid of them! She thought as she saw it gaining on her.
She had taken notice as it made for her, it had left Vermillion alone. This would work for now as it meant she didn't have to worry about him, or what's left of him.
The tendrils that ripped him through came from the obelisk, only after he finished reading them. Once again something seemingly directed only at him. She had been right next to them, yet they seemed drawn to him. Sienna had been shocked and stumbled over as they filled his chest, still they had ignored her completely.
Sienna made a leap as she saw more wolves ravage around the corner ahead of her. Flinging her whip to the edge of the roof above, she watched as it forced itself into the stone and allowing her to tug herself upwards. She landed on the edge as she continued along, moving from the rooftops as the Grimm followed her above. She needed a plan, and she needed one now.
Taking notice of her surroundings she saw one of the taller buildings was torn right through. Sienna made way for that one as the Beowolves followed, crossing through to the other side. She turned back as she saw several of the wolves land inside. Quickly throwing Cerberus forward, she watched it wrap itself around one of the support beams as she pulled. The beam gave way and with it, the whole roof collapsed on the wolves inside.
She had no time to check on them as she got moving once more, they had been only a small few of what was here. Making her way across and back to the center of town she had hoped to pick off the first to arrive before repeating the process again. Unfortunately Sienna was met with the crash of an Ursa's paw, knocking her over as she was focusing ahead of her.
She tumbled about for a brief moment as she tried to right herself, rolling over as a nearby Death Stalker's stinger crashed through the spot she had been in. Setting herself straight again she dodged back once more as the Stalker's claws made for her. Thinking quickly Sienna leaped over the Ursa as it went for her again, only to land on the beast's back and griping on as it thrashed about.
She held tight as she watched the Death Stalker, removing herself from the makeshift ride as the Grimm's tail smashed the poor Ursa away, killing it. Sienna set her focus briefly back on the sounds of the coming wolves, seeing as they had yet to arrive she started planning on how to take out both the Stalker here and the coming Grimm. She watched as the Death Stalker flung it's tail towards her once again as she stood ready to dodge.
Only to be met with shock.
.
.
What the dust? I was confused naturally.
Everything was dark and no matter what way I looked I was surrounded by nothing but shadow. That was, until I heard a voice off in the distance. I made forth to find the source of the sound, as I really had no other options.
The shadows seemed to thin somewhat as I found myself in a room. Beautifully lavished and filled with books, a library perhaps? I watched as color seemed to spring from the surrounding area, allowing me to take hold of the true look of this place.
Wait... no, I recognize this. Looking about I was able to make out the shelves. Smooth and darkly varnished, the decorative markings around the ends gave it a sort of artistic flair.
Once more I was met with the voice I had noticed before. Following along the hall of books I came to an open room, two chairs and a small table between, with a fireplace back against the wall. The flames softly crackled as I looked upon the scene before me, there sat on the chairs were both a woman and a child.
The woman had soft blond hair, combed to the side with a light layer of makeup across her face. Her silver eyes sternly gazing at the small boy across from her, the child's hair however had been a contrasting black. Both were dressed in a sort of regal looking attire. The boy appeared to be studying, his quill moving about as he took notes from the couple of books open before him. He had a serious expression as he would frequently check back and forth between the books and his own writing.
I remembered this, It was the week I had first begun my training. I was around ten at the time and was moving along with my studies. I looked to the face of the woman as she kept her focus on the boy, looking as if she was watching for any mistake in his work.
It was odd really, seeing as mother looked much younger here than what I was used to. Now that I thought of it I'd not seen my family much since working under the queen. I had spent most of the last few years receiving my training from her, at least for my magic anyway.
I was pulled from my thoughts by the sound of a man clearing his throat. I followed the gaze of the other two as they turned to face the source of the sound. There, stood in the now open doorway was a man. His hair matched that of the boy, yet his eyes were a cold blue. He was covered in plate armor, the light of the fire giving a sort of glow to him as he stood out against the warm feel of the room.
"I hope you do not mind, but I will be needing to borrow the boy for a while." He spoke as mother seemed to think it over.
"Very well, We shall stop here for today. Vermillion, you may go with your father." She told as she stood, collecting the books for another time.
I watched as my younger self made his way to me, only to pass right through me as if I wasn't even there. Turning I was able to see him next to father as they left, shutting the door behind them.
The room faded once more as the shadows looked to swirl about. I could feel a cold wind blowing against me as the area took shape once more, a bright light blinding me. Slowly I was able to take back my sight and get a look at where I now stood.
I could recognize the place almost instantly, I was in the courtyard. The sun was shining down as I took in the moment. Grass evenly trimmed with a few sculptures against each of the four corners, A vibrant rose garden around the north wall and some seating to the south east, allowing many to relax and enjoy the nice weather over some beverages.
I turned to the center of the area, soft grass gently moving in the wind as I saw both father and my younger self. They stood some distance apart, each with a set of plate armor and a wooden sword in their hands. I watched as my younger made a charge for father, stabbing forward only for the older man to step to the side. Little me made a swing over again, to which he avoided for a second time.
Father looked to have a sort of irritation to him as my younger made forth once more. This time as he stepped away he also delivered a small kick to the side of my child self. Little me was knocked back a bit as he grabbed his side.
"You can't keep making yourself so obvious, I taught you better than that." The man spoke as the child took hold of his bearings.
"I know that, It's because of this dumb armor. We have aura so why do we need this, it only slows us down." My younger spoke, letting his irritation at the armor he wore be known as he let himself fall back to the ground, the man let out a sigh.
"We can't use our aura for everything. What will we do if it breaks during a time we really need it." The man said as he made his way to the child.
"Most swords and weapons can't pierce our plate armor, so there's no need to have it active in one of these fights. It'll only take damage that our armor can take instead." He told as he sat next to the child.
"Not if I'm faster." Little me said with a grumble, crossing his arms in defiance as I watched father let out a slight chuckle.
"That is true, but you're just not used to it yet. I promise it gets better over time." He spoke, the child still holding his arms crossed.
The man seemed to think for a moment before standing again. He made away for a bit only to turn back to the child.
"How about this? I'll stand right here, in this one spot, and you try to hit me with your best strike." This seemed to get my younger's interest.
"What do you mean?" The child asked, standing once more with sword in hand.
"It is as I said, I'll stand right here in this spot. I want you to hit me with your strongest attack." Father answered, tossing his own sword to the side.
My younger self seemed to hesitate for a second, but only a second as I watched him charge forward once again. He lifted his blade as he sent his slash vertically down towards father. The man brought his forearm up and blocked the coming attack, the wooden sword bouncing back and startling my smaller self. I watched as the child's face shifted to one of anger, although it came out more as a small pout.
"No fair! You said you'd let me hit you!" The child called angrily.
"I did let you hit me, you hit my arm." The man smirked, my younger self giving a stronger pout.
"Yea well... you can't do that to a real sword!" The child let out, only to receive another chuckle.
"Well then, perhaps we should fix that." He spoke, pulling his personal sword from the sheath on his hip.
The metal seeming to shine as he presented it to my younger self. The child took the blade with a look of wonder. I remember this had been the first time I had held a real sword, I was so taken in by how shiny it looked. The blade had been rather plain now that I saw it again, but that didn't stop younger me from getting excited from it.
"Now strike me once more, just as before." Father spoke as he lifted his arm back in front of him, his words snapping the child from his wonder.
I watched as little me raised the sword above, father giving a nod as he brought it down on the armored gauntlet. The blade had bounced off of the arm, surprising young me once again. The child raised the blade and tried again, and again, each time the effect was the same with the blade bouncing back off the metal.
"See, I don't need my aura. My armor works fine." He spoke as my younger self seemed to grow tired from the constant swinging.
Little me gave the blade back as father sheathed it once more, only to laugh as the child fell to the grass again, tired from what had been a day of physical training. Looking around I was able to see mother in the distance, having taken a seat and watched the whole affair with tea in hand.
The area shifted again and I found myself among the shadows once more. I felt my body lock up as multiple skeletal hands had risen from the dark below, bone claws at the end of each finger. I felt them grip and wrap around me as I was unable to move, a sickening distorted voice speaking from among the shadows.
You never did get used to it did you? The voice spoke, sounding as if it was coming from inside my own head.
I couldn't answer, my whole being was frozen, but not in fear. No... it was a different sort of feeling, one I had not felt before, one that I couldn't identify. The voice made itself known once more.
Armor was only ever defensive, if you never got hit than what was the point? It spoke, the words creeping along my neck.
But what if it wasn't? What if it could do more? The voice spoke again.
In that moment I felt the Grimm hands grow wet. My eyes moved to gaze at them as my body was still locked in place. I watched as they melted and seeped into my very skin, a heat burning across my body as sleep took hold of me once again.
.
.
Ruby found herself sat before a small bonfire. The other villagers had decided to throw a celebration for the children's return. Several of which had went about dancing before the fire to the sounds of music.
A few of the villagers had brought out their homemade instruments and started a little tune, the children seemed to love it. She watched as even some of the parents joined in. Throwing themselves around in joy, a joy that she had yet to find.
While the others could finally relax after what had been a terrible event, she had yet to feel such relief. Instead Ruby had found herself with a new type of worry, one that she knew she could do nothing about. The choice had been made, all choices from here on out would only reveal the results of her actions. She had to deal with it, she knew this, she would just have to keep going.
Ruby knew how this worked, no matter how bad it may have been implied, she knew that it was not the whole story. The memory that troubled her had cut off at the end of what should have been a loss, yet she knew for her efforts to not be in vain she would have to just keep going.
She felt the weight of the log she was sitting on shift, turning she was able to see the elder next to her, she had remembered him introducing himself earlier.
"You seem troubled." He spoke as he continued watching the others.
"Maybe, just a little occupied at the moment." Ruby replied, the man gave a nod.
"Quite, and I take that it's not something we can help with." The man said as he looked to her.
She let out a tired chuckle. "Not with this. Just wondering if there were things I could have done better, you know?"
"We've all had those moments, believe me. I could have turned those men away, but I let them in regardless." He spoke as Ruby gave a soft look to him.
"You didn't know." She told him as his gaze turned forward once again.
"Maybe, however I should have been more cautious. But I like to think I'll learn from this, to be more careful next time." He spoke as he stood.
The old man spoke once more before taking his leave. "We can only ever learn from our mistakes, and try to do better next time. Trust me, you're doing fine."
She watched as he returned to the others, the children pulling him along to see their little dance. She had learned these things before, all these little life lessons as it were. Yet there was just something so... captivating about getting them from others. An odd sort of motivation and energy about it. Weirdly enough it was always some sort of elder that would do these kind of things.
Still, Ruby found herself letting her worries slip away. She would deal with these as they came along, one at a time. No need to get in over her head, she was doing enough of that already.
Taking a stand she made her way over to Onyx, the man had taken to keeping the fire lit and was standing next to a pile of wood chunks. He had just thrown one of the freshly cut pieces in when he saw her approach.
"So what do you think?" Onyx asked as she stood next to him, gazing at the bonfire.
"Could be bigger, but I guess it's alright." She said with a smirk.
He gave her an eye roll. "I meant the celebration."
"It's nice, certainly not the biggest I've ever been to that's for sure. It feel's peaceful, everybody's so friendly to each other, kind of like a family. At least I won't get my things stolen with my back turned." She spoke, her face taking a more amused look.
"Glad you like it." Onyx gave as they both turned to the flame, watching as the fire roared against the night sky.
"So you'll be leaving tomorrow right?" He asked as she glanced to the others, watching them celebrate.
"I'll be heading north, until I reach the kingdom." She answered as he threw another log to the flames.
"So it's off to Aether then?"
"Yes, I have something... personal I need to deal with." Ruby told as she turned back to him.
She found herself confused a bit as he handed something to her. Giving it a quick look it seemed to be a small knife, The blade had a single edge and a carving of a small bird on both sides of the flat.
"Aether is known for being the head of the slave market, however not all of the Faunus up there were just going to lay over and take it. The kingdom does checks of all who enter it, however there is a small area around the edge of the cliffs just before the main wall. You'll see a cut off tree stump with the same symbol as on here. Sit and wait for around noon, a Faunus will come greet you. Show them this knife and they'll get you into the city. They're the ones who often bring us supplies every so often, you can trust them."
Ruby slipped the blade into a small pack strapped to her side, giving a nod as they took back to the festivities.
This would make things a bit easier.
.
.
I felt my senses return to me, the searing heat having vanished as I awoke. My body felt heavy and my vision was blurred, yet my hearing was fine as the sounds of Grimm surrounded me. I stood as I made to collect myself, awaiting for my vision to clear.
I felt... different, it was odd but I couldn't quite put my finger on it. I watched as the blur had begun to vanish, allowing me to look around. In my immediate view I was able to see the stone of the obelisk, a sort of crack running through it as the color looked to have faded. I reached out to touch it only to take notice of something new.
My skin seemed to have darkened drastically, the same shade as that of a Grimm's pelt. The nails on the ends of my fingers had in turn swapped to a bone white. I took a quick look over my body noticing several bone plates strewn about my exposed skin, looking to be meld onto it and sporting the same red lines as that of the Grimm. They had covered most of my torso and right arm, leaving only my joints exposed. I could feel something covering my face as well, both the upper and lower, if I had to guess I'd say it was a mask.
As if I didn't look Grimm enough already.
My thoughts were cut off as I heard a crash in the distance. Looking to the other side of the stone I was able to see a Death Stalker in a stand off against Sienna. In that moment I tried to gauge my aura, hoping I had enough to use my magic once more. I was met with an extreme pain swarming all across my body, as if it was trying to tear itself apart from the inside out. After a moment I gave up and stopped, taking hold of myself as the pain left, I was able to see smoke rising from my exposed joints.
I can't use my aura like this. No aura means no magic, Dust! I'd need to rely on my physical ability.
The Grimm looked to be going for Sienna once more as I made for both of them. Unfortunately for myself I had severely underestimated my newfound strength. I'd made a dash as quick as I could in an attempt to reach the Death Stalker, hoping to catch it off guard and stab into it's side. Instead I found myself flung forward, crashing into the side of the Grimm and knocking us both through a wall.
Alright, a little stronger than before. Good to know. I thought to myself as I climbed out of the wreck, the Grimm still moving about and trying to right itself from the rubble.
Before I could move again I felt something wrap around my waist and pull me forwards, sweeping me off my feet. I was instantly met with a kick to my chest which knocked the air from my lungs as another knocked me across the side of my head, putting me on the ground. I rolled away as a boot planted itself down where my head once was, gripping my claws in the dirt as I flung myself off the ground. Landing some distance away I was able to see my attacker.
Sienna?! She had taken a battle stance as she rushed for me once more.
"Sie-" I found myself dodging an incoming strike as she leapt for me, giving me no time to talk.
I blocked a couple of her strikes only to be caught off guard again as she seemed to start hitting harder and faster. I was able to tank several of her strikes before being knocked away once again. My newfound armor starting to crack from several of her hits all at once. I'd crashed against the dirt as I heard her make her way towards me.
"SIENNA!" I screamed out, turning to face her as I lay there on the ground, I watched as she halted and took her stance. My voice came out similarly distorted as the one from my mind.
"How do you know my name?!" She called, looking ready to fight once more.
I slowly stood from the dirt as she physically tensed.
"I-It's me... Sienna... It's me." I let out as I struggled to catch my breath.
She appeared to be giving me a once over, and I watched as the realization swept across her face.
"Vermillion!?" She called in shock as she continued to look me over.
"How... Why... What the dust is going on anymore!?" She was shaking at this point, wither confusion or anger I could not tell.
We were stopped by the sounds of Grimm coming closer, along with a crash that could be heard as the Death Stalker most likely had gotten loose. Oh that's just perfect.
"Sienna, I'm pretty sure I did a number on the thing's side. Can you finish it off while I handle the lesser Grimm?" I spoke as she grit her teeth and turned away from me, back to the Death Stalker.
"Fine! But I want a full fucking explanation once this is over V!" She growled out as she made off.
"Deal." I let out as I turned to the coming adversaries. Nicknames are a good sign, hopefully.
The Beowolves rushed for me as I took Pale Bloom in hand once more. Making a lunge I slipped under one of them, catching them off guard with my newfound speed as I delivered a brutal uppercut to the underside of it's jaw. Grabbing it's tail as it was knocked into the air, I threw the beast forward. The creature crashed into a couple of the others, knocking them over as I rushed in.
I forced my blade through the body of another, pulling it free and giving another few slashes before kicking it away. I dodged another as it made for me, giving a hefty slash across it's newly exposed neck, decapitating it. Slamming my blade in the dirt I caught hold of another Beowolf's upper jaw as it made to bite me. I took hold of it's lower jaw as I torn it off and forced my right hand up through its head. Ripping it back from the Grimm as I dodged another two.
I proceeded to slam my fists against them, breaking several of their limbs as I took my blade once more and hacked them apart. The battle continued like this for a half hour or so until finally they were all dispatched, leaving me tired and weak. I made my way back to Sienna at this point, seeing her sat next to the obelisk.
"Talk, now." It was an order, not a request.
I let my body relax as I sat beside her, My armor seeming to fade to smoke as I did so. Leaving me as I once was before.
"If you're asking about the armor than I'm just as blind as you." I told as she grumbled, slamming her fist on the dirt.
"Fine then, how about this? What the dust are you?" Sienna growled, staring into my eyes.
"I'm a trav-"
"Bullshit! I'm not sure if you know, but we keep track of the ones who come to Menagerie. Your name wasn't included in the visitor list, and nobody has even seen you before the last couple of days. The previous ship arrived and left a month ago." She spoke as she held one of the daggers from her whip to my throat.
"I'll ask one last time. What are you?"
I slowly raised my hands in a sign of surrender.
"Alright, fine, I'll tell you everything. Just calm down ok, I'm not your enemy."
At this point I gave her a rundown of what I knew.
.
.
This is crazy, just stupid crazy. Sienna sat in disbelief, Vermillion having just finished.
She didn't know wither to laugh or cry, either way she just found herself lost at the moment.
According to him he was from a kingdom where the Grimm weren't attacking them. That already was unbelievable enough, But they had a queen that could control them. Not only that but she gave him Grimm powers in the form of magic as she made him a knight. Was this some sort of joke?
Yet as he told her this he had kept a straight face the entire time, taking the whole thing very seriously. Was this a dream, just a nightmare from all the stress she's got from running the White Fang. Sienna wanted so badly to believe that, that it was all just some sort of twisted fantasy, but she knew better.
As much as she hated it she knew that this was all real as stupid as it sounded. He had no reason to lie to her, especially with something as ridiculous as that. Meaning that what he said had to be true, She'd watched as he fought the other Grimm. She saw as smoke had risen from his body from the hit's he'd taken, how the armor faded as he sat beside her. That had proven it to her, along with what she would have originally written off as multiple Faunus traits. She saw him use his supposed 'magic' when they fought the Blind Worm, along with surviving the attack from the obelisk. No human or Faunus should have been able to do that, yet he wasn't either of those was he? He was Grimm, at least partially. He told her that he once used to be human, but not anymore.
Honestly that should have been what pissed her off the most, yet it didn't even get a rise from her. It was quite literally the least of her issues at the moment. He'd been respectful to everybody so far, not once holding himself above them. She'd let his once humanity slide, at this point he was already something else.
"Sienna?" She heard him ask.
"Hmm?" She let out, trying to just let it all go for the moment.
"When we get back, will you tell me about the White Fang? You said there was more to them than what I knew." He spoke as she let out a tired breath.
That's right, I said I'd talk to him about what it was. As she thought about it she came to a realization.
Wait a second... maybe I can do something with this... YES! This might be just what I was looking for! She stood from her spot, more motivation than worry running through her now.
So far he had acted trustworthy, not once stabbing her in the back. He also seemed to respect Faunus, which was a plus in her book.
"Yes, I'll tell you everything once we get back. Now come on" With that she made off as she heard him trailing behind her.
I may have just found the solution to my little 'Adam' problem!
Author's note
...
Woo, aw yeah! We did it, we're just about at the end of the Menagerie arc. We can finally start moving to the rest of Remnant!
In all honesty I think I could of handled this a little better. Looking back through it feels a little fast paced. I'll try to work on that.
Still, I'd say it's going smooth, somewhat.
Anyway let me know what you think, maybe...
Hope you enjoyed, see you next time.