Back again, back again! Honestly, love you guys and thank you so much, thank you to everyone who's stuck by since the beginning and newcomers alike! Now, onto the Reviews! Oh, and just to be clear, in case you leave more than one Review (which is totally fine), I'll be replying to all of them in a single go. Got a BUNCH, so I might be a bit shorter and to-the point than normal, so I hope you don't mind.
Sithdoom: Gotta say dude, you pretty much nailed a bunch of references. Of course, I HAD to incorporate Sparda's horns, they're just way too iconic to his image not to add. Doomguy is... an interesting case. In this universe, he did fight hordes of Grimm in the far past, but he's less of a God-tier hunter and a literal Demigod (he technically already is in Doom canon, but oh well), so take that info whatever way you wish ;D. Both Yang and Ruby don't have any blood-connections to Sparda per-se, but they are connected to him in one way or the other, moreso Yang as you've noticed (though, there are blood descendants of Sparda in this universe). Ruby does have enough mechanical expertise to create devil-breakers, but only basic ones (Overture, Gerbera, maybe Helter Skelter). Royal Guard ftw XD, and don't worry about missing the connection, think about it more like a homage. Glad you enjoyed the chapter, and thank you for the well-wishes! I'm studying in the UK right now which is in better shape than the US, but still, never hurts to be safe!
BonesofSmite: Happy you're liking it so far! Of course, Sly Marbo, the greatest hero of the Imperium must be honoured XD. Stick around for more!
Zander22122: Shh, don't tip off anyone too soon XD (like I said though, don't worry, no lifting mountains or absurd shit like that).
merendinoemiliano: Stoked you liked the chapter and crossovers! Don't worry, no Fate Musashi XD, think about him more along the lines of the Vagabond manga.
Jak Fortune: Kewl indeed my man, which is what I aim to do :D.
dodusk: The hype is REAL and I'll continue to steadily let it rise XD. I'll admit, including the Saiyans may be a bit on the nose, but I'll own it! And niiice, you're correct that King Kault is King Cold (of course, German because Atlas)! Yang won't have a Dragon-Core, but she's got her own type of thing going later down the line. Dante and Vergil... are a thing, sort of. I'm afraid I don't know what SEW is off the top of my head, but all else will be revealed in due time dude!
Alucard45: Alway happy to put in more Yang my dude XD. Don't worry, there will be callbacks to their crime-fighting a bit later, I promise you that! Really happy you get exactly where I'm coming from with Cardin dude, he's a 6ft+ tall dude who's stacked with muscle yet obviously fast enough to parry some of Pyrrha's strikes, and as far as I'm concerned, he should be portrayed as more capable than in the show. I was thinking the exact same thing with the Pyrrha vs. CRDL fight, mainly leaning on the lack of teamwork and how OP Pyrrha looked because of it. You basically summed it up just right: Cardin's an ass, not a dumbass :P. Glad the chemistry between the sisters are coming through and just the team dynamic starting to form is good in general! Admittedly, Blake won't have too much combat-spotlight throughout 'Vol-1', though she will have her moments (especially later down the line). I have my gripes with Jaune which I want to address in the story, but I'll admit he's a genuinely fun and interesting character (definitely not the main character). But... he's special because his shield is stronk? Bro Wut XD? Das sum bull right there. Happy that the group banter and the Pyr/Rubes rivalry is still fun, but just wanna clarify something from last chapter: they 'intentionally went for each other's throats' to stop Weiss and Blake from fighting. As for the whole Blake going for the jugular, yeah I'd meant for her to lash out at Weiss (because of course), though you're right that I made an biiit of an oopsie calling the shot 'snarky' XD. I'll likely go back and edit it to better fit Blake legitimately trying to hurt Weiss. Thank's again so much for the support dude!
TheShadow977: Actually found out about that after I'd finished writing the chapter, so I stand corrected XD
C313st14: The sheer power of Marbo's screams allow him to rip through space-time, change my mind.
Lightstorm89: I assume that this makes me a highly esteemed author? I hope so XD.
omniscient tree: Damn right that's an Omega reference!
Fomoriam191: You're just gonna have to stick around and find out eh ;D?
KHARAKI TAKAN: Yeah dude, I agree. If Salem gets injured by something as simple as tiny grenades, that's honestly disappointing. The overall fight itself isn't bad, but to have the main villain get incapacitated so easily doesn't sit well with me. On the topic of Yang vs. Cardin, I agree that I could've made it closer, but it's more due to the nature of Yang's style and Semblance being a bad matchup for him. Her semblance itself is essentially the same, but it's her usage of it that's different: the more accurately she blocks an attack, the more force she absorbs into herself, rather than just taking damage. Moving further into the story, I do have to better distinguish Yang and Ruby's similarities and differences, and who borrowed from who and how their styles evolve (eg. Ruby took Yang's use of blocking attacks and instead uses parries/redirections because of her smaller frame), though you're right, I've ultimately failed to distinguish their styles and I've given Ruby too much spotlight. Good thing I've got a Yang vs. Ruby fight coming up a bit later XD. As for the Cardin prank, I won't deny that it was outright cruel and sadistic for them to do that, though the lack of care from everyone else in the room is also because everyone (sans Jaune) has basic medical training, especially considering most fights are somewhat lethal and done with what are basically superpowers, so choking on food itself isn't something to squeal over in their eyes. There ARE consequences for what they've done, though that comes later down the line. Nice catch, you're right that Ruby knows Blake's a Faunus (though that's right before she puts her hand in Blake's hair)! It is kinda dumb with how it's dealt with earlier in the show, but that I'll give a pass. Some of the heroes mentioned have Silver-Eyes and Ruby is aware of that, that is true. However, not EVERY hero (many of whom are references to other series) has the eyes. If all that's required to be a hero is Silver Eyes, then it wouldn't give others some time to shine, so some of the heroes namedropped can easily hold their own against someone with the eyes, eg. Musashi is a regular human but considered a Sword-Saint in Mistral, or Sly Marbo, a literal Rambo/anti-Grimm madman, others are masters of aura like Sparda. Still happy you found the chapter decent and thank you for the honesty!
hirshja: Stokes that you like the story so far dude! And don't worry about the 'shouting the attack-name' trope for too long, I completely understand why that can be annoying for some, and eventually it will get to a point that special attacks/stances will be said internally. And both Yang and especially Ruby (cough-cough thanks to Pyrrha) are gonna get punished hard for falling into that habit, so don't worry dude!
Kivuntappaja: Happy Cardin getting railed was interesting XD. And don't worry, Ruby's gonna find out... and it ain't pretty (it's actually fairly close to what you said). Ah, good eye noticing that Ruby and Pyrrha intentionally stopped Blake and Weiss with their own fake argument. Your thoughts are fairly close, though its more along the lines of Blake and Weiss calling a temporary truce to ensure the two red-heads don't tear up the school. The 'cookie-face' was more of a gag than anything else, but I was actually inspired by Hollow Knight! Just thought it'd be funny XD.
Jerrend: Now, if I told you then that'd just spoil the surprises, now wouldn't it? ;D
The-White-Spiral: To quote the legendary hero of the Imperium of Man, 'AAAAAAAAAAAAAAH' XD. I'm glad you're enjoying the fic so far, stick around for more!
Now with all that said, onto the show!
Fighting Rose
Chapter 11
Seeing red, Part 1
Ruby pondered over her multiple books, closely examining every detail that could be of use when it came to her newest one sitting right in front of her. Her worry only served to be further and further building as she scanned through the pages of the book that Professor Port gave to her.
…
"…I have to say Miss Rose," Port said after a moment, "While I'm ecstatic that you wish to delve further into the world of Grimmology, you must know that I cannot give you texts that include subjects that are considered… highly sensitive by the Government."
"Wait, you're telling me that the Government is blocking off knowledge that can help us!? That's so stupid!" Ruby whined.
"Perhaps yes," Port agreed, the man far more subdued than she'd ever seen him be, "But… to an extent, I agree with them." Ruby's raised eyebrows elicited a mighty chuckle from the portly man. "To an extent. I too feel that there should be certain types of Grimm that should be made public knowledge, something that would especially help settlements that do not receive constant protection from any of the Kingdoms. However… Miss Rose, something tells me that you're intentionally seeking out things beyond your level of skill."
"Yes, I am," She replied stubbornly, "If a low-level Angelo was able to nearly decimate the team that I'm supposed to be responsible for, then how should I act if I come across something beyond me? I have to, need to learn about my enemy if I want to get stronger and help others! I don't EVER want to be caught like that again!"
Port stared at her hard, Ruby realizing that she was letting her emotions run too wild, show too much. The tremble in her hands, the burning line of her scar across her stomach, the fear crushing her mind, it felt like it was too much for a moment before she reigned herself in hard, steadying her breathing and relaxing her body. Still, Port continued to stare, his expression and even his own aura unreadable before he finally sighed. He seemed to slump a bit, his soul wavering with weariness and a tinge of sadness.
"… different yet the same…" He muttered before he turned to his desk, taking out an old-fashioned key from his pocket and opening a drawer. To her surprise, he took out a false bottom, revealing what looked like safe while he manually opened. Within it were several books, some much older than others. He took out a relatively newer one, penned with his name and his style of writing and handed it to her.
"Let me be clear," He said sternly, "This information is only for you as Team Leader. Do not let anyone else get hold of this. I will still keep to my duty as I am not allowed to show you certain Grimm, but here lies just a hint of what you may… what you will face. Once you are done, return this book to me post-haste."
Almost reverently, Ruby took hold of the book, titled 'The Redacted Creatures of the Abyss, Volume 0'. Just holding it felt… off, as if something very small was crawling on the back of her neck. "Thank you Professor Port," She said softly, the normally jovial man simply smiling and nodding.
"Go now. I have a class to attend to within a minute or two." He watched as she ran off before sighing, pinching the bridge of his nose. "… She really is far more like you than I realized."
…
The book itself was extremely well written by Port himself, at first detailing common knowledge on the more regular Grimm to a much greater degree than normal, such as how Alpha Beowolves' armour plating was curved towards the bottom, allowing them to be ripped off by hook-type weapons, or how an Ursa Major's spikes could be used against itself by getting it onto its back. All in all, it was quite useful in giving her new ways to deal with Grimm more efficiently.
Then came the other Grimm.
The first was the Scudo Angelo, the image of it making her pause. She was happy that her notes lined up with Port's in that it was distracted by multiple targets and that attacks from different angles worked best. Then there was the Lancea Angelo, another that Ruby had vaguely come across thanks to her information from Junior, though now in full detail. Though similar in stature to the Scudo, it wore spikier armour and its weapon, a literal jousting-lance, was made of its own flesh and bone, fused to where one of its hands would be. Far faster, more aggressive in nature, though its brittle armour was its downfall in point-blank fights. Both were given a simple line of summary at the bottom; 'Unnatural/Artificial, unable to evolve due to being [REDACTED].' The visage of its bared blackened teeth on a featureless and horned face was slightly unnerving, but Ruby pressed onward.
"… what the f…?" Her eyebrows scrunched together, a sickening feeling working its way up her throat.
Lupa Ira, the Fury Hound. A mutation of a canine-type Grimm, it came in many different variations, though generally speaking, some had their ribcage had torn through the flesh of its torso, making way for a growth of more arms ending in wicked talons. Its mouth, or mouths, depending on how many extra heads it grew, seemed to extend all the way to the base of its neck.
Long lifespan plus heavy accumulation, rampant growths due to inability to contain [REDACTED]. Induces wrath via sound.
Famelicus, the Starving. An Ursa Major this time, unlike its previous bulky and muscular forms, these looked emaciated, a kind of rot appearing across its flesh and exposed bone, their multiple eyes haphazardly dotting its head portraying a frothing madness even through a basic sketch. If it were to consume something living, it would do so by opening its mouth far beyond regular proportions, enough to swallow a grown man whole in one fell swoop. Worse yet was the black ooze constantly spewing from it, withering and in some cases twisting life around it.
Long lifespan plus extremely low accumulation, results in unending spreading rot.
The next few pages were the last straw for Ruby.
Empusa, Abyssal Insect. Built with the body of a praying-mantis, its pincers lined with bones used to cut, chop and lacerate. For some types, their behinds appeared to be bloated and engorged, as if carrying some kind of liquid, not unlike honeydew ants. What disturbed her was its head: though initially similar to a mantis, she couldn't ignore the fact that it's face was split down the middle to reveal something eerily humanoid, though its mouth still consisted of dribbling mandibles.
Early stage, yet able to endure high accumulation with no ill effects. Can manufacture and spread Refined [REDACTED] to other beings.
"Refined…?" Ruby muttered.
Kraata, Unholy Vectors. Literal nightmarish larvae born through undescribed means, it was varied between an adult's thumb the size of a grown man's arm, eyes glowing behind a mouth that split in four sections to lash out with countless tongues and tiny barbed teeth. Relatively harmless to an aura user, especially one in heavy armour, however…
Non-evolving but can take control of organic (alive and deceased) and non-living with the [REDACTED]. See Rahkshi in pg. 40.
Finally where the Inutilia, the Useless Thrall. A sad, weak-looking husk of a humanoid Grimm, crawling on all fours with next to no armour besides the plating twisting around its face, constantly drooling black bile as its eye-riddled head stared blankly elsewhere. It reminded Ruby of an Apathy, though far smaller and much less threatening. It was the text at the bottom that threw her off.
Unnatural/artificial. Those who are unable to withstand the Refined [REDACTED], mutates to wretched thrall.
She closed the book right then and there, the implications leaving her reeling for a moment. 'Those who are…?' She shook her head and rubbed her temples, deciding that it was probably time she took a break and packing the book inside her mattress, thanks to a hole she cut into it. She'd finished her own training early in the morning, Yang was currently doing her stretches in the middle of the room (trying not to cry) while Wiess was doing her own research for an Essay on Dust-Studies. Blake as per usual was sitting on her bed reading a book, probably Ninja's of Love considering she was using a fake cover.
"I'm going out for a breather," Ruby announced as she hopped out of her bunk-bed. "Weiss, keep being Weiss!"
"Quiet you!"
"Yang, don't let up until I get back." Yang only whined as she was caught trying to ease up. "And Blake, make sure she doesn't come up. Won't be out for long anyway."
"I'm so getting you back with arm arm-workouts later," Yang groaned as Ruby laughed.
Blake gave her a quiet thumbs up, and Ruby left the room with her slippers on. She didn't get far, immediately seeing Jaune just standing outside of his dorm. It wasn't difficult for her to feel the sadness, frustration, and worry oozing from him. She cringed momentarily at the idea of 'ooze' before she pushed that to the back of her mind.
"Hey Jaune, you alright?" She asked before she grinned, trying to lighten the mood, "Did you forget your scroll again!"
"O-oh, nope!" He laughed shakily, holding up his scroll, "Got it right here!"
"Alright then… what's wrong?" She said, getting straight to the point.
"Huh? Nothing's wrong, nothing at…!" He took one look at her unconvinced face and sighed, "… I ah… I screwed up. Bad. Cardin's got me under his leash, and I said something to Pyrrha and now she won't talk to me! I'm really starting to think that coming to Beacon was a bad idea… I'm a failure."
"Probably, yeah," Ruby said bluntly, Jaune flinching like he'd been hit with a taser.
"Whut?"
"I said probably yeah, you're a failure," She stated again before coming to sit down by him. "But so what?"
"B-but that means I failed being a team leader!" He said.
"Uh, duh. You screwed up bigtime, that's true," She said as the poor boy wilted further until she continued, "… but is that really so bad? You're here now as Team Leader, so that means something. Sure, you screwed up. Heck, I'm only now settling into a role I never wanted in the first place. But because of that, you and I, we've gotta brush ourselves off and keep moving forward. I made a mistake trying to get into a brawl with Weiss, and I was the one who fixed that. It's your job to step up, even if… especially if you don't feel like it."
"…" He stayed silent as he contemplated her words, Ruby simply standing up and stretching, popping her back out and patting June on the head with a small smile.
"You're not half-bad Jaune. Everyone who's ever been to Beacon put in the effort, and I think that you'd go out of your way to right your wrong. Have a good night!"
As she walked off, she didn't notice the guilt weighing on his face and soul.
…Forever-Fall Forest…
It was hard not to be in awe of the oddity that was Forever-Fall. Though the name was a little on-the-nose, it still captured the beauty of the eternally crimson flora, the ever-present wind and the gentle chill in the air.
"Yes indeed Students," Goodwitch stated, breaking Ruby out of her awing, "Forever-Fall is indeed breath-taking, but remember we are not here to sightsee. Professor Peach has asked you to collect samples from the trees deep within the forest, and I am here to ensure that none of you die. You are to collect one jar of red sap each, but aside from that, feel free to take any extras so long as you have the jars for it, along with anything else you may find in this forest. However, be alert, as the forest is teaming with Grimm, and many have perished in these forests over the years, so we will leave at 4pm. Now, stay safe and have fun!"
With that, each respective team started to make their way into the forest, though Ruby was quick to stop Yang and Blake from wandering off. "Guys, hold up for a sec!" Ruby cleared her throat and stood straight, as if imitating someone proud and prissy (Weiss felt mildly annoyed). "As your leader, I say… let's play this safe. All four of us are to remain within eyesight of each other. If we get split up…" Ruby promptly walked up to the nearest tree, which looked older and more dried up than others, sizing it up for a moment before she blasted into motion.
"YAAH!" A left roundhouse ripped clean through it, startling everyone except the rest of Team RWBY. "Then make sure to meet at this spot. Just to make sure things are easier for us, it's probably best for us to leave a mark of where we were if we gotta go deeper into the forest, like gouge out some dirt or carve something into a tree pointing back to here."
"Got it sis!" Yang gave a thumbs up.
"A solid plan," Weiss said with a smile.
"Sounds good," Blake nodded, checking to make sure Gambol Shroud was still sharp.
Most other Team Leaders scrambled to try and follow Ruby's example. Glynda simply stood back, mildly impressed by the girl's forthright thinking… or rather, common sense. It was surprising how many hunters in training and even some professionals forgot about utilizing basic skills to their advantage.
"Heeeey Ruby!" Nora called out, dragging a hapless Ren and Pyrrha along. "Do ya mind if we join you guys? The more the merrier!"
"Pfft, yeah, come and tag along," Ruby giggled, "It's probably safer anyway…?" She looked around, concern lacing her voice. "Where's Jaune?"
"Off with Cardin," Pyrrha said dully, raw frustration clear to see for everyone around.
"…ooookaaay! Blake, Yang, you two stick together. Weiss, stay with Ren and Nora. I'll be with Pyrrha right over theeeere…" She then pulled Pyrrha off to the side, still within eyeshot of the rest of the group but far enough that nobody could hear them converse even as they continued to walk around the forest.
"Alright, spill," Ruby said after a while, her hands on her hips as she finished tapping up her jar. "You look like crap."
"I…" Pyrrha sighed, "Jaune's being… difficult."
"Understatement of the century if he's able to get someone as patient as you worked up like this," Ruby chuckled.
"Well, I can't necessarily blame him, but I tried to offer him some help for combat class, wanted to train with him on the roof. But his… motivations and reasonings for being here push his stubborn pride forward, and now he won't talk to any of us, to me. I've had some time to think, and I don't really care what his reasons are or how he got here, I just-! Ugh…"
Ruby squinted at Pyrrha, trying to decipher the range of emotions that swirling within her. The frustration was clear to see, but the odd mix of sadness and wanting something… 'Longing! But for what, for Jaune…?' Her eyes went wide, 'Ah. Man, I'm on a role recently.'
"You like him, don't you?" The sudden spike of shock and giddiness to her aura was solid confirmation… as well as Pyrrha's face turning pink. "Oh wow, you do. Hooray, I guess?" Pyrrha's silence made her giggle, poking the poor girl in the cheek to snap her out of it. "Do you mind if I ask why? I mean, he's… nice, but I'm not exactly seeing why you want his man-glands. Dude swings a sword like a larper."
"Ruby!" Pyrrha squeaked, much to the younger girl's amusement, "You make it sound as if I'm head over heels for him, which it is most certainly not like that!"
"Uh-huh."
"… do you remember when we first talked?" Ruby nodded, surprised at the sudden change, "You didn't really care who I was. You just waltzed onto my dustgram live and proceeded to roast me for everything you thought I did wrong in my previous Tournaments. No kissing my backside, no nagging me for an autograph or a shoutout as a Champion. You just… talked to me."
Ruby remained quiet, allowing her to go on.
"I know how vain it sounds, me complaining about something like popularity," She laughed dully, "But people like you, like Jaune, someone who can look past something like my surface and talk to me, be friends with me… you don't know just how much I cherish that."
"… I think I'm starting to get an idea," Ruby said softly before her face twisted up, "…But why Jaune?"
"Goddamnit Ruby," Pyrrha cursed, her face turning red again, "W-well if you must know… I find him quite handsome."
"Eh, six outta ten. Too scrawny for me."
"-And," Pyrrha ground out, "I think that he has his own… goofy charm."
"Huh. I mean, whatever floats your boat." Ruby conceded with a grin while Pyrrha groaned, covering a grin with her face.
"You're impossible Ruby."
"Do the impossible, see the invisible, row-row fight the powah."
A moment later, there was a faint shattering of glass, both girls perking up.
"Huh, sounds like someone dropped their jar," Pyrrha said, "I hope they have a spare."
"Yeah…" Ruby trailed off. To her, the shattering of glass sounded much harsher than a simple drop, even from the distance they were at. The lack of cry for distress was absent as well. Ruby instantly closed her eyes and focused her senses, specifically her hearing as she scanned each direction. Just over a decently tall ridge, Ruby picked up a rustle of clothes, followed by grunts and muffled shouts, unmistakable thuds of fleshing hitting flesh, Blake too swearing that she heard something going on.
"Blake…?" Yang started, noticing her partner perking up, the latter hushing Yang before pointing at Ruby, her eyes still closed and her face scrunched in concentration. Yang herself was immediately on edge, already unfurling Ember Celica.
Ruby was quick to send out a very thin pulse of her aura in that general direction though there initially was nothing. Concentrating harder she sent out more and more aura, a slight lapse in her focus making her lose more than she'd anticipated. Eventually, the extension of her soul brushed over the bright flash of Jaune's dwindling aura suddenly bursting to life, three other fearful auras running towards them not long after something big-
"Everyone, weapons ready!" Ruby shouted as she sharply adjusted her bracers and greaves, "At least one Alpha at my front! Jaune and someone else are currently face-to-face with it!"
"Any other Grimm!?" Yang shouted as she quickly loaded her gauntlets, priming them to fire and further fuelling her aura into her weapon to further enhance its discharge.
"Can't tell! My concentration slipped when I was trying to see what was going on," Ruby called back as she kissed her teeth. The fact that she wanted to do nothing more than blast forward to make up for her stupid mistake only aggravated her more, but she kept a cool head and stayed with the group. Speaking of which, they ran into the rest of Cardin's team running towards them, panic clear on their faces as they paused.
"Where's Jaune and Cardin!?" Yang yelled, grabbing one of them by the collar.
"Th-there was an Ursa, a-and -!"
"And you LEFT THEM!?" Yang roared.
"Let em' run back to Goodwitch Yang," Ruby said sharply, though she still scowled at the cowards, "We don't need anyone who's gonna be a liability in our way."
They continued on, soon reaching a clearing where Jaune was engaging with a full-on Ursa Major while defending a downed and unarmed Cardin. He rolled under a swing for his head, jumping straight up over another swing for his feet."
"Idiot!" Ruby cursed as the Ursa immediately slammed its palm into his chest with a resounding *THUD*, sending him flying back and crashing into the grass. He rolled to his feet and charged in again with a leaping slash, only to get swat out of the sky with ease. "Dammit, why is he screwing around like this!? Again with this amateur bullcrap, I'm going in. Blake and Weiss, support-!"
"No, wait!" Pyrrha stopped Ruby, hope gleaming in her eyes.
"Pyrrha, wha…!?"
"Please, just… just wait a moment."
Grumbling, Ruby still signalled the rest of the team to be ready. Jaune on the other hand really didn't feel ready. A beating from Cardin plus the crushing power of the Ursa's blows through his cheap armour had whittled his aura down to the red, despite that weird boost he received after Cardin ganging up on him.
'Oh well, probably not the best time to go hero, but…' He glanced at Cardin, still recovering, and sighed. 'Here goes nothing.' He let loose a battlecry as he charged forward once more, sword drawn back and shield down by his waist. Ruby was about to blast forward, only for Pyrrha to sharply raise her hand, a black glow connecting her aura to Jaune's shield. Ruby paused in shock as it moved up on its own, perfectly saving Jaune from having his head reduced to gore from the Ursa's paw while Jaune slashed up with all his might, making a surprisingly clean decapitation.
All seemed well as Jaune made his way over to Cardin and helped him up, though his words were lost to Ruby as she stared at Pyrrha in awe.
"That was… some really good timing," Ruby said with a grin, "And was that… telekinesis?"
"Close," Pyrrha returned with her own grin, "But no dice."
"I'm not so sure it was telekinesis," Weiss piped up, "I think it's more-!"
The trees and bushes began to rustle, and everyone was instantly on guard again. Opting not to send her aura outwards, she enhanced her senses, immediately picking up the same massive presence as before. "Shit! Guys, the Ursa wasn't the Alpha, be on your guard!"
As if right in que, a score of Beowolves walked into the clearing, all of them well-armoured in bone and of mature size.
"Jaune, Cardin, get to the back and recover!" Pyrrha yelled as she whipped out her own shield and sword. Though everyone became unnerved at the lack of noise from the Grimm, all of them looking almost… submissive? One of them was suddenly yanked back with a yelp, cries and whines of pain echoing through the forest while the rest of the pack scrambled away, a handful more being snatched into the woods.
*CRNCH* Everyone felt the hair on the back of their neck stand right up as the same sound rhythmically grind through the air, far too similar to chewing. Then, gentle steps slowly stalked towards the group, that uncomfortable only amplifying even further, along with… something else. An itch on their skin, a subconscious need to grind their teeth, their blood humming through their veins. It was largely ignored from the sheer horror of what stepped out into the clearing, Ruby's breath hitching.
Ten feet tall on muscular fours, a vaguely canine face fully unarmoured yet with a horribly large mouth that extended to its neck, three glowing red eyes on each side of its face, rows of jagged and uneven teeth glistening with old and dried blood. Numerous powerful arms ending in talons were symmetrically placed all over its body, two connected on each frontal shoulder, one on each rib, and two more on its hinds. What disturbed everyone the most were the countless mouths lining its body, their teeth constantly and quietly grinding against each other.
"What the fuck?" Yang whispered in a strained voice, her fists shaking in fear and… rage? Everyone seemed to be affected by it, even the worn-out Jaune gritting his teeth and gripping his blade far tighter than normal. Their blood boiled as the Grimm bared its teeth at them, as if to smile, to mock them.
"Yang, Blake, on me. Blake, don't stop moving, you've got the best defence against its physical attacks with your Semblance. Yang, your Royal Guard might not work if it put enough weight behind its strikes, but you've got the highest damage output on the team." Ruby said quietly, shakily breathing in and out, "Weiss, I need you to defend Jaune and Cardin. Try and buff Yang's speed with propulsion-Glyphs whenever you see her in danger. Whatever you do, even if you get hit, don't lose your cool, no matter what. If it roars, cover your ears."
"Ruby, what is this thing?" Yang outright asked. "You never used… that."
"It isn't because of that," Ruby shot back quickly, "It's an evolved species, Lupa Ira, so no holding back, but don't waste too much energy going all out."
"Got it. With the will of a dragon…" Weiss and Blake flinched in surprise as Yang's aura flared forward like golden fire, her skin glimmering with patterns of literal fire as her eyes flashed red. "…I ignite and Exceed my limits!"
Ruby focused, her mind cutting through the haze of unnatural anger and as she pulled her aura tightly into her body, letting it flow through, granting her power and speed. "The rose blooms…" Her muscles grew more defined and taut, skin flashing with the tell-tale patterns of her circuits lighting up in rose-thorns, a bright red glow swirling around her as the highlights in her hair lit up. "The petals Scatter! Now… let's get this over with."
(TWBY Continued...)
And once again, sheer bad luck strikes our posse! Really though, for an off-kingdom forest that supposedly is 'teaming with Grimm', the only thing we get is a spiky bear? I say SCREW that, let's up the stakes with a REAL monster. If you want a more accurate idea of what the Lupa Ira looks like, search up the Sulyvan's Beast from Dark Souls 3. If you've played it then... you know how much of a nightmare these guys are when dealing with them for the first time. Aaanyways, hope you all enjoyed and peace ooouuut!
