Grief.

Panic.

Terror.

All these overwhelming emotions swirled and spiraled through the young boys' mind. Threatening to take over as he desperately sprinted forward. His breathing ragged, vision blurry as sweat soaked through his shirt causing his long unkempt hair to cling to his skin.

He had to run, get away from the beasts that threatened to tear him apart. His arms shifted around the long piece of metal cradled against his chest. The weight of it almost causing him to stumble every few steps. His arms burned from the effort of just holding onto it, but he refused to let go.

"Run!"

Those had been the last words his father told him before thrusting the sheathed weapon into his timid, trembling hands. He was unsure if it was desperation or hope that allowed him to continue to simply place one foot in front of the other. All he could think of was running, getting as far away from the screams and flames that engulfed his home.

It happened in an instant. The Grimm had broken through the city lines and attacked without reason or cause. Everyone scattered and fled, causing mayhem and confusion all at once. No one knew why it happened only that their lives were in unimaginable danger. As mobs of helpless civilians trampled over one another to evacuate to the bunkers the few Huntsman on hand were fighting a losing battle to try and contain the outbreak.

The number of Grimm was simply too large and just kept growing. Everything had been so peaceful before; no warning signs or alarms had been sounded. It was quiet before hell broke hell loose.

Why?

That one thought raced through his mind as he ran past another burning building. The screams of those caught inside deafened his own thoughts for a few moments. The stench permeating the air caused him to gag and nearly hurl as his lungs struggled to breathe. The flames only rose higher as the heat scorched his skin. Recoiling the boy staggered back his feet catching on something behind him. Falling onto his rear he let out a startled cry that led way to a haggard coughing fit. The smoke was suffocating as the surrounding homes were slowly evermore engulfed in the fire.

Covering his mouth, the boy managed to wobble back onto his feet. Holding back another fit of coughing he took a glance over what he had tripped on. With a strangled cry of surprise, he barely stifled a scream. By his feet lied the mangled remnants of a human body. The chest had been ripped open by something large and powerful, while both arms were crushed and smeared across the pavement.

Losing what little control he had left the young boy fell to his knees as his stomach churned. Lurching forward he retched up everything he had remaining in him; his body shook as tears poured freely from his eyes. Clutching the long weapon to his chest he became wracked by sobs.

"What is this!?" He cried out in sheer terror his young mind failing to understand what was happening. "Someone please save me!"

He couldn't handle this; his mind was shattering from the sheer terror of it all. Someone, he just needed to find someone, anyone! Mom, Saphron, Joan, surely, they were still alive!

"Dad!" He called out. Surely his father was still alive. Heck he probably even beat all those bad monsters and was looking for him now. His hopeful thoughts were interrupted by yet another fit of coughing as the smoke around the area made it near impossible to breathe properly.

The boy knew he had to move. He would get out of here and head back towards his father then it would all be ok. Shakily rising to his feet, he cast a quick glance back towards the mutilated body. The churning of his stomach again caused him to quickly look away once more before taking a weak step forward. It was impossible to see anything clearly through the thick smog, but he had to push forward. One shaky step after another he unsurely made his way through the ruined remnants of the once happy town.

His lungs ached and burned, his legs weak and tired, yet he could not afford to stop. The terror of what may happen if he were was far too great. Rounding the corner of a street he hobbled past several more corpses each mangled similarly to the first. His sneakers squeaked with step. The blood staining the cobbled road causing them to lightly stick. Not a soul could be found, the once bustling streets were eerily silent. Only the cackling of the ever-growing flames and roars of the Grimm filled the stagnant air.

The child stifled another sob as he trudged forward. A sound from behind caused him to freeze. At first a small spark of hope ignited in him at the sound of shuffling debris. Turning in excitement despite his weariness he called out to whoever was there.

However, that spark turned into a bottomless hole of despair. His innocent bright blue eyes met an endless void of rage filled red ones. A lone Beowulf stalked towards him, its maw opening to reveal a large set of sharp vicious looking fangs. With a long tongue the creature seemed to almost lick its maw in anticipation of finding new prey. Its jet-black fur looked more like solid ooze than anything natural. The random jutting of bone like armor from different portions of its strong body only amplified its demonic appearance.

Shrieking in terror the boy fell back. Another fit of coughs racked his tiny frame as he struggled to gasp for air. Inching away on his back he could only stare as the larger creature slowly inched its way closer. Large heavy steps filled the air, the deafening silence finally broken as the Grimm let out a low growl. Its back legs tensed as it halted. Readying itself to pounce it raised its head to the sky. With a thunderous howl it leaped forward. Razor sharp claws ready to tear apart the frail body in front of it.

Without time to think the child screamed and narrowly managed to roll to his left. Nearly a second later the Grimm landed with a heavy thud. It felt like the earth beneath the child shook as he scrambled to his feet. No time to second guess himself he took off in a dead sprint. The adrenaline coursing through him managing to overcome the fatigue if only for a moment. Pounding his feet, he ran, with no destination in mind he focused only on getting away.

The beast turned its head towards its fleeing prey. A sick thrill rose up through itself, a twisted excitement for the chase. Raising its head once more it let out another powerful roar. Only this time it was met with a chorus of eerily similar ones. A hunt was announced, and the prize was just within reach. Pushing off its back feet it gave chase after the young boy.

Rounding the corner of another flaming building the childs mind was racing. Should he try to lose the monster through the building? Could he outrun it? Maybe a bunker was close by?

No. None of those would work. The beast could just track him down through smell alone, and if he hadn't found anyone yet it was almost impossible now. Besides leading a Grimm to a bunker would only make things even worse. His head was spinning the adrenaline dulling. The fatigue and panic were winning out. His body was at it's limits too, the smoke he had inhaled along the way made it impossible to run much longer. Dipping into a smaller alleyway between two fracturing but standing buildings he hoped to lose the monster.

The alley was thin just large enough for a person to comfortably walk down. It was used as a shortcut for people to cut between larger busier sections of the town. The path led further into the shopping district which opened into a circular intersection. From there the alleys diverge and head back to differing main streets.

Slowing down to a brisk walk he eventually stumbled and stopped. Slumping against the wall he bent over and tried to regain his breathing. Looking back, he felt a bitter sense of relief to find no monster at the entrance. Treading slowly, he made his way to the center of the intersection, bracing against the wall to make sure he wouldn't fall over. Small shallow steps were the best he could muster. Nearing the opening he took a shaky breath to try and calm the storm of panic inside him.

He would take a step outside the alley then try to make it back towards his home. That was the place his father told him to flee. It wasn't too far. He had his bearings; he grew up here he knew the shopping district was only a few blocks away from his family house. If he took the right at the intersection, he would just have to avoid the monster and stick to the shortcuts through the buildings. He could make it to the district and follow the path he and his sisters would use to play tag when their mother dragged them along to help with groceries.

Remembering his sisters caused a pang of sadness to overcome him. Shaking his head, he steeled his resolve. He couldn't think like that now. He would see them again when he met up with his father. Though would his dad be angry that he disobeyed him? No. It didn't matter he was sure his father had already beaten all the monsters and was making sure his sisters and mother were ok. After all he was a retired Huntsman, the strongest person in town!

Swallowing his tension and fear he squeezed the long, sheathed weapon against his chest. Honestly, he had almost forgotten he was still carrying it. Though his arms felt like lead holding onto it gave him a strange form of comfort and courage. It reassured him he could make it to his family.

Finally rallying himself he stepped out into the decently spaced opening of the intersection. It wasn't much, just a simple opening between the corners of the four building that branched off into alleys. Heading towards the right his blood turned to ice as a guttural growl permeated the air.

Following his instincts, he dived forward, barely dodging the large beast that landed where he once stood. The creature barely fit in the opening. It's enormous body struggling to find space as its frame squeezed against the buildings.

The boy barely managed to recover in time, scrambling to his feet and scurrying into the adjacent alleyway as the monster's maw snapped at him. Hurrying down the corridor he looked back to find the large beast attempting to squeeze into the thin opening. Its long sharp claws swiping up and down, reaching for him. Unable to swipe at the child the beast instead pulled back and struck at the buildings. Its powerful muscles tearing apart the stone and wooden framework.

Startled he ran towards the exit opening, only to stop dead in his tracks. Another angry glowing red eye was staring at him from the other end. He was trapped. Two Beowolves Caged him in on both sides of the alley. He had nowhere to go. Their feral growls and constant attacks on the buildings protecting him deafened his own thoughts. The fear was overwhelming, suffocating.

The weapon dropped to the floor with a clang. Dropping to his knees he curled in on himself. Burrowing his face into his knees he sobbed. What was he supposed to do? They had him cornered. The corridor had no other branching exits, just a straight line.

The creatures wouldn't stop. They would claw, scratch, and tear apart the buildings until they reached him. It seemed hopeless. Above him he heard that shattering of roof tiles followed by heavy steps. Jerking his head up his eyes widened in disbelief. Two more Beowolves eyed him from above. Attempting to crush and squeeze their colossal frames through the tight opening they growled and snapped at him.

"No! Stay Away!" He screamed. His voice hoarse and feeble.

Was this it? Was this the end? No escape and where to run, he wailed, desperate for some miracle to save him. He didn't want this! It wasn't fair!

"Daddy!"

CRASH

The wall of the building to his left exploded in front of him. A giant black claw reached out from the new hole and made a heavy grasp towards his small frame. Missing by just a few inches the long bony claws ripped into frame of the building, cutting it apart with frightening ease.

Scurrying backwards the boy cried out in surprise. Tears blurring his vision he managed to find his footing. With an unsteady foot forward, he found his foot catching on something beneath him. Tripping he sprawled out onto the hard asphalt. Any pain and confusion he might have felt was overshadowed by the panic of the Grimm tearing through the wall further. Pushing its bigger body out of the hole it slammed its massive claws into the adjacent building. Creating more space, it shifted its body into the alley. Tearing into the walls it inched closer and closer. Crying out in fear he flipped himself over. Now staring directly at the creature that he was certain would kill him.

Grief.

Panic.

Terror.

The feelings emanated off him, swirling into a delicious irresistible scent for the creatures of darkness. The longer they stalked him the tastier the meal he became.

He couldn't think, he couldn't breathe, he couldn't move. His body was exhausted, and his hope was dwindling. He was going to die here. That thought alone gave him a weird sense of calm. It didn't make the fear go away, but it helped put him at ease. The stillness alone was more terrifying the monsters hunting him. He wondered if this is what it felt like to die. Time felt slow and his thoughts more organized. Even with everything happening in front of him he couldn't help but wonder about his family.

Maybe he would see them again soon but more than anything he hoped they made it to safety. He was sure his father probably protected them. Hopefully they wouldn't miss him too much. Maybe Saphron would end up leaving Aramore for the continent of Anima like she'd always dreamed of. Ah maybe Julie would get into that prep school near Vale.

It was strange to him that his final thoughts were so peaceful. Even with the monsters to his front and back so close he could practically feel the stench of blood coming from their open hungry maws. Shifting his body slightly his foot brushed against something hard. Jerking from his existential daze his head looked down towards his foot. His eyes rested on the smooth pure white metal of the sheathe.

Crocea Mors

A wild thought raced through his mind. The Grimm had destroyed his thin layer of protection. Wedged between the holes it created the monster had little effort stalking slowly towards him. The bricks and scaffolding of the building easily giving way to its animalistic strength. In a desperate moment of fear, he reached towards the sheathed blade. Cradling it in his arms he awkwardly tried to draw the weapon. Finding it too long to properly pull out he used his foot to slide the scabbard off. The force sent it skidding towards the monster who stepped over it without pause.

Hefting the weapon up he gripped the deep blue handle with both his hands. Attempting to raise it he found the weapon too heavy. The tip of the blade clattered to the ground harmlessly as the child struggled to raise it back up. Shifting into a kneeling position he tried with all his remaining strength to raise it once more but to no avail.

"Stay Back, I'm warning you!" He cried out in a frail squeak. His tiredness revealing itself as he tried to stand in a childish display of courage. His vision blurred as the terror of it all finally registered again. He was going to die here. There was no escape and no way to fight back. It left a bitter feeling in his stomach in stomach that twisted and swirled around with the sheer terror. It bubbled up and shifted into something far more powerful and primal. It caused his body to shake uncontrollably as his breathing became ragged and difficult. His vision somehow managed to darken through its haziness.

Grief.

Panic.

Terror.

Rage.

He was going to die here. He was certain of that. But he wouldn't just roll over and let them kill him. He wanted to be a hero more than anything and right here and now he would fight like one. Just like his father surely still was. Just like his grandfather before him. With a loud angry cry, he managed to heft the blade up to about his stomach. The creature sensing the change in emotion growled and started pushing forward faster, tearing apart the building in its wake.

In a feat of herculean strength for his small stature the boy raised the blade high above his head. His arms burned and shook in protest. However, the rage inside of him refused to let the blade fall. His vision went red as he shifted one foot forward ready to strike. The creature barreled towards him the staggering difference in size making itself more prominent as he loomed over the small child.

Unfazed the boy let out a high-pitched cry as he swung the blade down. This was it! He was going to fight back and win. Maybe his father would praise him when he got back!

CRACK

"Huh…?" Was all he could muster before the pain washed through him. In an instant he had not only been disarmed but also slammed against the wall. The sword had been thrown somewhere far behind him towards the other impatient Grimm still struggling to reach him.

As he had swung down, the large beast had easily swiped away the blade with its paw. In the same motion it tore its other limb through the wakened building and swiped at the boy. The force was enough to send him cratering into the building. His small body simply slumped down lifeless onto the cold asphalt. The air had been violently knocked out of him. And as his head hit the asphalt, he could feel a wet pool forming under his head.

He shook in pain and panic, the anger while still present was almost overwritten entirely by the pain wracking his body. He felt like he was on fire, it felt like every bone in his body was broken. His breathing became labored and he couldn't find the strength to move. A heavy black paw struck down mere inches from his face. His eyes refused to blink; he didn't think he could. The warm breath of the monster trickled over his face. The scent of blood once more filling the air.

The tears had again started falling freely. As desperately as he wanted to cry out his voice failed him. He was stupid for thinking he could fight back, stupid for having that spark of hope, he was so angry he could barely control it. Yet he was unable to so much as move. He couldn't even turn his head to look at the beast. Yet he felt the creatures maw open wide. Its tongue dripping warm saliva onto his shivering body.

Unlike before his thoughts were scattered and panicked. The fear of death was more present than ever. He knew what was happening, yet his body felt so tired and weak. It hurt to breathe and the ringing in his ears deafened out everything else. His body was becoming numb and he knew deep down he was going to die. Yet unlike before when he refused to accept it, he simply felt too tired to care. He just wanted to close his eyes and drift away. As the creature looming above him opened its maw wider, he simply closed his eyes ready for what would happen next. His final thoughts offered up an apology to his father for disobeying his last instructions.

BANG

The sound of gunfire barely even registered as he laid there. He heard a shrill cry of the Grimm followed by more gunfire. His conscious faded in and out for several moments. He debated just closing his eyes and giving in to sleep before he numbly felt his body being picked up.

"…ey…. he…HEY!" Someone was calling out to him. Weakly turning his head, he could barely make out a face through the darkening haze of his own eyes. It looked like a man with a long beard, but he wasn't too sure. As his eyes drooped, he felt his body being violently shaken, the pain from his broken body protested and he managed a weak grunt in objection.

"Stay awake! You're going to be ok." The man was talking to him, at least the boy thought he was. He just wanted to be left alone.

'Just let me sleep for a little while.' The thought was so tempting, and he was so close. Yet when he felt himself start to slip into unconsciousness the man shook him yet again. His battered body felt another spike of pain course through him, stopping him yet again from resting.

"…ame...do….one?" Huh? Was he still talking? The ringing in the childs ears stopped him from fully catching anything the man said. His fuzzy focus wasn't exactly helping him any either. But even through the pain and confusion he felt a strange sense of relief. He couldn't place it, but something about the man put him at ease. It felt warm, safe.

Looking at the man once more the child forced himself to focus on his larger frame. The man was focused on something else at the moment. He looked like he was yelling at someone else, though his firm grip on the childs small frame made it clear he hadn't forgotten about him. The man was significantly older, and he looked tired in the boy's mind. His haggard unkempt beard and the worn-down look in his eyes were the most striking things about him.

The boy weakly attempted to reach up his broken right arm and touch the man. He wanted to be sure that in his final moments he wasn't just hallucinating. He wanted to make sure there really was someone here with him. The man took notice of the boys movement and gently grasped onto his hand. Holding it firmly he looked down at the one boy, the weary look in his eyes changing to a softer more caring expression.

The boy was happy. He'd rather fade away here than be devoured by those beasts. Speaking of which what happened to them? No, it didn't matter. He could finally go to sleep. When he woke up, he was sure he'd see his family.

Closing his eyes, he was surprised to find his body wasn't shaken but rather enveloped in a strange comforting warmth. Some of the pain alleviated and a settling peace cleared his foggy head. He was almost shocked when he heard the man question him again. He heard it so clearly that the reply escaped his lips before he even properly thought about the answer. With a slow weak voice, he managed to tell the man before drifting off into a peaceful slumber.

"What's your name kid?"

"Jaune…. Arc."

I really want to thank you guys for reading the first chapter of The Grimm Lands. This is my first work in years and I'm excited to not only see how far I've come as a writer but to share this story with all of you. More than anything I absolutely want to give a huge thank you to the beta reader of this story, OneWhoWanders. They have been such a huge help and if you haven't please check out their work. Other than that, I hope you enjoyed. Please leave a comment and I hope you'll check in for chapter two next week.