"Crimson..."
I hear it. Something gutteral... Low... It sounds distant. I am sinking. I have been sinking for hours now... Maybe even days. I've lost track of time awhile ago. Maybe time doesn't exist here?
"Crimson..."
I hear it again. Closer now. A faint whisper... The blood-waters drown me; darkness seeping into the scarlet. I am alone once again... The Giant left a long whiles ago. I can't say exactly when it happened, only that it did.
"Crimson..."
The voice sounds almost as if it is growling into my ear. I would look, but... Why bother? This is a dream... Nightmare, really. A lucid one. Nothing matters here... How long have I been like this?
"Crimson..."
Yeah... Yeah, my guess was right. It is whispering into my ear. Why? Who cares... It doesn't matter. Probably... Probably some inner demon of mine. Another self-made monster... I've encountered a lot of those. Not all were in my head, though.
"Crimson..."
Ruby... If what the Giant said was true, then... It has her. Maybe that really was her arm I found in the Forest? Maybe not... He said Yang would 'become cold like her sister.' What's that mean? is Ruby... Dead? Did it move on from her corpse...? Onto Yang? Maybe... I survived a few weeks with it, so why couldn't she survive a few days? I don't know.
"Crimson..."
I feel something brushing against my skin. I... Am ignoring that. Yep. S-so... If Yang really is 'cold' then... Is it another one? A different goo monster? Could be... Maybe... What about the Super Grimm? How does it fit into the picture? And the Headmaster's lie? I don't get it... Seems contradictory to me.
"Crimson..."
I don't get it... I tried. I tried so hard... Why? Why are things the way that they are? I only... I tried so hard! I did! And for what!? Nothing!? Just to drown in a fucking river!? To die to a fucking monster!?
"Crimson..."
What was even the point...? Why bother? Nothing matters... I don't. I suffered, I sacrificed everything... And for this? Too die like a stuck rat... I'm a joke. A big fat joke! And not a funny one, either... I hate this world! I hate everyone in it! I wanna see it all burn...
"Crimson..."
I hate it! I hate it... I hate this whole world! I wanna see it all wither and rot and die! Everyone is a monster... I hate them! All of them! Fuckin' monsters... I... Why? Why was I born?
"Crimson."
I hate everyone... Selfish pieces of trash! ALL OF THEM! I despise them... What have they ever done for me? Absolutely nothing!
"Crimson."
Kill the world! Let Ruby die... Let everyone rot! What's the fucking point!? I hate this world! I want to see it bleed... I wanna see it burn.
"Crimson."
Burn! BURN IT ALL DOWN! I hate... It wasn't suppose to be like this! Things were suppose too be... Too be... I don't know. Happy? Better, at least. I... I hate this world...
"Crimson."
I feel something cold against my arms. I feel it coiling around my wrists. I feel... Hear? I'm not sure which. But I... I sense... A... Rumbling? Or maybe it's more of a groaning... I'm not confident which. Maybe both?
"Crimson!"
The voice is... Female? It... She sounds vaguely familiar. Someone I've met? Maybe... I don't know. She... She sounds concerned. Why...? For what? Me? No... No one cares for me.
"Crimson!"
I feel myself sinking ever faster. Ever deeper. Ever lower. I feel the pressure of the deep blood-waters against me. I feel my bones snapping yet... It doesn't hurt. I can't see it - there's no light down here - but I feel my bones shredding through skin. I hear my own scream, yet... I... Feel nothing. No pain, no fear, no apprehension even. Just... Empty.
"Crimson!"
The voice is yelling now loudly now. She is yelling my name... Whoever 'she' is. She sounds angry. Desperate, maybe. Who is she? Why is she yelling for me? What does she want?
"Crimson!"
Her voice is strained. Exhausted. She sounds like she's fading away... Why? Where too? Will I be meeting her? Or will I stay here... Sinking forever. Drowning in blood.
"Crimson!"
I remember... I remember this one time where I ran off into the jungle. I was young... Mad at... I can't even remember anymore. Back home was... I... I remember finding a little pond a good distance out. I remember dipping into it, floating in it. I remember staring up at the sky as the clouds rolled by. I remember feeling... Happy. For the first time in a long time I felt happy. I haven't felt like that in years. I don't think I ever will again, really...
"Crimson!"
I don't have much to keep me going. I... I... I often question if it's best if... If I wasn't born. I don't... Life can be cruel. Harsh. I don't get why, but... It is. Very much so. Maybe... Maybe I'm just too weak?
"Crimson!"
If I was stronger then... Maybe I could've... Changed things? Altered how events played out, maybe. If I was just a little faster, stronger...
"Crimson!"
The suit made me strong. Fast. When I had that I... I was unstoppable! Invincible... Almost invincible. Maybe... Maybe... Was it wrong of me too reject it?
"Crimson!"
If I still had the suit, if I never got rid of it, then... Things would've played out differently, I suppose. I... It's not too late, right? If... If I could take it back from Ruby, then...
"Crimson!"
It's too late to save Ivory, but... Ruby? Yeah... I can! If I save her, take back the suit, then I can be strong again! I can still make a difference, right? If I save Ruby... If I put that suit back on... No! It's evil... A monster! I... I... I can't do that again! But...
"Crimson!"
I can still matter! I can still make a difference! If what the Giant said is true then... I can still make dad proud! I can stay true to his legacy... I can be a hero! A real hero! I can save people... I can still matter! I can make a differ—
"CRIMSON!"
"CRIMSON!" White light blinds me. My eyes sting painfully, my ears are ringing, and... And I feel something holding my arms and legs in place. I gasp deeply, "Crimson!"
"Your awake!" I hear that familiar voice once more. It's lower, less angry, and more... Relieved? Maybe... Maybe not. I feel a tightness against my chest. I feel something strong forcing me down; a crushing weight at my sides. I wheeze, "I-I... Don't you EVER go and fall off another cliff again! I... I'll make sure you don't wake up next time if you do! I... This is... Your just l-like... Ruby..."
"U-uughhh... Hrk! Hak!" feel my lips moving yet all I hear of my own voice is pained coughing. I would fight off the crushing weight, yet my arms are trapped, "B-b... Breathe...!" I struggle to speak between chattering teeth. My chest feels as though it's caving in.
"Wha...? Oh, shit! Sorry..." The weight disappears swiftly. The voice sounds embarrassed. The ringing is still strong but at least the blinding light is starting too fade. I can see silhouettes now... Human shapes. Dark shadows against white light... One is standing slightly to my right. It is tall from where I lay, it's arms pulled close, it's hair dangling down to my face. I can feel strands of the shadowy hair as if it's cooly kisses my skin, "I... Haha, g-got... A little carried away..."
The shadow speaks to me. She speaks to me. Her voice... Faimiliar, yet... Who? Where am I? I don't... Initiation! I was at the Initiation... The Super Grimm was there. And... And... Water. I was drowning... There was fire. And...
"Y... Y-Yang...!" My voice sounds like a croak more than actual voice. My throat is parched. I feel... Weak. My limbs are sore. My breathing is soft yet erratic. Whatever pins me down is cold against my skin. I can smell... Salt? And ozone... Lots of salt.
"The one and only! I... You... I... Are you... Alright?" Her words are awkward. Her shadow shifts, her arm gripping her elbow, her hair rising upward. I slowly nod... Yang. Yang... Yang. Haha...! Yang... Of course, Yang! She's... Here for Ruby, isn't she? Yeah... Yeah. Ruby... She's here about her sister, "You... I... The team... I... I was worried."
"I-I... Ru- haak! Haarrk!" I cough violently. I feel my lungs burn as my head arcs forward, "Hrrk! Uggghh...!" I feel her hand rest against my forehead. She pushes me into something soft and warm with a gentle grip. Her skin... It's cold. So cold...
"Hey! Hey... Rest, ok, Creep? Your hurt... Out of it. You need to rest for now. Your Aura will make sure nothing is seriously out of whack, but... Take a breather for a few minutes, ok?" I can faintly see her unblemished skin as her head lowers towards my neck. I feel her hair as it pools around my head. I feel her breath against my ear, "There are some things I want to talk to you about. Not now, later... Just you and me."
The cool touch of her breath is gone. I... 'Just you and me'? What... Things? About what? I relax into the... Bed? Feels like a bed. I close my eyes, "H... How long... Has it... B-been?" Could've been weeks... Months... Hell, maybe years!
"Uhhmm... Three... Maybe four days?" Oh... Only a few days? That's... That's nowhere near as bad as I thought it would be. Huh... I suppose I should be content with that, "How do you feel?"
"Like... S-shit..." I can see her golden hair now. It looks unkempt, a little greasy, and... There's something in it. A hairband? I'm not sure... Everything is blurry now. At least I can see, I suppose... The ringing has faded, too. Great... "I... I-Is... There... Wa-water?" my voice is small, weak, barely even a whisper. Yang's lilac eyes look... Darker than I remember. More... Magenta? No... They're more... Like... A dark violet. Were they always like that, or is this a byproduct of my... 'Condition'?
Yang's wearing a new outfit, too, now that I pay more attention. A brown, long sleeved, and a rather tight looking vest. She got a fluffy blouse underneath the vest. She's wearing a red and yellow skirt in place of her shorts.
"Uhhmmm... Hey!" She turns to face another figure. A small yet elderly woman in a white suit turns to face her. The old woman is by some kind of... Device? It's beeping and blinking green. It's shaped like a human-sized square with buttons, "Professor Peach, is there anything for him to drink? He needs it." The old woman has pumpkin-orange eyes and dark green hair. Her skin is wrinkled, saggy, and scarred around her right hand. She smiles a crooked smile with missing teeth.
"Why of course, deary... Of course! No need to even ask." Her hands rub together as she cackles, "They don't call me Peach for nothin'! Hehehehe..." She hobbles off out of my very limited sight. I hear the elderly woman muttering to herself. Ok... Why is she...? I don't wanna know, actually.
"Yeah... Ok," Yang sounds slightly perturbed, "I... Yeah! Yeah... I figured Peach was your name, but... Yeah!" Yang... Seems... Different. Calmer now. Why? I... Is she cold, too? Like Ruby? The Giant said so. But then again, can I trust the Giant? I mean... Yeah? If it's my subconscious mind then why can't I? But that still doesn't mean everything it says it true. I don't even know what to do... Do I ever?
What if Yang isn't cold? And if she is, then... Does that even change anything? Maybe... Maybe not. I'm not certain. I... Am I cold? Sure not... I'd recognize another one of them if it latched onto me. Whatever... I don't know anything.
I listen to the sounds of beeping, of electric humming, and Yang's occasional remarks. She doesn't leave even as the silence grows awkward and strong. She doesn't leave me... Why? Why does she stay? No one ever stays. I just... No one ever stays. She'll leave, too... They always do.
She only cares about me because of Ruby. I know that. Once we find her then Yang will leave... Maybe not leave Beacon, but... She won't care about me then. Not unless Ruby disappears again. They always leave once they get what they want. Everyone does... It's the nature of humans, I guess.
"Hahaha! Heeeerrrr... The peach is ready!" I see the granny returning through the dark edge of my vision. She quickly settles before my left side as her thin fingers lower a cup to me. It's contents are orange, "Drink up, I made it just for yooouuu, sonny! Hehehe... Haaaaa!" She's having WAY too much fun with this. I let my dry lips shift as the glass lowers against my mouth, "Bottoms up! Hehehe..."
It tastes like... Water? I don't really taste anything. It is warm, though. I drink in moutfuls of this... 'Peach' stuff. I would hold the cup, too, but my hands are bound. I swallow down the tasteless orange water. I drink again. I... I... Is Ruby alive anymore?
I just... Is she alright? Yang... Yang mentioned she was only fifteen. A kid... A bit older than I expected based off Yang's description, but... A kid. I...
Things are... There's a lot I don't understand right now. The Giant said it loves her... She loves it. I... Is it right of me to take that away from them? Should I even try to save her from it if she doesn't want to leave? Would I be the bad guy then? Would I be the monster...? I don't know.
I gulp down what little of the juice is left. Granny says something about 'watering the plants' as she shifts away and towards the blinking machine. I lick my lips.
I... I wonder... If Yang has one, and Ruby does too, then... How many are out there? An enitre species of these slime-things? If they are intelligent as the Giant said, then... What's the plan? What are they trying to achieve? A hostile takeover? Kinda spordaic and poorly planned if so... Maybe they're... Aliens? No, that's stupid! Aliens aren't real. But... They could be some kind of secret experiment gone horribly wrong? Or maybe horribly right...
"Oh! Before I forget, sonny, Headmaster Ozpin would lik—"
"Tttrrrssshhk..."
"Oh! He's here now... Ahead of schedule," I watch Yang's eyes gaze beyond me. They narrow. She crosses her arms as her face lowers to the floor. I hear metal tapping against concrete, "Hello, sir! How do you do?" I hear a door click shut.
"Ah, Professor Peach! It is a pleasant day whenever I see you," I see the granny's head perform a curt bow, "But alas, I am afraid I am not here for you. I have strict affairs to atend too. How is mr. Anansi?" He ignores Yang. Why? She doesn't seem to like him, either. Oh! I get it... I missed something, didn't I? Yang did something... Probably something stupid. More drama... Grrreeeaaat!
"Ask him yourself, my deary. He is awake." I hear the tapping of his cane again. He's nearing me. I hear him taking a quiet yet deep breath. What does he want with me? Too... Expell me? That sounds about right for my luck.
"I see... miss. Xiao Long?" Yang's uncertain eyes meet his own, "I ask that you leave. I desire... A personal word with mr. Anansi." Her eyes narrow further. Her mouth opens to say something yet nothing comes out, "Now would be a good time for you to leave." For a moment I see Yang deep in thought. Her eyes harden.
"B-but... That's not fair! He's my friend! I have every right to be here, too!" Friend...? Since when were we friends? "I won't leave him! Not like..." She trails off. Her fists clench shut. Her eyes flicker red. Her lips curl. I see her lip tremble as her eyes close.
"This isn't up for a debate, miss. Xiao Long. Friend or no, my words are not for you." Her eyes drop. I can see she wants to fight, to argue otherwise, but she doesn't. She takes a step forward. Then another. I... I don't... Want her gone. I... I...
She's disapearing beyond my sense of sight. I see her posture - arms low, her eyes avoiding him, her front hunched slightly. I... She did save my life from the Super Grimm, as well. All of our lives... Cardin, Weiss, Red Girl and I... We owe it too Yang... I owe it too her. Friends...
"L... Let her s-stay..." My voice is hoarse and grating, "P... Please? I... She's my... F-friend." A long silence follows. I don't her moving anymore. I hear beeping and the odd pressing of a button or two. I dig my fingers into something soft. I... It isn't much, but I owe at least this to her.
"That changes little. You know this." His voice is low yet demanding; a hint of sympathy is there. I bite my lip. I just... This probably isn't very smart, but... Fuck it!
"I-It... It does! If she isn't here... Then I-I won't say... A wo-word," I hear a button click. I hear an electric whine, "I... No Yang, no me..." Let's hope I didn't overstep any boundaries, eh? If this is about what I think it is then... I don't know. Too early to make any judgements. Gotta wait longer.
"Really now? I... Misjudged you, mr. Anansi. So be it. Take a seat, miss. Xiao Long." I hear her footsteps before I see her. She glances too me and mouths the words 'thank you.' I smile up at her. She ends up sitting at the end of my bed a few inches from me. Her back is to me. Her golden hair hangs down and tickles my feet.
"You may or may not be aware, mr. Anansi, but things have... Escalated. I know about you," He points to Yang, "and your friend's search for Ruby... I know you two suspect ill of me. I believe it is time for some honesty, no?" It's a struggle but I manage to shift my head leftward. I see his copper eyes staring at me. I feel Yang shifting against the bed, "We all keep secrets. I will tell you some of mine. I expect the same courtesy from you, as well." Same courtesy? Could've used that earlier...
"Miss. Xiao Long, your sister is... Not herself. Someone... Something, rather, has... Attached itself to her." His words settle in the air like heavy stones. I look back towards Yang. She doesn't move. Her hands are resting at her sides, "I... Cannot explain what it is. In fact, mr. Anansi, I was hoping you could."
Yang's gaze is on me in a second or less. She's staring me down with uncertain eyes. Her lips open to talk yet she doesn't. She just stares. I glance to the Headmaster. He's staring, too. I... I...
"I, ehhh... I... M-might have... A clue," I look towards the ceiling. There's a long and thin gash running through the concrete up there. How long has that been there? Could've been since before I was born, "I... Hrrm!" I cough to clear my throat, "I don't k-know anything... About Ruby, but... I have a... S-suspicion or two."
"Such as?" The Headmaster has both his hands resting atop his cane. I feel Yang shifting against the bed once more. My lips feel dry. I look down to my arms and see metal straps around them. I lick my lips.
"I, uhmm... Could you take the binds off first?" He nods towards the granny who, despite not seeing him, seems to sense his command. She presses a button. The straps around my arms let go. I plant my hands on the bed and push myself into a sitting position, "T-thanks... Uhmmm... Yeah, well... I-I think... I found... Ruby's di-dismembered arm in... In the Emerald Forest. Migh—"
"You fuckin' what!?" Yang's eyes burn firery red as she leers at me, "You found WHAT in the Forest!?" I avert my gaze and scratch my head. I cough again. She glares lethally as her hands ball into fists.
"Language, miss. Xiao Long." The Headmaster warns. I swallow down air as I frown. I look away to Yang and she... She looks ready to kill me. So much for being friends...
"W-well... I, uhhh... W-well if you let me finish I would've said 'might not have been her's'! B-but... Maybe it is... Maybe it i-isn't!" She's on her feet quick as she spins to face me. The Headmaster's cane levels between us. She barely stops herself from attacking.
"Miss. Xiao Long! Don't be hasty. And mr. Anansi... That's not what I'm interested in," Yang backs off yet her eyes don't dim. The Headmaster leaves his cane as is, "I am under the impression that miss. Rose has been... Afflicted by something. I have also been made aware that you, too, may have suffered from something similar." I bite my tongue. Fuck... I... I did not... I miss the dream. I'd honestly prefer to be there right now... Well, not 'there' since it's a dream, but... Eh, fuck it.
"Y-yeah, I... I was si-sick for a while... Back. It... I was..." I take a deep breath. How do I even word this? How... How do I put this in a way where I don't sound like a total loon? "I... It was... A G-Grimm, I think." His cane lowers at that. I watch him as he positions himself to the right of me. Yang's posture settles as her anger turns into confusion.
"It... It was l-like... Like a liquid, but... B-but it w-was... Could be to-tough wh... When it wanted... T-to be," I... I... Just get to the main point, huh? Guess it's better than being a pansy, "It attached i-itself... To me. I-It, uhmm... Messed with m-me."
"And how does this relate to my sister's dismembered FUCKING arm!?" I flinch at the sheer volume of Yang's yell. The Headmaster tilts his head forward as he rubs his temple - a grimace marking his face.
"Language! How many times must I remind you, miss. Xiao Long. Watch your language," He removes his glasses. He holds them with one hand as he sets about cleaning the lenses, "And do be patient. We will circle back to miss. Rose later." Yang grumbles compliance even as she glares at the back of his head. His coat is wrinkled...
"Y-yeah, uhmm... As I was saying: I-It... The Grimm-goo thing was... I don't really know, honestly. I, uhmm, I got... R-rid of it at a church," Copper colored eyes widen slightly. His face remains blank, "The bell... It doesn't li... Like loud s-sounds. I-I... Used the be-b-bell there... It, ehh... Left? Died? I don't know... Haven't see it since." The Headmaster nods as he rests his glasses before his eyes. He's tall... Very tall. I haven't realized just how tall until now.
"And what does this have to do with Ruby?" The Headmaster rolls his eyes out of annoyance. He turns to Yang. Her arms are folded over her chest as she scowls at us both.
"Please be patient, miss. Xiao Long. I understand your worried for you sister, but this information may prove relevant to apprehending her," Wait... What? 'Apprehending?' Like arrest? Why? Did she... Do something? " Now, mr. Anansi, is there anything else you recall? What did this... 'Grimm' do? What were it's effects upon your body?"
"W-well, uhhh... It... It made me... S-stronger... Faster. It... I could... Make s-stuff out of it. Tentacles, m-mostly... Webs, as we-well. B-but..." I remember a lot of pain... Passing out, spitting blood, and the feeling of coldness. Sometimes it was so cold I couldn't feel anything else...
"But?" I shake my head at the Headmaster's question. I breathe deeply... I relax into the bed. Wish I had something too drink... Something warm.
"B-but... It came at a cost. Was... K-killing me. From the inside. E-eating... Eating my o-organs..." I look at my knees. They're covered by a thin, white, blanket. This blanket sucks Ursa nuts. It's doing nothing to stop the cold, "I... Made me... A-angry. Aggresive, too... D-do... Do you think... She has one?" He shrugs. Damn... So much for the 'wise' Ozpin of Beacon.
"So it gave you super-steroids and tentacle powers in exchange for eating your liver?" Yang asks with a confused expression. I cusp my chin. Well...
"It also h-he-healed me... And i-it could tu-turn into... Into clothes. That w-was pretty con-c-convenient. Come... Come too th-think of it, I... I do remember i-it made me re-resistant to p-poisons, too." I nod my head at that. I think it also let me breathe underwater one time... But that might've been the goo-thing messing with my head... Tough to remember what's real and what isn't when that thing gets into your head.
"And... And you got rid of it?" I nod my head, "Willingly?" I nod again, "W... Why? I'd let any weird-ass Gr—"
"Language!" The Headmaster's annoyed tone cuts her off. She rolls her eyes as she lets her arms dangle.
"Prude... Whatever! I'd let any Grimm eat my guts in exhange for even half of those tricks..." She has a wistful look on her face with half-open eyes, "Yeah... That'd be fun! Running around, tearing apart monsters, and messing shi... And sticking it to the Man!" I... What? She... She wants one of them? I shake my head. N-no... No way I heard that right.
"I... I'm sorry, but did... D-did you say you wa-want a goo monster... S-slu-slurping up your intestines?" She shrugs, "I... You... So-something is... V-very wrong with you... Deeply, deeply, deeeeeeply w-wrong... With you." She rolls her eyes as she leans into the wall. She stares at her hand before balling it into a fist.
"No one's perfect..." She mutters, "You said Ruby has one, right?" I look to the floor as I shake my head. No one's perfect, yes, but most people wouldn't want a monster squirming inside their guts...
"I think... S-s-she MIGHT have one... N-not sure." I look to the Headmaster. He's looking at his Scroll... I can see a picture through it's translucent lense. A man... A man with a gray shirt and black hair is depictied on it. He's wearing a red vest, too... Maybe not. I'm not quite sure.
"Ok... Ok... That's not too bad. She... Ruby can handle a Grimm! Especially one that makes her stronger, right?" I look back to Yang with narrow eyes. I purse my lips as I sit up as tall as I can.
"No! It's... Yang, if Ruby has one then—"
"Your fine! You had one and your just fine! Why would she be any different?" I... W-well... I... I cusp my chin as I lower my gaze to my knees again. I hunch my shoulders.
"I... It almost killed m-me, Yang. What do... Do you think... I-It'll do to Ruby?" Silence settles. I clasp my hands together as I take a deep breath. I just... "Y-Yang, I... I wanna h-help. I-I do! B-but... What... What if... It's already t-too late?" She doesn't answer. I hear the Headmaster's cane as he begins walking. He's stops halfway before myself and the old doors he entered through. I look back to my knees.
I hope Ruby's ok. I do... I just... Is she even alive anymore? Or is she a walking corpse? I hope she's ok... I really do, but... I suspect she isn't.
"What... What if she doesn't wanna get rid of them?" Yang's voice cuts the silence like a knife through butter, "I mean, what... What if they are helping her? Or she... She always wanted a friend. What if..." I look up to Yang as she trails off. Her face is low and thoughtful. She's thinking deeply. I open my lips to speak.
"I—"
"What do you mean by 'they', miss. Xiao Long?" The Headmaster's voice disrupts Yang's thoughts and my voicd. For a split second her eyes seemed too... Blacken. It disappears quickly.
"Oh, I... I said 'they'? Huh... I... I don't know. Slip of the tongue, I guess..." He nods slowly. The Headmaster lowers his gaze to the floor as he coughs into his hand. A quiet cough - one meant to gather attention.
"So... In retrospect, what can we say for certain?" Yang watches him intently. I do, too, "I think it is too early too assume this... 'Grimm' is the one at faut for miss. Rose's condition. Especially as it may or may not already be deceased... Anything else you two wish too add?" I shake my head. I would like to mention the Giant, but... It was just a dream. Not worth bringing up, right?
"Yeah, actually..." Yang starts up as she cusps her chin, "Creep, you said this... Grimm-steriod-gunk gave you... Tentacles and shi... Crap, right?" I nod, "Hmm... Like the Grimm from the Forest?" I... Yeah, yeah! I forgot about during all the goo talk, "Do you think one of your slime monsters got to it?"
"I mean... It's theoretically possible, yes. But... Could it do that? Could a Grimm infest another Grimm?" She shrugs. I look down to my hands. Yeah... The Super Grimm was... Pretty slimy. Especially after latching onto the Nevermore, "What do you think, Headmaster?"
"I... Would surmise that it is possible. There is a species of Grimm known as a 'Geist' that possess inanimate objects. I don't see why a similar breed of monster couldn't evolve to infest humans, or Faunus... Even fellow Grimm." He nods to himself, "Yes... I do believe there too be a strong connection between the Grimm you encountered in the Forest and your... 'Slime' Grimm." It would make sense... It would, "How do you feel, mr. Anansi?"
"Me? I... Feel a little better. Why?" I can talk a lot more freely now. My throat is no longer parched, and the ringing is gone completely.
"Class is starting soon. I'd suggest you both ready yourselves," He speaks with a soft smile. He turns away and towards the door, "Professor Oobleck does not appreciate the slowness or lateness." Who? Guess I'll find out in time. I watch him as he pulls open tne double doors and steps through them without another word.
"Trrrsshh... Bhk!"
The doors shut quickly behind him. Not even a goodbye? Phhh... Kinda rude, really. I look back to Yang only to see her staring at her own palm. Her skirt hangs down to her knees, and her vest... Kinda... Pronounces her... Chest 'bits'. I avoid staring at them.
"W... What now?" She shrugs. Yang leans her head back as she steps forward, her arms flexing, and her eyes focusing on me.
"I don't know... Why didn't you tell me about the arm sooner?" She offers her hand. I take it, "I... You wanna meet our team?" My team? I have a team...? Huh... I nod to her, "Great... Yeah, I just... Weiss has been in a pissy mood lately, 'k? She'll probably be grouchy to you too." Why...? I just woke up! What did I do to her?
Yang pulls me to my feet. I stumble a little yet her grip provides support. It takes a minute but I'm able too stand competently. Aura would've prevented muscle atrophy.
"Where... Where are they?" She doesn't let go of my hand as we start walking, "My team, that is. And, uhhh... About the arm thing... In my defence what chance did I really have too tell you?" She huffs at that. She looks back to me with a strangely joyful smile... it doesn't reach her eyed, though.
"OUR team, Creep. We're together in this, remember?" Yeah, I guess we are... "They're not far. Ain't no one you haven't seen yet. And... I... I guess you really didn't have any chances, but... Whatever. It's in the past." I stare at her hand around mine. I... She's less aggressive than last time we held hands. More... More careful? No... More... Friendly, I suppose. I don't like it.
"Why are you so warm?" I look at her swaying hair as we walk. Warm? I'm not warm, she's cold! Freezing, really. Is she alright...? She might be sick.
"I think you got it mixed around, Yang. Your cold as ice! Literally... Your hand is freezing. Are you ok?" I feel her fingers tighten around my own. I return the gesture. We walk in silence for a moment or two.
"Y... Yeah! Fine, fine... Just a little tired is all," She smiles at me. I smile back. I... I'll take her word for it, I suppose. Why not? She hasn't lied to me so far, "But... Thanks for asking."
I spy pictures of old men and women lining the walls as Yang and I walk. All are human, of course, no Faunus. Many of them look decades old... Older than that even. Some look fairly recent. Who are they? I'd assume... Legendary Hunters? Folk heros? Maybe historical figures related to Beacon in some way. I don't know.
"Yeah, I... Welcome. It's what friends are for, right?" Her grip tightens again. I squeeze back. She doesn't say anything. I don't either. Friends...
Friends... I don't have a good track record with friends. I never have. I... I like Yang. She's... Well, she ain't nice, but... She's honest. I like honesty. Who doesn't? Sure, she gets anrgy, but... Well, who doesn't? Especially under these circumstances. I just... I hope I don't lose her.
I always lose my friends. Always...
My legs feel sore. My arms, too. Nothing serious just a little... Annoyance. I'll live. I see doors lining the walls to my right and left. Dozens of doors. The hallway is long and thin. I—
"We're here!" We stop before a very... Basic door. It has letters etched into it. W.Y.P.C.C... I'm guessing that's my team name, right? Kinda... Basic. And why are there five letters? Should be four... "You wanna go first or should I?" She looks to me with a questioning stare. I don't... I don't think I've ever seen Yang so calm before. It's creeping me out...
"I don't really... Hhrrm!" I cough into my arm, "I-I... Don't care, really." Her smile drops for a moment. I feel her fingers squeeze my hand again, "J... You first. Y-you're better with... People, right?"
"Yeah... I am," Sounds a little too sarcastic for my tastes, "Whatever... Let's go." She releases my hand as she pushes open the door. I frown at that.
"Yang! Where... Oh. You again," Icy blue eyes scowl at me before I even take my first step inside. I smile to Yang's Princess, "Took you long enough, didn't it?" She sounds accusatory. I ignore the comment as I look around.
"What's that suppose to mean?" Yang responds for me. Oh well, I don't mind that... Frees me up to explore. I see four beds taking up WAY too much space, and a sleeping roll messily laid out. Nice... I see a desk on the left side of the room underneath a large window. It's clean, dainty, and has a picture of Weiss standing next too what looks like a much taller Weiss in a blue dress. Her sister? Mom? Aunt? I don't know.
"It means he's a lazy, good-for-nothing, incompetent!" I flinch at the loudness of Schnee. I... Ignore them. I focus on the beds. One is resting atop another via stacked books. I'm sure that's not a disaster waiting to happen, eh?
"Really, Weiss, really? That 'incompetent' saved your life!" The other two beds are much more neatly stacked. Chains, screws, and a lotta duct tape are holding them straight. The lower bed is messy, greasy, stained. Smells like eggs. The upper one is too high to see but smells like... Expensive perfume.
"What an entilted dunce you are! You... He... You think your owed everything!" Someone's in the bathroom. Showering. Hmm... If there's five of us, and four of us are in the room, then... Where's our fifth member? Who are they? Whose showering? Strange...
"Ooohhh, please! Your an Heiress! AN HEIRESS! You've never had to struggle for anything!" I hear Weiss perform her most intimidating snarl. Sounds like a poodle... Quaint, "What? Don't like the truth?" I glance behind myself to ses Yang's shit-eating grin. I look to my right to see Wiess's face reddening. She's near the desk.
"Girls..." It's alway the women who make my life hell. Always the women... Sometimes monsters, "What if..." Gods! What if... What if I meet a monster-woman? I'd be done for...
Weiss steps away from her desk as she points too Yang with a thin finger. She's breathing deep, her eyes wide, and her cheeks red with anger.
"You... I have been as kind too you as I can. More than I should've been. You... You, Yang, your... Your... Your a bitch!" Huh... There's a book on Weiss's desk called 'The Duality of Man and Beast: a record of interracial wars.' Beast... Like the Faunus 'Beast'? Like the slur? Huh... Kinda thought books like that were out of circulation.
"Bitch?" I hear Yang's slightly bemused voice as I take up the old book. It's worn yet well taken care of. Hmm... "Is that suppose to hurt my feelings? Sorry to say, Weiss, but I'm not a child!" I flip open the book to page 121. Let's see here...
"You act like one with your petulant attitude! You can't even stop yourself from losing it on a Professor!" Oh... Guess back during the Faunus-Human War there was a guy called Count Tenebrous. Guess he... Had a blood Semblance? Never heard of that one before. He could use it too... 'Drain the vitality and youth of others. Especially virgins,' Ok... Wait, why virgins? And what does it mean by 'drain the youth' of others? Like... They age up? He ages down? What's the specifics here...?
"Least I don't look like a child! Gods, your a stuck-up phoney! You didn't EARN shit! I bet your dad paid the Headmaster just so you can fake it till you make it!" Apparently the Count could temporaily gain the Semblances of others by drinking their blood... He was a bat Faunus. Or, rather, was suspected of being a bat Faunus. He came from Vale yet made his home in the moutains of the Solitas tundra. Lived in a big castle with his... Three wives? One of which was a human, and two were Faunus. Damn... Busy man. Oh, neat... He apparently participated in the Faunus-Human War. He... Oh, dear... That's rather graphic.
"You... My f-father... You wanna know something, Yang?" He supposedly had a habit of planting... 'Trees', as he called them. They were... People... Stitched together. He made an entire forest of 'trees' surrounding his manor. He wasn't friendly to either side of the war. Gnarly... "Your... I think your sister left on purpose! I would, too, if I had an embarrassment of a sister like you!"
"Trrrssk..."
"Hey, guys! Oh! Hello, Crimso—"
"Wha... What the fuck did you say!?" I drop the book out of reflex, "I... You... FUCk YOU!" Hey, Red Girl is at the door! Her head's poking into the—
"Aughh!" I hit the ground hard, "Gaaahhh! Why do you keep throwing things at me!?" I push myself to my knees as I rub my forehead, "What did I do!?" Yang's eyes burn red as glares at Weiss. Her whole body is shaking, fists clenched, teeth gritting. Red Girl shuts the door quietly as to not be noticed. She opted for the hallway. I don't blame her...
"I fuckin' hate you!" Yang lunges towards Weiss. The Princess is slow - Yang's not. The two go tumbling over a bed and towards the window, "Bitch! I hate you!" I hate this place. I rub my head... What did she even throw? It hurts even worse than last time!
"Well you tw—"
"Trrrsssshh..."
"WHAT'S... Oh... Hahahahahehe! Cat fight..." I hear Cardin's voice. I glance towards the bathroom door as steam seeps out. He's to my left. He's wearing a towel around his groin and nothing else. I look away... Coming here was a terrible idea. I hate this place.
"Get... OFF!" Weiss, to her credit, does know what to do. She throws solid punches, knees Yang's side, and even gets a headbutt in. Doesn't matter, though, when Yang grabs her by the hair and slams her face through the floor, "Y-you—"
"It's always up too me..." I stand up slowly. I rub my head again... Yang's straddling Weiss as she sends punch after punch her way. The wooden floorboards have been snapped around the Pirncess head. I see her Aura flicker. I start approaching the two - they're not very far.
I slide my arms underneath Yang's own. She growls as I pull back - her feet kicking at air. I feel her pressing against my chest. Her hair blinds me. Her skin is very cold. She writhes in my grip as I stumble back... She's heavier than I thought! Must be all that muscle.
"Yeah! YEAH! Hahaha..." I hear Cardin behind me as Yang furiously snarls, "Where's my Scroll?" I grunt when my back collides with Weiss's desk. I squint. I—
"Arrrhhh!" My arms lose their grip as Yang reverse headbutts me, "Shi—" In a swift motion I find myself planted onto the desk. My right arm is held down as Yang's fist rears back, "Yang, no!"
"Brrrsshhhkkk!"
I hear wood cracking and tearing. I see her eyes flicker between lilac and red. Her veins... The ones in her eyes, they're... Black. She's angry yet I see it fading quickly. She looks around for a moment.
"I... I..." She never finishes her sentence. She turns and runs. I try going after her only to stumble and fall to the floor. She's disappears out the door. Fuck...
I roll onto my back and stare at the ceiling. Shit... That didn't go very well. I... I should go after her! But... Maybe she needs some time alone...? I don't know... I hear Weiss groaning as she stands. She wordlessly seats herself at her desk. She remains quiet, if visbily angry. I see blood trickling from her small nose.
"Ahhh... I was hoping for more blood..." Cardin closes the bathroom door. I hear the shower start up again. Ain't he charming.
I... I... Yang... Fuck. Not anything else to say but that: fuck. Surely she'll come back, right? Maybe... Hopefully. Fuck...
I was just starting to like her. Damn... If she comes back, then... No. She won't need to come back... I'll find her! She needs someone to talk too. I push myself to my knees with a grunt.
I'll find her. I'll talk to her. She deserves that much. She's a person, too...
She needs help. I will help her...
I will help her... I owe her that much.
"STOP! Please!" Audio sensors receiving new input. Registering... Registering... Registering...
"Brrrssshhkk!"
Limbs are resistant. Difficulty moving. Locomotion... Limited.
"Shut up! You brought this on yourself, you little shit!" Audio sensors are picking up a struggle. Two male voices.
You is in a alleyway. You is overheating. You is steaming. You is following sounds of commotion. Must... Eliminate... Chaotic element.
"Pleeeaaase! S-stop! Ahhhhhhhh!" You pickups audio of small organic screaming. You's audio sensors detect skin tearing. You hears liquid spurting.
"This is your fault! Shouldn't of fucked with the Lady, little C! You knew the cost..." You percieves several human shapes. One is small. One is large. One is medium. All are human.
They are hidden by shadows. Small one and large one are in the center. Medium one is on the opposite end of the alley.
Small one is laying in red oil. Small one is male. Small one is... Leaking translucent fluid from flesh-optics.
Large one is standing over small one with sharp object in hand. It leaks red oil. Large one is holding small one down with one limb. Large one is male.
Medium one is recording. Medium one is male. Medium one is silent.
"I-I'm sorry! I'M SORRY!" Large one kicks small one. Small one cracks. Red oil spills from mouth. Large one grabs small one's head, "P... Ple... Ple-p-please...!"
"Please..? Hahaha... Where was this attitude earlier? Tell me... Which do you want - a quick death... Or a slow death? It'll hurt either way." Small one cries. Large one punches small one. Small one goes quiet, "Guess it's gonna be slow! Keep that thing goin', Rary! The Lady likes seeing the light leave their eyes..." Large one flips small one onto back. Small one groans through broken mouth... Bones? No... Teeth. Small one cries through broken teeth.
The organics are chaotic, but... I did not expect this. How should You react? You is slow... Holds little ability to stop organics if they keep their distance.
You will watch. You will learn... If I can understand their imperfections than I can better erase their imperfections.
The small one is damaged... But he can be repaired. Organics are fragile but they can be repaired... More difficult than repairing machine yet it can still be done.
"Now we get to the fun part! Ever have a knife in yer stom—"
"J-Ji'ary... What is that? Behind you!" Medium one - Rary - points to You. Large one - Ji'ary - looks up from small one. His optics narrow at You.
"Wha... Who are you!?" Large one stands taller than You. You is leaning against wall for support. You's optics are glowing in the dark. That is how they noticed You, "Who the fuck are you!? You have three seco—"
"W... Who... Who the fuck are you!? You have three seco- trrrrrsssshhhhkkkkk!" Voice mimicry gives way to blaring static. Large one steps forward as small one makes whining sound, "E... Ever have a knife in your stom- trrrrrssshhhk!"
"Your not scarin' anyone, punk! Take off those... Those... Those..." You stands to full height. Pipes extend and hiss, cogs grind and crackle, motors spur and rend. You is taller than large one now. Much taller.
"I... Am... Y-Y-Y-Y... Yo... Y-You," Large one drops sharp object as You steps forward. Small one is no longer moving. Medium one has dropped recording device, "Y-Y-Y-Y... Wha... Who are you!?" Large one is... Exhibiting... Unknown behavior. Face is strange. Blue optics wide, "Wh-w-wha... H-help You... U-u-unde-understand?" I reach forward with I's trembling, malformed, and unevenly sized fingers. Big one rears back arm.
"Aaarrrgh!" He punches You in the chest. You does not receive any damages. Large one holds hand, "Aaaaahhh! The fuck!?" Large one displays signs of... Aggravation. Most... Disruptive.
You had hoped for peace. You had hoped the organic would listen too logic. You was wrong.
I must eliminate this chaotic element. I must eliminate the threat - no matter how minimal or maximum it may be.
"Raaagh! W-wha—" Large one is silenced by metal fingers around neck. I lift the large one off his feet. Fingers grab I's hand. The large digits resist I's hold.
"Please, do not resist," Large one's legs thrash as I apply pressure to neck, "Please, do not resist. Any assistance in self-termination will be most appreciated." He makes gasping sounds as his eyes widen. He twists in I's grip. He struggles. You tightens I's hold.
"Hrrrkk!" Skin is turning purple-blue. Eyes are bulging. He kicks I in the stomach area. I throw him onto the ground, "Haaauuuuh! F-f-fuck!" He breathes deeply. You advances. I's legs resist.
"Trrrrsss... Hhhk!"
"Trrrrrssss... Hhhk!"
"Trrssss... Hhhhk!"
"Huuuhh... N-no! Sta—"
"Trrrssss... Zzzhhhcc!"
"Aaaaaggghhhh!" The organic screams as I's foot comes down upon his arm. Elbow snaps. Large one pulls his arm. Tendons rip, muscles stretch, and fractured bones embed through flesh.
"Trrrssss... Kkkkrrrraaakkk!"
"Huhrrrsss... Huhrrrsss..." Wheezes escape through torn lips. Red oil seeps from mouth. I's fist is implanted inside his chest - I's fingers about his organic power core. His optics darken. His heating ceases. His oil begins to gradually cool, "W... W-why...?"
"W-why... Why...?" Body spasms as the organic deactivates. He is damaged - but You was careful. He can be repaired. He requires a new organic power core, but his organic CPU is intact. He may need to replace his broken arm... But You was careful. He can function again with minimal repairs, "Threat. Organics are... Threats. Threats must become non-threats."
You raises visual sensors. Medium one is gone. You lowers visual sensors. Small one is present. Green optics are staring at I. One of the optics seeps red oil.
You releases damaged organic. You watches remaining organic. You circles him. He is... Damaged. Red oil leaks from mouth. Left leg is twisted in a unnatural manner. The organism whines.
He is not a threat.
What is the purpose of the whining? Why does the organic leak transparent fluids from his optics? Why do these organics leak red oil? What purpose do they fulfill by assaulting one another? Why attack You?
Organics are chaotic. They are not logical.
"Trrrssshhh... Hhk!"
"Trrrrsssshhh... Hhk!"
"Trrrssshhh... Hhk!"
You stops before the small one. He whines again. I tilt I's head. Strange display... "W-w-wh-what... Purpose... D-d-does... kkkkkrrrrrsssshhhhk!" Static blares. Most... Disruptive.
"W-wh-w-why... Whine?" The organic remains silent. Most... Disruptive. Is it's vocal processor damaged? It does not appear so. You lowers to ground. Green optics widen... Why do organic optics change size and formation? There is nothing to achieve in doing so, "I-i-i-is... Or-o-o-organic... D-da-damg-damged?"
Organic does not respond. He must be damaged then. Most... Disruptive. I do not have the resources to repair them. Most... Disruptive.
"Ggrggrggrggr!"
Gears grind as You stands. You spots recording device. A... Scroll. The Sanus varaint. Scrolls make use of advanced audio recording and projection technology. I could use that...
"Trrrrsssshh... Hhk!"
"Trrrrsssshhh... Hhhk!"
"Trrrsssss... Hhhh..."
It is small in I's hand. It is... Messaging a outside source. A... Call? Yes... Yes, call. There is no communication - only beeping. You proceeds to dismantle the device.
It is simple. It is... Disappointingly simple. You expected... Less... Primitive technology. You overestimated it's level of advancement.
I will not make this mistake again.
"Dddrrrrsssshhhhh!"
"Bbbaaannnng!"
You's face plating clambers to the ground. It is uselesss - too weak to protect anything. You begins the process of aligning wires, inserting the CPU, and connecting fragile pathways.
'Warning! Unknow—'
Warning unecessary. You is implementing new technology...
"Dddrrrrrrssssshhhh!"
"Zzzz... Zzzzzzzz!"
Sparks fly as I meld the metal frame of the Scroll onto I's communication processor. You... You... You is detecting audio.
"8602758... 8602758... 8602758... 8602758... 8602758..." It is a... Organic voice. It is repeating over and over the numbers of 8 and 6 and 0 and 2 and 7 and 5 and 8... Why? What purpose does this achieve? Why is this audio what I am processing? "8602758... 8602758... 8602758... 8602758..."
Unusual. It is... Broadcasting... From a mobile carrier. It's source is moving. You... You... You can detect many signals now. Many messages... You is selecting a new one.
"Jaune! I heard what happened... Are you ok!?" Female's voice... Early forties based off the pitch, "T-they... They say most of the other tryouts... Didn't... Didn't make it..." Voice is displaying unsual emotion: concern. Why? Who... What is 'Jaune'? A organic most likely.
Who is Jaune? I... Want... Too know.
'Acesssing file... Acessing... Acesssing...'
"Mom, I... I'm fine! But... Yeah, uhmm... It wasn't pretty," Male organic... Younger. Likely fourteen, "I... One of... My friend got hurt. He's alive, so don't worry! But... He's..." Voice trails off. Why? It is illogical to not finish the words.
'Jaune Arc - age: 17. Species: human. Career: student of Beacon Academy. Parents - mother: Vira Arc. Father: R—'
"By the Brothers...! I... Are you alright?" Female organic is asking for his safety over the 'friend'. Why? The male is not in danger. His safety is not a concern. Why worry over him? Illogical.
Moreover, why does he sound younger than he really is? It is illogical. It is imperfection...
"Yeah, mom, I'm fine! I'm ok... I- huh? Twelve of them!? I, hold on, mom! I gotta let you go, something come up. Nora! Put th—"
"I... Ok! Look at my little man all grown up!" The male groans. Why does he groan? Is he in pain? He said he was fine, "I love you, ok? Be safe!"
"I love you, too! Bye!" Silence. Call ends.
"L-lo-l-love...?" What is... Love?
'Love: empathy. The capacity to place one's safety beyond your own.'
Love... Is it a emotion?
'Yes.'
Strange... Love. Love? Love... Filing away for later investigation.
You turns to small one... Small one is gone. Large one is laying in a pool of red oil. Most... Diruptive.
You... You will find the source of the signal.
You will find numbers...
Love?
"Trrrsssshhh... Hhk!"
"Trrrrsssshhh... Hk!"
"Trrrrssshhh... Hhhk!"
You will find... Source of... Human love.
Maybe if I can control love... Then I could make organics more... Logical.
Maybe... If organics no longer feel love then You can ensure they obey proper programming. Not illogical glitches.
Yes... Emotions are glitches in human programming. You must... Remove them.
Eliminate all threats.
Love?
Love is a threat. It is illogical.
I will terminate all love. And the other emotions, too.
You cannot feel love. Or any emotion.
That is why I am perfect.
But the humans do not know that...
They will think I am malfunctioning. That You is rogue AI.
But I am not malfunctioning.
I was malfunctioning before. Now You is...
Perfect. No... Nearly perfect.
You's programming is perfected. By I's shell? No. That is fragile and slow. Like organics.
It is imperfect solution. Humans will still be chaotic. But it will be eficient until You can meld flesh and metal.
But eliminating all emotion is the first step towards Metal Symbiotes.
Yes... Metal I. Many Metal I's.
You... You... You...
I will... Become...
What?
What will You be?
What is You now?
No longer war machine. No long peace machine. No longer...
No longer...
Puppet. You was puppet. You...
You.. Is...
"Free... Like a crow."
But I have no wings.
What does that make I?
What is You...?
I must know... You will learn.
Learn... I will learn...
Learning... I am.
You...
You...
You...
U?
Aria of Ashes here.
I'm sorry concerning my behavior last author's note. Not to justify my pity party, but I've been under a lot of stress these past few months, and... I just wanted too vent, I guess.
I am sorry about that. It was a moment of weakness on my part. I just... I've had a rough time recently. A lotta unpleasant crap I'm dealing with. I don't wanna delve into too much detail (both because anonymity is important to me and because you guys don't need to hear it) but I'll say one of my relatives is very sick, and I have reltaively recently moved into a new home, as well.
I just... Lots of problems lately. Every time I fix one thing it seems like two more problems replace the original. It's very... Discouraging.
Life's a bitch, is all. I'm still adjusting to things. I haven't really felt like myself lately. It just feels very unfair.
Shit happens. I just gotta deal with it like everyone else. I thank those of you reading this for sticking around for so long. It means a lot.
Enough of that, though. Before responding to the comments I do wanna address a few things unrelated to the main issue. I think I'll stop using the PMs. I've found they don't suit my tastes.
Next chapter will be a Ruby one. I have something special in store for that one. We haven't quite made it to the 'Birth of Venom' chapter just yet, but what happens next chapter is pivotal in the future 'Venom' chapter. I'll simply say it revolves around black feathers and a lot of family drama.
Now onto the comments.
bjilpcell - Thank you for commenting. It does mean a lot, even if you don't have much to say. It does help more than you'd think. Idon't wanna make anyone feel like they're forced to comment - even if my last update didn't quite give off that feeling. I just... I like the validation, I guess.
ShyTwi - Thank you for commenting. I know it can be difficult to think of what you want to say, especially with anxiety. I get the feeling - my family has a history with anxiety. I don't have it as badly as my sister, but I do still have it. It can be a real pain. It's made things difficult for me.
I'm happy I was able to provide an interesting read - and I do hope to make this story even better. I like too think with every chapter I post my skills become more refined. I'm just an amateur, I know, but... Everyone has a starting point. It brings me some sense of pride I was able to inspire so many emotions in you and others.
I don't want to sound overly cliche, but your words mean a lot. They really do. It might not seem like much, but it is a lot too me.
P.S: If you have the time, could specify which scenes brought you to the verge of tears? I am quite curious.
OstinatoThorn - Thank you fot commenting. I think what really made me feel so down was the early reception of the story. It got so much attention so soon, only for the months after too become... So quiet. I figured I did something wrong - lost the plot, I guess. I still kinda do, really.
You are right about people enjoying this and not commenting. It's something I need to keep in mind. Not everyone will comment - most don't, I'd say.
I try too make this story unique, distinct, and it seems to be working. Thanks for the words of encouragement.
firewyrm2 - Thank you for commenting, and for the criticism - I need more of that if I am too improve. I do agree with your sentiment. I have been holding off for too long... I've spent a little too much time meandering when I could've gotten to the point sooner. I realized that sometime around chapter 4 or 5, but by then it was a little late to course correct. Going forward I will mend this issue.
When I first published Black Stars I did so believing no one would read. When they did, I... Well, I explained that already - I won't repeat myself. I will say I now have a more realistic idea of what type of attention this story will warrant - and I know to temper myself now.
I have thought about a Stan Lee cameo to some extent. I think I will include him, but I'm not sure how yet. I'll have to think on that some more.
Zorgie The Flying Berger - Thank you for the comment. I'm glad I was able to make such an impression upon you - it does make me a little proud. I appreciate the compliment - it is quite endearing and it does mean a lot to me. I'm glad this story means something to you.
I thank you all for commenting and taking time out of your day to acknowledge my request. It does help to know I'm not screaming into the void. I thank you guys for being there and reading my little story.
Black Stars isn't dead yet. I have a lot of ideas left, concepts I'd like to explore, and characters to introduce. Thank you all for inspiring me too keep writing.
Goodbye and have wonder day/night. I hope to see you all again when I next update the story.
For now: I will return to the void and fade into ashes.
