Let's go!


Arc 1 – Chapter 10


Roman stared ahead miserably with his hands, now bound by rope, resting on the cold metal bench. A cold sterile white light flooded the room from two lanterns hanging from the ceiling, their white crystals the source. The surrounding walls were devoid of any decorations and oppressively close together.

Sat next to him on a long wooden bench seat was a timid Ruby who kept her head down, though her eyes darted around nervously.

The door to the interrogation room-cell hybrid opened and in strolled Benny who was practically salivating as he rubbed his hands excitedly.

One of the guards pulled out a chair across from Roman so Benny could sit, and the man let himself drop into it unceremoniously. The heavy and dense thud of armour and padding being worn by a solidly built man was enough to jostle Roman out of his wallowing.

"Well, well, Roman. How are you holding up, old friend? Do you like the accommodations?"

Roman strained his neck as he looked across to the man.

"Surely you jest?"

Benny chuckled, shaking his head with mirth.

"Come now. I always offer the finest hospitality for my guests." He leaned forward, and Roman could smell his breath as his face was mere centimetres from his.

"I would appreciate some gratitude, you know. Makes me feel a little appreciated for going out of the way like I have for you."

Benny's voice was a dark whisper at that point, but the thin smile that reeked of sadism conveyed his sarcasm quite pointedly.

Roman merely pursed his lips before staring up at Benny with as much defiance he could muster.

Benny merely cocked an amused eyebrow before letting a small smile grace his lips again.

"I see how it's going to be," he nodded in understanding.

Without warning, an armoured fist lashed out and collided with Romans temple. He let out a grunt as his head crashed into the table with a dull thud, and Ruby let loose a brief scream in fright.

Benny snapped his fingers at Ruby, his visage suddenly stern.

"You! Shut the fuck up. I'll be getting to you in a minute."

Ruby's mouth clamped shut in fear as she trembled in her seat. Satisfied, Benny redirected his attention back to Roman, his fake smile suddenly growing back onto his face like nothing was wrong or happening.

"I'd like an apology, Roman."

His only response was to cough up a gob of blood in onto the table as he struggled to push his face off of it.

Benny smiled thinly and shook his head in disappointment.

"Now Roman. You can't be silent forever. Apologise."

Roman slowly angled his head so his swollen face could stare directly at Benny, but he still didn't speak, most likely due to the pain and trauma his face had undergone.

Benny's face morphed into an angry scowl.

"Apologise Roman! Or do I have to go fishing for your tongue perhaps?" To emphasise his point, he quickly unsheathed a large, wicked looking knife a razor-sharp curved point. He slammed it onto the table and glared pointedly at Roman who was now eyeing him with apprehension.

"What… hack… am I supposed to be apologising for… hack… exactly?"

Benny let a predatory smile form.

"I'm so glad you asked! You can start by saying how sorry you are for not appreciating my hospitality. You can also apologise for getting your shitty blood all over my table."

He leaned forward and waved the knife under Roman's throat, the tip pushing ever so slightly into his throat but not cutting.

"And you can apologise for stealing from me. And then? You can say how sorry you are for existing and being such a worthless sack of shit, Void-Freak."

"You take that back!" snapped Ruby, mustering as much courage as she could.

Roman's head snapped to her, his swollen and bruised eyes wide as he looked at her pleadingly, silently shaking his head for her not to speak and get involved. Ruby didn't get the cue, however, and continued.

"That's a horrible name to call him! You-you bully!" By now she was trembling and panting, surprised at her own outburst.

Benny eyed her with disdain.

"I thought I told you to shut up, you little cunt. It appears you don't have good listening skills."

There was a scraping sound as Benny stood up and pushed the chair he was sitting on back. He towered over the table, holding his knife menacingly.

"Perhaps I ought to cut open your ears so you can better listen? Or maybe?"

He leaned forward until his nose was touching Ruby's, the knife dangling under her chin.

"I should cut your fucking tongue out, street-rat."

"W-wait!" called Roman.

"I'll apologise for everything! Ruby, stay out of this!"

Benny turned his head slowly to eye Roman.

Ruby went to protest, but Roman cut her off. "Just be quiet, Ruby! Benny! Leave her be. She has nothing to do with this and just wants to do the right thing. She's harmless. I'm who you want."

Benny huffed incredulously. "Yeah. No shit. And I already have you."

"Y-your right. You caught me, because I'm nothing but a low-level piece of shit, and you were too smart for me."

Benny sneered. "You're mostly correct on that account, except you're less than shit. You're scum. Less than scum even."

"You're right," placated Roman.

"I'm less than scum. I'm just a Void-Freak, and dumb wannabe thief. I'm sorry for being such worthless trash and existing. And it's only by your wisdom and grace that I even can breathe."

Ruby looked at Roman with such hurt in her eyes, and tears began to well.

Why is he talking so badly about himself?!

She wanted to scream at Roman and tell him that none of what he was saying was true, but she didn't want to anger the scary man again.

Benny, meanwhile, let the blade slowly come away from her throat as his focus was redirected back at Roman. A satisfied smirk crept onto his face as Roman continued to demean himself.

"Go on."

It was a perverse grin that Benny wore, and Ruby hated it as much as she hated the man wearing it.

Roman let loose a shuddering breath before he continued.

"Y-you're right. I'm nothing more than a filthy Void-Freak and thief, and I was stupid and wrong to steal from you, because you are so much smarter a-and better than me. I'm sorry for not respecting how great and accommodating you have been. I'm sorry for being so worthless, because I am. I'm sorry for stealing from you. And I'm sorry for being such a shitstain for existing."

There was a pause as Roman took a deep breath and finally stared up at Benny, who was sporting a large shit-eating grin.

"Are you happy now?"

Benny removed the knife fully from Ruby and let it hang closer to his side.

"I… am ecstatic, Roman!"

His manic grin faded to become more subdued, a satisfied smile instead.

"That is exactly what I wanted to hear. And now?" He brought the knife up casually to emphasise his gesticulating.

"As a gesture of good faith, I shall remove your bindings."

He delicately jabbed the knife to sever the rope binding Roman's hands, and with a tug and flick, it came undone.

Roman rubbed his wrists tenderly before letting them rest on the table. He eyed Benny cautiously.

"Thank… you?"

Benny smiled fatherly.

"But of course. Now, we can move on to the matter of atonement."

Roman looked as confused as he sounded.

"Atonement?" Only for that look to suddenly turn into horrified surprise as Benny brought the knife down with all of his might, right onto Roman's left wrist.

There was a meaty squelch before the sound of steel impacting steel reverberated out.

Instinctively, Roman pulled his hands back, only to look in horror as he only pulled back a bloody stump with his left.

His hand remained on the table, blood gently oozing out like a cream filling from a cake.

"Hah?!" He let out a panicked gasp of disbelief, before the realisation began to set. And then he screamed.

He clutched his bleeding stump, the shock of losing his limb more painful than his actual severed nerves.

Ruby's hands jumped to her mouth as she suppressed a horrified gasp, her eyes as wide as dinner plates.

"Roman…?" She whispered in shock. He didn't let up his screaming however.

Benny smirked as he watched Roman writhe and squirm in his seat, but that satisfaction quickly gave way to contrivance and an annoyed scowl soon morphed onto his face.

"Brother gods be damned you are loud."

He stood up to full height, pulling the knife that had been imbedded in the steel table out. Such was the aura-enhanced force he had used.

"You know, I realised I forgot to ask what your dominant hand was. And as a thief, I can't have you running around still stealing."

He twirled the knife experimentally, ignoring the way residues of blood splattered everywhere in the process.

He locked eyes with Roman.

"I guess, what I'm trying to say is, in order for you to fully atone, you need to give me your other hand. Now, just hold still for me, Void-Freak."

Whatever was about to happen was cut short as the door was flung open and a woman, Carmine entered.

Benny lowered his knife and shot her an annoyed look.

"Bloody hell, what a ruckus," breathed Carmine under her breath, doing her best to not flinch at the sight and sound of Roman screaming and sobbing.

"Carmine," grinned Benny. "So nice of you to join us. I was just about to continue educating our resident Void-Freak here about crime and punishment, and a little thing called due process. Care to join me?"

Carmine frowned.

"As much as I'd love to, I've got two people here looking to speak to you. They say their niece was recently taken in." Carmine shot a glance towards Ruby.

Benny nodded his head slowly with pursed lips, not really all that interested.

"Well. That's nice and all, but I'm a little busy. Tell them to come back later."

"They insist," added Carmine, crossing her arms. "And they're not taking no for an answer."

Benny couldn't hide his disappointment as he let loose a sigh, his shoulders slumping in defeat.

"This better be important," he muttered before turning around to follow Carmine out of the door.

As he reached the doorway, he called to the guard, a woman dressed in armour and garb similar to he, only the colours were more muted.

"Kariss. Stay here and keep an eye on our guests. I'll be back shortly."

The woman in question nodded, a grunt of yes escaping her mouth. And with that, Benny slammed the door shut behind him.

Ruby wasted no time in scooting up to Roman as he hunched over and clutched his stump. By now his screaming had toned down to panicked breathing and confused sobs.

Kariss made no motion to offer help, show sympathy, or even stop her from moving or Roman to be quiet. She just stood there impassively and with a dull, blank look of disinterest smeared across her battle-scarred features.

"Roman, it's okay. I'm right here," she consoled him as best as she could. He was, however, lost in his own world right now, so Ruby just wrapped her arms around him tightly and squeezed to hug him.

She could feel her rage simmering underneath as she watched Roman's suffering. It just wasn't fair. Why did the people she care about always get hurt or worse.

As she hugged Roman and offered consoling words that her mother offered her whenever she was upset or hurt, she couldn't help but feel the mounting desire to summon her Grimm and kill Benny.

"I hate him," she whispered.

Roman's breathing hitched, and he turned his head ever so slightly to face her.

"I hate him," she repeated, this time more vehemently.

"Ruby," breathed Roman, using her name for the first time.

"I know you're upset at what's happening. And I know what you're thinking. But you have to promise me. You cannot use your ability. You can't summon your…" he flinched as he realised the guard present, but she showed no interest in listening to his conversation with Ruby.

Ruby understood what he was trying to say, however, and was quick to voice her protests.

"But he's hurting you. He already has! I can't… Why should I have to let him keep hurting you?!"

"Because," trembled Roman, the shock of his injury starting to catch up as his face began to pale.

"If he knows, or even suspects anything about you, he'll do the same to you. Or worse. I'm… I can take it. Just promise me…. Ruby, promise me."

Ruby was ashamed to turn away from looking at his pleading eyes, and she could feel tears begin to start streaming down hers.

She held no answer for him. All she could think of was Roman in pain and wanting to put a stop to it.


The door opened for Tyrian with relative ease, despite the ominous warning of the large wooden frame creaking as it slowly hinged open.

Without any concern, Tyrian casually strolled through and entered the converted church.

A makeshift palisade wall had been constructed to make a small makeshift entrance foyer and waiting room for people, with a small booth near a second doorway containing a single guard.

The guard in question was dressed in a brown gambison with padded pants. A sheathed bastard sword lay propped up against the wall next to him as he lie leaned back on a rickety wooden chair, most likely bored out of his mind.

The guard craned his neck, a single eye lazily opened to take in the newcomers.

"Ugh. Just great," he could be heard muttering, before letting his head fall back down.

"We're currently not open to the public right now. Leave through the door you just came in."

Tyrian cast an amused glance to Hazel, who side-eyed him with a quirked eyebrow.

"I'm afraid that's not possible," replied Hazel with his deep, gravelly voice.

The guard blew a breath out through his nose.

"Look, buddy. It's going to have to be possible. Now kindly fuck off before I get pissed off and decide to arrest you for disturbing the peace."

Tyrian took a step forward, his cloak up and covering his features.

"Allow me, Hazel," he grinned.

Hazel could only sigh in exasperation whilst he pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Some of your garrison associates just came in with a little girl. I want her out here right now, or I'll carve your eyes out with your own teeth."

The guard shot upright with bug-like eyes, only to scramble backwards and fall unceremoniously off his chair as he found Tyrian standing right in front of his face, the small palisade booth being the only thing separating them.

"Who-?! What was that!"

The guard, once bouncing upright, strutted out from behind the booth, clasping his sword and ready to unsheathe at a moments notice. He strutted up to Tyrian and instantly got in his face, trying to be intimidating.

"Forgive my companion," interrupted Hazel, quickly stepping in front of Tyrian and the guard.

The guard went wide-eyed at the sight of Hazel, who easily dwarfed him.

"He is still yet to learn some social grace when asking questions. Spending time out in the frontiers means he tends to be more blunt in actions and questioning. "

He shot Tyrian a look when he let out a snort.

"If you could overlook his attitude and help us, I would be most grateful. Could you please bring our niece out to us, and we would be more than willing to sort out any trouble she may have caused you."

The guard was tense, if one considered the way his grip on the sword tightened, but after a second, he relaxed slightly, though that didn't stop him from shooting a look of disdain towards Tyrian.

"I don't know of any girl being brought in."

When he failed to elaborate or speak any further, Hazel had to prompt him.

"We just saw her be escorted in. Please, can you bring her out."

"Look, big guy. I didn't see any little girls come in, so if you could just – "

"Then bring me your captain out."

Hazel's tone brooked no argument.

"Look, you can't just come in and make demands of me. I'm a Hunter. I'm busy and have things to do. Come back later or go bug someone else."

Hazel frowned.

"Yes, because sleeping in the corner is such an arduous task."

"Hey, fuck you man," snarled the guard.

Hazel shook his head with a sigh.

"Why must everyone be so damn difficult these days."

"Well, maybe if you – HURK?!"

The guard suddenly found himself unable to breathe as a meaty hand wrapped around his throat and hoisted him up into the air.

The sword dropped to the ground with a loud clang as his hands automatically went to his throat, while his eyes bugged out.

"Listen well, and listen closely, as I will not repeat myself. I want you to get your captain and tell him to bring a little girl with him. One that he just brought into the building not but five minutes ago. Nod if you understand."

The man could barely breathe let alone follow simple instructions, but he found the strength to let out a pained bob of his head, however small it was.

"Good." Hazel released his grip and the man collapsed to the ground with a loud crash, taking in large gulps of air while he rubbed his throat tenderly.

The sound of footsteps from the next room could be heard, and a woman with blonde hair wearing a blue gambison could be seen entering, a hand resting on the pommel of a shortsword hanging from her hip.

"What the hell is going on here? Carson? You. What have you done!" she snarled, but before she could take another step forward, Hazel hoisted the guard named Carson up by his arm so he was standing.

"Do not waste my time. If he isn't out here in the next thirty seconds, my companion and I will be entering."

Carson practically ran from his grip and into Carmine.

"Get the captain. Now!" He wheezed out.

"Carson? What's going on?!" Carmine was confused, but Carson pushed past her.

"I'll explain quickly. Just get the fucking captain in here now!"

Carmine quickly backed out of the room with Carson, confused, but that didn't stop her from levelling a glare at Hazel.

"You two will stay put. Carson, go grab the captain."

Carson didn't need to be told twice, as he practically bolted.

Carmine blocked the doorway with a hand on still on her sword.

"And who exactly are you two?"

Tyrian stepped forward with a small flourish underneath his cloak.

"We're just two very concerned people looking for our dear niece who we finally just found and saw brought into this building. We'd very much appreciate if you could bring her to us, miss…?"

"Carmine," she responded curtly.

"And I haven't gotten your names yet."

Before anyone could speak, a bloodcurdling scream could be heard from within the building, the sound muffled by the walls.

"Such a lovely sound," complimented Tyrian after several seconds.

Carmine shifted herself slightly uncomfortably at Tyrians proclamation.

"Our captain has just caught a trouble-maker and is likely dealing with him right now, is all. Such justice isn't something we should openly revel in," she cautioned Tyrian.

"Justice," snorted Tyrian. "Please don't delude yourself."

Carmine shot him a sharp glare, but before she could reprimand him, Carson returned.

"Where's Benny?" shot Carmine.

"Captain's busy. His guards turned me away," huffed Carson.

"Useless idiot," spat Carmine before pushing her way past Carson.

"W-where are you going?" he stammered.

"I told you to get the Captain. Since you didn't, I'm off to go do it myself. Stay put and don't let these two go anywhere." With that she stormed off.

Hazel turned Tyrian with raised eyebrow.

"Niece? Why that angle?"

"Hmm? People love family reunions," explained Tyrian as if it were obvious.

"I thought the plan was to deal with the matter at hand using a more… direct approach?"

"Oh please," scoffed Tyrian dismissively with a wave of his hand.

"It's not like it will matter in the grand scheme of things. This charade will be forgotten in a few minutes anyways."

Hazel pursed his lips forlornly as he glanced around.

"It is a shame that it must always come down to this."

Tyrian shot Hazel a disapproving frown.

"Your way was taking too long and proving to be ineffective."

It has Hazel's turn to frown.

"My way was keeping the situation under wraps and subtle without causing a national outcry. I'd like to at least try diplomacy before resorting to the hammer, Tyrian."

"And I did!" Exclaimed the faunus with a wide-armed protest.

"You threatened to mutilate the guard if he did not comply. That is not how negotiations work. It's about acquiring that which you want without causing offense, and then if need be, finding a compromise that everyone can find beneficial."

Tyrian side-eyed him sceptically.

"Then why did you jump to violence so readily, my friend?"

Hazel sighed as he went and leaned up against the stone wall.

"Because you had already escalated the situation where a fight was inevitable. The only way out without causing a scene was to act calmly and rationally, whilst giving a demonstration of strength to dissuade such a hasty course of action. One which you seem intent on pursuing."

"Oh?" Tyrians eyes lit up underneath the cloak before he let loose a chuckle.

Hazel growled. "And what pray tell do you find so amusing."

"Oh nothing," waved Tyrian with mirth.

"Just your pacifist preachings that you seem to delude yourself with. You never have any qualms about killing our opposition, yet you always seem so adamant about resolving things peacefully. That's all, hehe."

Hazel's brow furrowed in anger.

"I wouldn't have to do so much killing if you would learn some damn restraint at times."

Whatever Tyrian was about to retort was interrupted as a pair of footsteps could be heard approaching.

"This had better be important. I was busy," came an exasperated man's voice.

Hazel pushed himself off of the wall, and Tyrian slowly began to pace around the small space.

"You are the Captain of the Garrison? Benny?" Inquired Hazel.

The man in question looked at Tyrian before doing a double-take when his eyes laid on Hazel.

"Brother gods above, you are one big motherfucker," he exclaimed before regaining his composure.

"Yes, I am. Now, who are you two, and why are you here wasting my time?"

Hazel stepped forward with a disarming smile, trying his best to exude an aura of friendliness.

"We're just looking for my niece. We happened to see you bring her in, not even ten minutes ago. Now, I don't know what it is she has done, but I can assure you, we aim to resolve any issues immediately, and give her a proper lecture."

Benny crossed his arms unimpressed.

"Uh-huh. Listen, pal. No little girls came through here. Now, if that is all, I'll be taking my leave."

"Benny. Do not lie to me," intoned Hazel warningly.

Benny, however, did not appreciate the tone Hazel was using on him. He turned to face the giant of a man incredulously.

"Excuse me? Do you have any idea who I am?" Before Hazel or Tyrian could speak, Benny continued.

"I am the Captain of the Hunter's Garrison. I am a Hunter. Graduated from Beacon Academy. You don't order me around. Nor do you try to start shit with me. Do you understand? Unless you want to spend some time in a cell with some missing teeth. I am not a patient man!"

Tyrian groaned.

"Oh great. Another posturing bastard."

Benny snapped his fingers, his lips thinned as he shot a glare towards Tyrian.

"You know? On second thought. I think you two need to stay. Carmine, prepare a cell for these two. I've had enough of people's insolence and disrespect today!"

"Benny," sighed Hazel. "I would caution you against acting so hastily. We only want the girl returned to us. There is no need for violence."

"Excuse me?!" Benny's hand dropped to his sword, but he didn't yet pull it out.

Tyrian stepped forward in front of Hazel.

"Hazel. We've tried the diplomatic route. Once again, it has failed."

Hazel groaned as he ran a hand through his hair.

"Tyrian, please," he warned, before directing his attention back to the Garrison Captain. "Benny. You really do not want to go down this path that you are thinking. It will not turn out the way you are thinking."

Carmine bristled as she stepped up next to Benny who himself took a step forward, a sneer worming its way onto his face.

"Now that I think about it, there was a girl. Short little mouthy brat. I can see the resemblance if she's yours," spat Benny.

"You're both quite disrespectful to those in authority. Mouthy little bitch can't seem to follow instructions well, and neither do you."

He leaned forward into Tyrian so his mouth was mere centimetres from his.

"I think I have some ideas running around in my head on how to cure your insolence."

"Insolence?!" Laughed Tyrian, turning his head to Hazel without any regard to Benny.

"That's a new one!" He turned to regard Benny with an amused smile.

"And I must say, quite ironic coming from you. What was it you said about graduating as a Hunter from Beacon? Are we supposed to be impressed?"

Benny bristled as his brows furrowed, but Tyrian continued.

"Because a Hunter isn't exactly a prime aspiration for strength. Unlike an actual Huntsman. That is assuming you even graduated in the first place."

"And what do you know of such things?"

Tyrian leaned back nonchalantly.

"Oh? More than you think. I know that Beacon Academy graduates Huntsmen and Huntresses, but as for actual Hunters? Well, Beacon will accept them if they are worth the effort, but Beacon doesn't graduate them. Hunters come from one of the preparatory academies. If a Hunter can't even make it into Beacon, then they sure as hell won't be graduating from Beacon and still holding such a flimsy title. Only those that are actually somewhat strong enough will pass. Which means, dear old Benny, that you are lying."

Hazel let loose a resigned breath as his partner continued, uncaring for the rage being exhibited from Benny and the woman, Carmine.

"There may be a difference between the two, but a Hunter is no less skilled," argued Benny, fuming. "And in terms of importance, I'd say much more valuable considering the role we Hunters play in defending and upkeeping the civility of our Kingdom's inhabitants. Of which you are sorely lacking."

Tyrian was unphased by the growing angry inflection in Benny's voice and cut in.

"And then you mentioned something else quite amusing. You said you are not a patient man! Funny that."

Tyrian chuckled darkly, and Hazel sighed in defeat.

"Benny, you fool. You should have just given us the girl."

Tyrian leaned in to Benny's face, and for the first time, the man saw the golden eyes lying hidden underneath the cloak in all their manic glory.

"I'm not a patient man myself…" and with that, his tail shot straight Benny's abdomen with frightening ease, the stinger facing no resistance despite the armour the Hunter wore.

Blood spurted out of Benny's lower back, and he lurched forward in shock, blood bubbling out of his mouth as he began to choke on his own innards.

"Hrk?! Wha-?"

Tyrian let his cloak fall off his shoulders to reveal his features and faunus nature entirely in the sterile white light of the foyer, while Carmine quickly unsheathed her sword with a panicked cry.

"I know you Hunters are dependent on Aura Shards to shield you, but c'mon. You all should have enough of a latent Aura that you can generate for a first time defence, and you didn't even bother to have yours activated? You could have saved your own life just now! Such an amateur. You're not even worth the blood I'm spilling." And with that, he wrenched his tail free of Benny's gut, spraying blood and copious amounts of internal flesh and intestines everywhere like an abstract artist.

With a disbelieving gurgle, Benny collapsed to his knees before keeling over dramatically and dying.

With a defiant scream, Carmine lunged forward with her sword, intent on avenging Benny. Only for Tyrian to cast an eye lazily in her direction and dodge the incoming strike as if it were child's play.

She missed the first, the second and even the third swings, until Tyrian decided he had enough, and with a flick of his wrists, unsheathed the crescent blades built into his vambraces.

Weaving under her sword with near-impossible agility, he suddenly materialised in front of her, his chest brushing against her breasts with how close he was. And with unnatural flexibility enhanced by his aura's activation, he flicked both of his wrists into her arms just below the elbow in an upwards motion.

She stumbled backwards as her arms were severed from below the joints, his blades ignoring the leather armour and chainmail underneath. Hell, his attack didn't even register her aura going up in defence.

That and a million other thoughts raced through her mind as blood trailed from her two hands sailing through the air, their grip on her sword being loosened.

Without batting an eye, Tyrian plucked her sword from the air, her hands falling to the ground with a pair of meaty thuds.

She suddenly found her own sword being levelled over her shoulder and pressing against her jugular.

She collapsed to her knees, her eyes widening as adrenaline rushed throughout her body.

The pain didn't register, even if the sensation of something lacking overwhelmed her.

"I guess I should mention that I have a Semblance," smirked Tyrian, his damned smile sending chills down her spine.

"You see, you were smart to bring your Aura up, unlike your foolish Captain. It's just, well, you didn't account for the fact that I have much more Aura training than you ever would accomplish. Well. That and my Semblance allows me to bypass Aura. Oops?"

As her brain scrambled to understand such implications, Tyrian suddenly reared the sword back and swung.

The sound of her head being severed reverberated in the foyer, the slick sharpness of steel slicing through bone, blood vessels and flesh deafening. Her head was sent flying in a tumbling mess of blonde hair and blood, as if someone were batting a ball.

It hit the ground with a thud and squelch before her dismembered corpse teetered over and crashed into a bloody pile, red ichor quickly spurting out and oozing onto the ground.

Tyrian made a strange face and disgusted sound before dropping Carmine's sword with disinterest.

The steel clanged out with such a loud reverb that Hazel was certain everyone in the church was aware by now.

"Well," breathed Hazel before fixing his gaze upon Tyrian who rolled his shoulders as if warming up.

"I suppose we're committed now. Let's just hope we don't have to deal with too many witnesses."

"Oh trust me. There won't be any witnesses. At least, not any live ones, haha."

With that, Tyrian strode through the door and into the next room, with Hazel right behind him.


Roman was currently sat with Ruby hugging him. He was lost in his own world at the moment, and borderline feeling faint from the shock and pain when the door suddenly burst open with such force it nearly was torn straight off the hinges.

Kariss reached for her sword, but hesitated when another Garrison guard entered in a panicked state.

"Take an Aura Shard. Now!" He shoved a blue crystal into Kariss' hands.

"What's going on?!" questioned Kariss, her brow creased in worry as her eyes darted towards her comrade questioningly.

A scream suddenly rang out from down the hall.

"We've got two rogue Huntsmen in the barracks currently. They've killed the Captain. We need every able body we can muster! Now get out here immediately!"

"Shit," Kariss exclaimed. "Let me lock the door first – "

"Forget them! We can deal with them later! We're being slaughtered out there!" And with that, the guard ran back into the hallway, with a conflicted Kariss taking a second longer to decide to join him.

Ruby cast a concerned glance to Roman.

"What's going on?"

Roman found his heart racing with newfound adrenaline, and the earlier shock dissipating as a wave of fear gripped him.

"I… I don't know. I want to say Hei and Neo are mounting a rescue for us? But there's no way they're that skilled…" he trailed off.

"Hei? Is he capable of fighting?"

Roman chuckled half-heartedly.

"Like you wouldn't believe kid. Trust me, there's a lot you don't know about him. Now c'mon. I'd say this is our chance to skedaddle!"

With that, he stood up, Ruby joining him quickly.

Roman quickly shuffled to the doorway and peeked around the corner.

A narrow corridor with sparse lighting was revealed, with several shut doors down its length.

An amber light could be seen down one end, likely lanterns and candles, and presumably the exit, if judging by the sounds of fighting and screaming coming down it. A cursory glance to the right of the doorway revealed a dead-end to the hallway.

"That way looks like it leads to nothing," frowned Roman before sighing morosely.

"I guess to the sounds of fucked-uppery we go."

Ruby frowned at his language, but couldn't find the heart to chastise him.

Roman cast her a glance as he tucked his stump into his jacket.

"Stick close to me, and don't draw attention to us. That means no Grimm."

"But what if we get attacked?!" She protested. She knew what the rules were that Roman and Hei had set, but she was feeling really uneasy right now.

"No-one's going to attack us red," assured Roman, but she shot him a doubtful gaze, glancing at his amputated hand and then down the hall to the sounds of fighting.

Roman's smile wavered a bit. "Yeah, I guess you have a point. Only as a last resort, kid. Let's just focus on getting out of here in one piece and regrouping with Hei. Things will be better once we get out of this shithole."

Ruby wanted to agree with him so desperately, but her gut was giving her a strange feeling of unease.

She decided to ignore it.

"Okay," she nodded, and sticking right behind Roman, she followed him out of the room and down the hall to the left, right towards where the screams were coming from.


Chaos. That was the only word that could be used to describe what was happening in the barracks right now.

The barracks was a large room encompassing the majority of the church itself. The stained windows near the raised steps of the alter were the only source of natural illumination in the room. The majority of the light came from a vast array of small candles to large lanterns that lay scattered about and hanging from the ceiling.

The left side of the room contained several tents and bunk-beds as private quarters for the Garrison. Several small tables and crates and barrels acting as tables lay scattered nearby with an array of table-games, alcohol, food and the odd book atop. An open space sat squarely in the middle. Likely for sparring and speech purposes if the weapons racks and training dummies against the palisade walls were any indication. The very palisade walls that both Roman and Ruby were currently peeking around, using several nearby barrels as cover to observe the carnage in the middle of the room unfold.

Over twenty Hunters in various states of readiness were currently battling two people. One giant, hulking behemoth of a man who was going toe-to-toe unarmed against Hunters wielding weapons. And winning. And a smaller, lithe man with a… tail? He was moving so fast it was hard to see, but Roman tried to keep up with the chaos.

The Hunters were attacking them two as a group; no individual attacks, but one singular mass to try and overwhelm their opponents. The two were skilled however.

The lithe man dodged and weaved through attacks with such agility, and was quick to follow up with his own attacks using wrist mounted blades shaped like sickles. His tail was used with extreme effectiveness as well, offering leverage for him to bounce and leap around, and then in the next instant attack the Hunters.

Roman had no sooner made the observation when the man's tail whipped out and gored a Hunter in the throat, nearly tearing the man's head off. It didn't, however, and so the impaled Hunter was used as a meatshield against his own comrades.

"Those must be our two Huntsmen," assured Roman, though whether for his or Ruby's sake he wasn't sure.

The bigger man suddenly swept his leg under an unfortunate Hunter, sending him crashing onto his back. And with tremendous force, he stomped his foot down hard on the dazed man's neck with a sickening crunch that could be heard from where Roman and Ruby were hiding.

Roman winced uncomfortably while Ruby clenched her fists nervously.

"A little brutal, I guess… Ruby?" He trailed off when he saw Ruby frozen with a fearful expression.

"You alright?"

Her words came out shaky.

"It's them. Those are the bad men!"

Roman glanced back to the garrison desperately fighting for their lives and snorted derisively.

"Yeah, they would be."

"No!" Ruby shook her head desperately.

"They're the ones that killed my mom!" She pointed at the two strangers brutalising the Garrison, who was already down to half their numbers.

Roman felt a pit develop in his stomach. "Oh."

That didn't bode well for them, then. If what Ruby had told him days ago about the two was true, which considering the body count they were easily racking up, then he didn't like their situation at all. Not one bit. Given, the whole situation was already such a fine mess when he had his hand chopped off! Now, though?

"Listen, Red. We're going to get out of here. They're not going to hurt you, because they're not going to know we're even here," he reassured. And for the first time since their capture, she offered him a weak smile, most likely a front to be brave.

"I believe you."

Roman smiled back warmly. "Good."

The barrels they were hiding behind suddenly exploded as a Hunters corpse blew right through it, sending wood and water flying everywhere. Ruby screamed, and Roman's heart dropped.

It should have been impossible over the din of the battle being waged inside, but the man with the tail suddenly flicked his head in their direction upon Ruby screaming, and his eyes locked right on to her. A pleased smile grew on his face, and without batting an eyelid, he used his tail to skewer one last Hunter that was charging him from behind.

"Found you!"

And then he rushed forward.

Roman's eyes went wide, and with barely any time to react, he grabbed Ruby's arm with his good hand and ran.

Tyrian pounced on them, but their last second sprint meant he missed and instead crashed through the barrel remains, his blades slicing through the palisade, the corpse and the bits of barrel still high enough to be in the way of his blades.

He snarled as he missed, but before he could give chase, a crossbow bolt suddenly impacted his shoulder from behind.

It didn't penetrate, he had his Aura up to protect against such attacks, but the sheer force was enough to make him stumble forward a bit.

Roman and Ruby ran through the very doorway that Tyrian and Hazel entered, and Tyrian screamed in frustration at the two having slipped away so easily.

Another crossbow bolt was fired his way, but a simple swing of his wrist-blade was enough to bat it aside. Aura certainly came in handy for making such matters seem so trivial.

Tyrian may have been certifiably insane and unhinged, but he wasn't a fool. Four Hunters, two wielding crossbows, were surrounding him, cutting him off from easily pursuing the child and using Hazel as backup, not that he needed any. Hazel, however, was closest to the doorway and was less likely to be impeded in giving chase.

"Hazel! The girl's fleeing through the door we entered!"

Hazel shot him a brief nod before charging his own aura up, his skin starting to glow with an amber hue.

The two Hunters he was facing suddenly seemed less certain and made to step back, but Hazel would have none of that.

With a burst of speed and strength, enhanced by his Aura and Semblance, Hazel sprinted towards the doorway, bowling through the two Hunters as if they didn't even exist.

They were sent tumbling, battered, but alive, miraculously.

The same couldn't be said for Tyrian's opponents as they tried to overwhelm him, only to meet a highly agile lunatic with a penchant for revelling in violence.

He couldn't help but laugh as his blades and tail sunk into their flesh, bypassing any Aura they projected. Really, it was too easy!


Roman and Ruby burst into the foyer with a gasp, the sounds of fighting and screaming raging behind them.

Roman let go of Ruby to quickly lean against a nearby pillar and catch his breath for a second, only for Ruby to let out a terrified scream.

His head shot up to see what was wrong, only for him to realise it was the two mutilated corpses that had caused her such a fright.

"Hey, calm down Red. They're already gone. They can't hurt you."

Just for good measure, he had a closer look at the two.

The first was a woman, or rather what remained of her. There was a head lying face-first in a puddle of blood, so he couldn't tell who it was. The second corpse however…

"Hah?! Benny? Well, can't say this isn't a pleasant surprise. Serves you right too, asswipe."

He hacked a gob of blood and spit up, right into the dead man's face.

"One shouldn't desecrate the dead," came a deep, gravelly voice from behind.

Roman and Ruby wheeled around, only to be greeted by the sight of a behemoth of a man, tanned skin and muscles as big as tree trunks.

Roman tensed, and Ruby ran back to hide behind him.

"And who the fuck are you?"

The man shook his head disapprovingly at Roman's question.

"Who I am matters not. What matters is I am here for the girl," he gestured to Ruby.

Roman clenched his good fist.

"Yeah, well, that's not happening."

He took a step backwards, inching closer to the double doors that were the exit.

"Foolish boy. You know not what matters you trifle with. Nor who."

"And lemme guess. That'd be you?" Sniped Roman.

The man shook his head.

"No. That would be the girl. For your sake, give her to me."

He extended a hand out to Roman. Roman glanced at his offered hand for a scant second, before letting his gaze fall to a bloodied sword lying near his feet.

Hazel followed his gaze and clicked his tongue.

"There is no need for violence. Enough blood has been spilt as it is already today. Simply walk out those doors and leave me the girl."

Ruby whimpered, her back now pressed against the door, and Roman gulped as his options were limited and his time non-existent.

"Do I at least get a chance to think it over?" offered Roman, glancing one last time at the sword.

Hazel sighed in disappointment, already seeing Roman's intended course of action.

"Why must everyone be so difficult these days," he lamented ruefully.

Roman dashed to the side and scooped the sword up with one hand, screaming at Ruby to run, all while Hazel dashed forward with frightening speed for his size.

Before Roman could do anything with the sword, having barely levelled it upright, Hazel was upon him.

With no regard, a single meaty hand wrapped around the blade itself, an action that would normally be suicidal. Then again, Aura offered him the protections to afford such a move, and his massive muscles weren't just for show. Roman couldn't even pull the sword to slice the man's hand if he wanted to. Hazel certainly did, though.

He wrenched the sword from Roman's hand and threw it aside, his face leering over Roman's head.

"I am getting really tired of people jumping to violence as a first resort unnecessarily. It displeases me," he growled out, and before Roman could react, the giant man's boot collided with his stomach with tremendous speed and force that he, for a brief second, felt like his internal guts were about to explode.

Instead, it was his back that did as he was kicked right through the double doors, straight out blowing one clean off of its hinges.

He went flying and hit the ground in a tumble and roll before sliding a good ten metres away from the entrance.

His back was alight with pain, as was his shoulder, and frankly, everything.

He coughed up a gob of blood, too dazed and shaken to even move.

"Roman?!" came a worried man's voice, and for a second, he swore he could see Hei hovering his face in concern.

"Oh, hey Hei," he slurred out, before everything went black.


Hei looked on in horror as smoke wafted out of the Garrison's barracks. Roman lay unconscious in front of him, covered in blood and mangled beyond recognition. And Ruby couldn't be seen anywhere.

What the hell is going on?!

He sent a worried glance to Neo who was by his side, and she was quick to rush to Roman's side. She cradled his face, checking him over for any life-threatening injuries, and her eyes widened as she saw his bloody stump of a hand.

Hei saw her trembling and leaned in to assess for himself, letting loose a bitter curse.

"Fuck," he scowled, before levelling a look at Neo.

"Get him out of here and back to the orphanage."

She didn't need to be told as she hoisted him up to lean over her shoulder, his feet dragging on the ground.

Being so small, she struggled to hold him up, but her determination more than made up for it. When Hei refused to accompany her, she tilted her head at him.

"I need to find Ruby. She was with him. Don't wait for me."

With that, he produced the Flintlock and stepped towards the converted church, smoke and fire beginning to billow out of the back windows.


Ruby scrambled backwards as Hazel strode towards her slowly.

Her back was against the wall, and the exit was to her right, only a scant few metres to freedom.

She should have run in the other direction, but she panicked and tried to avoid Hazel's reach. Only now did she realise her folly.

She was too frightened to think straight, her mind ablaze with a range of emotions.

By now Hazel was a mere metre from her, towering over like Death itself come to collect.

"Know that I do not take pleasure in taking life, no matter how wrong yours might be. But this must be done," he intoned.

"To end the cycles of violence forever, I must use violence."

His hand outstretched to encompass her face, whether to pop her lead like an egg, snap her neck, or even tear her head straight off. She didn't know. She was too petrified to even move, and just as his hand was about to make contact with her, a voice screamed out.

"Ruby!" Followed by the sound of something exploding with a loud bang.

Hazel roared in surprise, and… pain? He stumbled back and away from Ruby, clutching his shoulder. Ruby was broken out of her stupor as Hei called out again.

"Get out of there Ruby! Run!"

She didn't need to be told twice, and she scrambled upright as fast as her little feet would allow her, racing towards the exit where Hei stood.

She collided into him with a stream of tears and wracked sobs, and Hei wrapped a hand around her body to pull her away from the doorway, eyeing Hazel cautiously.

"Run back to the orphanage, Ruby! Whatever you do, don't stop, and don't look back."

Her eyes looked up at him, wide and fearful.

"Hei…?" she uttered weakly.

"Just go!" And with that, he shoved her out of his arms and in the direction of the orphanage. She stumbled, before she began to run, tears streaming down her panicked face.

Hazel groaned as he stood upright, nursing his shoulder.

"An interesting trick you have there. Unfortunately, that won't be enough."

Hei dipped his head defiantly.

"I don't know, seems to work so far, doesn't it?"

Hazel's eyes widened a fraction in surprise for a brief second as his hand came back stained with blood. His own.

He narrowed his eyes as he regarded Hei with sudden wariness.

"And who exactly are you?"

Hei reached into his pouch and began to fill the Flintlock with explosive powder.

"I think I should be asking you that one."

He stopped once he was satisfied enough powder was used, now readying a pellet to crammed down the barrel.

Hazel eyed him uncertainly, watching the process but unable to decipher what it was Hei was actually doing.

"I'm doing us all a favour," he eventually replied cryptically.

Hei pursed his lips, barely controlling his anger. Instead, his visage remained scarily calm.

"Really now?"

There was a pause as the pellet was jammed down fully, and then Hei spoke, his voice laced with venom.

"You hurt Roman. You tried to kill Ruby. And you don't even give a damn at all, instead giving me cryptic bullshit?"

Hazel frowned.

"You wouldn't understand."

"And I don't care to," spat Hei hatefully, putting the thin rod back into the Flintlock.

"My name is Hei Aurelius Xiong. I worked for the Mistral Spiders and I've killed many a man put under my care in many a creative way."

He cocked the hammer back on the Flintlock.

"You hurt my kids, fucker. Kids under my care that I promised to protect."

Hazel frowned.

"I gave them a choice. They refused. My mission takes precedence over their lives. There is too much at stake. What else would you realistically expect?"

Hei slowly brought the Flintlock up to eye level, aimed squarely at Hazel's head as he let his rage be known.

"I expect you to die."


AN: And another cliffhanger bitches! Not my intent. I actually was going to add more to this chapter, but damn I've been busy, so I've had to cut this chapter short. I might have to chuck an extra chapter into this arc as a result.

Next Chapter Monday 30th October. See you then!