"Blah, blah blah blah! Blaaaahhh? Blah. Blah! Blah! Blah! Blaaah, blah blah, blaaaahhh! Blah...?" I struggle to keep my eyes open as my head begins to tilt. I can feel a trickle of drool slipping from the corner of my mouth. I wipe away with my left arm's sleeve. I watch the tall man as motions his arms in a wide gesture. Not the only wide thing about him though... I thought all Hunters were suppose to be well built, at least for their age. But he clearly let himself go at some point... He's old, too. Old and hairy. Bushy eyebrows, and a even bushier beard. I sigh as look down to my chest and stomach, leaning back in my desk. 'Mandatory uniforms' my ass...
The vest clings tightly to my skin. It's... Frustrating. The vest... The very tight vest is a reddish brown color. It has long sleeves with yellow trims. I like the trims, I will admit that. Under the vest is a white, puffy shirt or something like that - helps alleviate some of the tightness of it all. I'm forced to wear a skirt with this 'mandatory uniform' as well. I'm not the biggest fan of skirts. Too girly for me.
The skirt hangs down to my knees. It's soft, I guess. It is red colored with no trims but there are yellow stripes in it. I got leather shoes on, too. I kinda like those... Might keep 'em, honestly.
"Huhhhh..." I lean back into my seat with a sigh. I glance right to see the white haired Princess, my not-so-friendly partner. She's diligently writing down pages worth of notes as professor what's-his-name goes on and on and on and on. I feel like I've been here for hours... Days maybe! "Ugghhh..."
"Blaaah's blah blah, blah blah! Blah? Blah... Blah blah, blah's blah's blah's blah! Blah? Blaaahh!" I let my head drop down to my desk and fall onto my notebook. I sigh. Boring... So boring! Isn't this an Academy for Huntresses and Hunstmen? If so, then why is EVERYTHING so boring here!? Boring! I wanna punch something! Or someone... Anything! Just give me some action. I hate the quiet moments like this. So boring... So useless.
I shift my head to look left, placing my right cheek against the notebook. I feel a wet stain against my cheek. Drool. Gross...
I can see that yellow haired wimp. The little guy with blue eyes and a face like a baby! He's pretty weak-looking for Hunstmen-in-training. Thin arms. Smooth hands. If he uses a sword, why would his hands be smooth? Weird... Hmm.
He looks kinda cute, honestly... In a little kid kinda way, not a 'I'm into you' kinda way. I don't think any self-respecting woman would date a guy like that... To much like a kid. Too weird... Too gross. I wouldn't.
I bet Ruby would've liked him. They both have that same 'kid' type energy... Her a bit more than him, probably... Definitely. Probably could've been friends... Maybe not, though. Something tells me she wouldn't be the biggest fan of his 'loser' attitude. He's a quiter. Ruby didn't like quiting anything... I hope she's ok.
He's whispering over to a girl. His partner, I think. She's wearing the same uniform as me - all the girls are. It's 'mandatory' apparently. I wish I had pants instead of a skirt, though, like the boys... Oh well.
That girl he's yapping too has black hair. Really black hair. Almost jet-black in color... Lack of color, actually. Because black isn't a color - it's a shade. She wears a black bow on her heard, too. It has two triangle shaped tips... Kinda looks like a cat's ears. I'm not a bow kinda girl; I prefer leather. It's more comfortable for me. I like the bumpy feel against my skin... Is that weird? Maybe.
"Blah! Blah!" The little guy - What's his name? I don't know - pops his head up. He stares at the professor with a startled expression, "Blah... Blah, blah bllllaaaahhhh! Blah! Blahhhh's blah blah blah?"
I follow the wimp's gaze towards the fat man. He's got a belly thicker than a Ursa's ass! Ha... Haha. Ursa' ass... Cuz' they don't... Gods, and I call Ruby a kid! I need to grow up.
He's sternly staring back at the yellow haired boy. I lower my hand to rest it against my right elbow. Maybe something exciting will happen now?
"Blah?" He says some gibberish I can't be bothered to decipher in a rather disappointed tone, "Blah... Blah blah blah, blaaaah! Hohohoho!" I smile a little as he lets out a strange laugh. His thick and white hair sways, his eyes wide open, his hands against his chest. He almost sounds like a train whistle in a weird way, "Hohoho! Blaaah! Blah's blah blah blah." He points towards the door. The twerp slowly rises to his feet. He starts walking between desks towards the professor.
"I... Sorry, Professor, I was... I got—"
"Blah! Blah's blah blah? Blah! Blah, blllaaah, blah!" He points again towards the door as the little guy lowers his head, "Blah! Hohoho!" He starts treading towards it as the professor looks to the black haired girl, "Blah... Blah, blah blah, blah. Hohohoho!"
"Bored..." I'm so bored. He's back to yappin' about things I do not care about. Annoying... Boring. I hate being bored! It's worse than being scared or injured. It... I hate the quiet moments. I'd rather have my arm tore off than be bored... Boredom is like dying. Feels like dying, to me at least.
I look towards Weiss as she scrawls something onto her notebook. She's such a know-it-all... Annoying. No fun with her. Ruby would've hated her... Or maybe they would've been friends. I don't know. I do know that I don't ike her.
The Princess is wearing the same outfit as me, of course, but it's smaller. Thinner. Like her tiny body. I bet a sneeze would snap her thin neck! And she is our team leader? I could easily snap her little neck... Break it by accident. Her eyes would be empty and lifeless! I would be leader then... And she would be Like mom. Dead... Like mom.
"Hhhhaaa..." I lower my eyes to the notebook. Mom... And now Ruby. I... I... I miss her. I want her back! I want to hold her and never let her go! She's my sister... My baby sister! A-and... And she's... Gone! No trace of where she went, no calls, no nothing! I... I... I'm scared. For her. I just want her to come home... I-I...
"W-was... Was it... Me?" I just... I miss her so much! I love her... I really do! I... I get angry with her. I shouldn't of... Maybe she left because of me? I... I miss her. I love her... I could've been better. I could've been kinder. I... I will be! When she comes back...
"Back..." Back! I need her! I need my sister back! MINE! I... I... I dreamed about her. I... I saw her grave, next to mom... I... I won't let her die! I won't...
"Blah! Blah! Blah? Hmmm?" I shake my head as I look down from my desk to the ugly, stupid, fat man! He's staring up at me. I look at him without ever blinking, "Blah? Bllllaaaahhh!" He motions for me to approach. I get out of my seat and begin walking down aisle.
"What?" I cross my arms as my eyes narrow. He frowns at me as his brows furrow. His hand cups his saggy chin.
"Blah. Blah, blllaaaaah! Blah? Blah! Hohohoho!" I feel lips pulling tightly against my teeth. I bite my tongue hard. I feel a strong heat inside my chest. I feel it spreading into my face.
"Start talking normally for once! I can't understand a word your saying!" I feel my lips pulling against my teeth as I scowl down at him from stairs, "Your lectures are the most boring thing I've ever suffered through! No one cares!"
"Bl... Hmm. Blah! Blah! Hoho! A... Fighter, eh?" His voice seems to deepen as he speaks more quietly. I can understand him now, "Blah! Blaaah! You're most defiant! Reminds me of myself in my younger years... Did blah blah, blaaah, blah?" I squint my eyes. What the...? What is... Is something wrong with my hearing? Why is he flip-flopping between gibberish and actual words! It... It's so fucking stupid! Idiot man!
"Shut your mouth hole! I don't care about your stupid stories!" I point at him as I glare. His brows furrow even further as he steps behind his desk near the end of the room. He seems to fiddle with something underneath it.
"Hohoho! Stress! I get it... Blah disruptions blah! Younger then blaaah blah myself when blah blah blah. Six of them! Hohoho!" He pulls up a metal box as laughs to himself. No one is laughing though. I glance behind me to see the rows of students. All of them staring at me or him. I can dee that Cardin guy towards the back with a cast covering his left arm. He has bruises all across his face and neck, one of his eyes swollen shut, and bad leg... I honestly don't know why the Heamaster let him pass Initiation. He's weak. Why does he have to be on MY team anyway!? He's so weak! Slow! Stupid! He is meat...
"Conflict is the foundation of the human soul, my dear pupil!" I look back towards the fat fuck. I watch his blue eyes gaze into mine. He is watching me intently. I scowl at him, "That is why I always come prepared!"
"Can I go back to my desk? Or get sent to the Headmaster's office now? This is fuckin' stupid!" I feel my lips curl as my fists ball, "A waste of everyone's time! Give me a Grimm to fight, at least!" I'll rip it apart! Pluck off it's legs one by one... I've always done that. I love watching them squirm and slowly die. It's pretty... In a fucked up kinda way.
"Watch yourself! Continue with that language, Ms. Xiao Long, and you will be suspended! Such is our blah blah blah! Blaaahh! Blah... Blah?" He's staring at me sternly. I cross my arms and glare, "Hohoho! Feisty! Like myself when I blah blah blah, though the garnish ham-turkey combo was quite nice... But blah blah blah! Hohohoho!" He's smiling at me now. I feel my lips curl.
"Whatever... This is a waste of time! Why even bother with this when ALL you do is tell useless stories!? Or speak complete nonsense!" His smile falters. His eyes narrow. The silence feels thick - like a blanket made of concrete, "Half of what you say is complete Grimmshit! The other half are lies, probably..."
"Hmm... I see your intent on being difficult," He rests the metal box on his desk. He opens it before reaching his hand inside, "This should aid in alleviating your stress! It did me when blah blah blah, bllllaaaahh!" His hand pulls back with a red ball resting in his palm. It has black streaks running through it with a silver dot in the center. I stare at it as my glare fades into a scowl.
"Seriously? A stress ball?" He walks to me as he extends his arm. He turns his hand upside down as he presents the ball before me with a smile, "Is this a joke?"
"Heavens no! It is but simple remedy for your foul temper, young lady! It did aid me when blah, blah Ozpin's peach tea Blah's blah blah. It was an acrid smell! Blah? Blah! Hohohoho!" I feel my fists begining to clench shut. My teeth grit together as I stare up at him. His thick beard hides his chin from me, and his moustache hides his lips. He has old, wrinkly, small eyes. His nose is short yet wide. His cheeks are stuffy. He wears the same uniform as the boys - but it's much, much, much wider.
"You... Really!? Screw you!" I slap the ball out of his hand. It drops to the ground and bounces towards the students. I see Weiss out of the corner of my eye. Her face is red, her hands clenching onto her notebook hard enough for her fingers to impale it, her lips pressed so thin they're almost flat. She's staring at me. More of a glare, really, "I don't need a fucking stress ball!"
"Hmmm... Very well. I have tried what I could. I have no choice now," He furrows his brows as his lips purse, "Go. The Headmaster will be waiting for you in the tower. If not him, then Professor Goodwitch will deal with you. To think I had such a special lesson planned today, too... Oh well." His voice is stern now. Not angry, but I can hear a little disappointment. My lips curl.
"Thank you! Now I don't have too listen to your Grimmshit!" I turn the second the last word leaves my lips. I walk towards the door and use my right arm to shove it open. It screeches forward as it's hinges rattle, "Fuck you! Fuck your class! And fuck your stress balls!" I hear footsteps quickly approaching. Soft ones. Light ones. Not the fat man. I slam the door shut behind myself.
I speed walk down the hall. I don't hear a reply - but I also don't stay long enough for him to have one, either. I quickly round a corner and turn left. My fists clench shut. I bite my tongue hard - but my Aura stops it from being injured. Doesn't stop the pain, though.
"Yang!" I hear her. The Princess. My teeth grit, "What is the matter with you?" Her voice is grating. Annoying. I speed up.
"Fuck off!" I clasp my hands together before my stomach. I can feel the anger... It's getting hotter. Stronger. I bite my tongue even harder.
"Don't you dar—"
"I said fuck off! That means go! Don't you understand English, or are too prissy for that, too!?" I'm glaring at her blue eyes now. She's shocked - her mouth hanging open out of sheer surprise, "Do something right for once and! Fuck! Off!" I am facing her now. I hate her...
"No... Your apart of my team! My responsibility!" She recovers quickly, "And that means your outbursts reflect on me! I will not take the blame fo—"
"THEN FUCKING DON'T! Go away! you'll be getting more than a little blame in a few seconds here if you don't..." I punch my left palm as I flex my arms, "Your seriously beginning too piss me off. Stop pushing your luck while your still ahead..." She begins to glare, too. Her lips press into a thin line.
"Are you... Threatening me, Yang?" I can feel my eyes stinging. I haven't blinked in awhile. I take a deep breath. I feel my fingers fidgeting, "I don't take kindly to threats."
"Go away, Weiss. Just go away. I don't need you - you don't need me. We're not friends - we're barely partners. Leave me alone." We remain staring at each other. She doesn't break eye contact. I don't either. Neither of us stops glaring. She sighs.
"I can't do that," I groan loudly, "You know I can't! It is my responsibility to—"
"Fuck it! I'm done with this! Your like a brick wall!" I turn from her with a wave, "Go lecture someone who cares! I have actual problems to deal with, Princess." I start marching down the hall. Stuck-up bitch! Who does sh—
"Do you think your the only one whose angry, Yang?" I stop in place, "That your the only who feels like she's been wronged?" I bite my tongue hard. I can feel my fingers digging into my palms.
"Watch yourself, Weiss..." I barely recognize my own voice, "I warned you already." I hear a quiet sigh from her. I hate her so much...
"I'm sorry about your sister. I really am... I know you think me... Selfish, but I care. I... I... Have this. Consider it a token; to help smooth over our rough start together." I turn slowly to face her. Her face is genuine. She holds out her arm as her hand opens. I push it away quickly.
"I don't need shit from you! Just leave me alone... You wanna be helpful then go! All I want is some time alone." Her face is neutral. Her lips tremble slightly. There's something in her eyes... Some kind of emotion. It disappears quickly.
"I... See. I understand. S... So be it. I will acquiesce for now." Her hand buries itself into her pocket, "I expect your attitude to be correct by our next meeting." Without another word she turns to leave. She rounds the corner I came from - disappearing behind stone.
I turn back around and continue down my own path. Stuck-up bitch... Who does she think I am!? She's Weiss Schnee! A Schnee! She's never lost anything... Anyone! Everything she's ever had or wanted was given to her on a silver platter! Even Beacon, I bet. Oh yeah, I bet her pop's is real good friends with the Headmaster... Probably paid him a sizable amount for his daughter to enroll. Cheaters... All of them! None of them have ever actually hurt before. Never! Not once... I hate them all. Ugh... Almost as bad as that Professor!
"Stress balls? Godsdamn stress balls!?" Who does that Professor think I am!? A child!? Well, compared to that grampa, everyone is a child! Idiot... Stupid, old, ugly idiot! My sister is missing; maybe dead! And this is what I'm forced to do in the meantime!? Grimmshit! I should be out there finding her! She's mine! My sister... She's just a kid, really...
She... She isn't ready for the real world! She's really not... Not at all. Sheltered... Ruby was too sheltered. Her anxiety, her nervousness, her... Her depression is what makes it so hard for her around people. She can't find friends because she thinks they'll leave her. And the few she did find were... She struggles with people. People struggle with her, too. I do... Did.
I hate to say it, but... But... She... Ruby could easily be taken advantage of. Sure, in a fight not too many people can touch her - literally. Her Semblance makes her faster than sound! Fighting her during training was always so frustrating... Doesn't matter how strong you are when you can't even touch the opponent - but in a conversation? In a social encounter? She's... She is vulnerable. She doesn't understand that. It's happened before. People taking advantage of her depression, or her naivety, or her anxiety so they can get something - usually boys thinking they'll get a chance with me because they're her only 'friend'. Or people trying to cheat off her work. Fuckin' idiots! I hate liars... People like that shouldn't have been born.
I hope she didn't fall in with a bad crowd... Or worse. I... I'd do anything to bring her home. To make sure she's safe! And happy... I love her. She's my sister! And these... These assholes expect me to just pretend she doesn't exist!? To focus on 'school work' over finding my little sister!? I.. I... I hate them! Assholes! Idiots! All of them! They... They're just meat. Squishy, bloody, tasty mea—
"T-tasty...?" What the fuck am I thinking about!? Why... Why am I calling people meat? Or tasty! What's gotten into me...? I... I...
"M-maybe he was right..." About the stress thing. It is starting to get too me, isn't it? I just... After my fight with the rotting Grimm-Tentacle thing, I felt... Odd. It didn't last long, only a few hours, but... I felt cold. Very cold. I... I wanted to talk to Crimson about it. And a few other things, too. He offered to talk to me, so... I figured why not? Couldn't hurt... Besides, it gives me something to do while trying to find a starting point for searching for Ruby. But I can't now.
"Because he played hero... Because he thought he knew better than me! I had it all under MY control!" I could've killed it by myself, easy! But nooo! He just had to step in and steal MY spotlight! MY moment! MY victory! He stole it from me...
"And then he fell." Into the ocean. After we got back to the Academy the Headmaster sent out a few fourth year teams to investigate, and a couple Bullheads. He wasn't the only missing, apparently.
They managed to find him before nightfall, but he was injured. Washed up on a small island made of black stone a quarter mile into the ocean. He was unconscious. He still is... They put him in the Medical Pavilion while he recovers. They also learned that the corpse-Grimm killed a few people before it ran into Crimson and I. More than a few. A lot more than a few. Apparently some of them were friends of Cardin, based off the fucking hissy fit he threw! So what if your friends are dead!? They're weak! They deserved to di—
"W-what the fuck!?" I stop in place before a split path. One leads left down a neat corridor with paintings of old kings and queens from the old, old, OLD days. The boring days. It goes to the Headmaster's tower... His office. Where I am suppose to go so I can receive whatever punishment he has in mind.
The other path, the right one, is messier. It's grimy, dust-ridden, and stinks like old books. I can see a door at the end of the hall with a sign above it. 'Medical Pavilion' is what it should read, except the p and a in Pavilion is missing. 'Medical Vilion' is what it reads in it's broken state.
"W-what... What's going on with me?" I look at my right hand as I clench it into a fist. Angry... I've been so angry lately. I... I miss her. Ruby's silver eyes, her black and red hair, her excitement over weapons or comics. I miss her hugs, her laughs, her smiles... Even her frowns. I miss her. I-I... I can't... If she...
"I-I..." I don't want anyone to die! Not Ruby, and not Cardin's friends! I only... What's happening to me? Why am I thinking these thoughts? I... I think the stress is effecting me worse than I thought. I'm... I'm starting to go crazy! I need to find her! NOW!
"But how?" I don't know where to look! J-Juniors...? And what would he know that I don't? Maybe he... He knows people. Connections. Some are pretty rich, others know a lot of things, and a few... A few are there only to 'silence' those who pissed off Junior. They couldn't 'silence' me, though. He might know something... But then again, it's not like he's omniscient. He didn't know shit about my actual mom, so...
"Crimson..." He promised to help. He will! When he wakes up... I sigh. I turn right and start walking towards the Medical Pavilion. He might be out of it, but I can still talk to him, can't I? But talking about emotions... Feelings... It's weak. It's for kids! Or stupid people. Weak people. I'm not weak! I... I'm tired. I haven't slept since the night before Initiation. I want to go home with my sister. I want my sister... I love her! My sister... My sister! Half-sister, actually. Her mom isn't mine! Dad always loved her more than me... Maybe with her gone, I will be his favorite? Maybe... Maybe it's for the best if no one ever saw Ruby again?
"N-no..." I stop in place. I... I... I thought that...? M-me? Ruby gone? F-forever...? "No! NO!" Not my sister! NEVER! NEVER EVER! NO! MY SISTER! NEVER!
I clamp my hands over my head as I grit my teeth. She is my sister! I'd die for her! SHE IS MY SISTER! MY FUCKING SISTER! I... I... I just... I just wished she would die! How could I do that!? What the fuck is wrong with me!? I... It should have been me... Not her! Me! Me who went missing... S-she... She's the best person I know! The kindest, the smartest, and the most... She's the most innocent person I know. She doesn't... She was always annoying. Following me everywhere! Always being so needy! Always crying over every little problem! Cutting herself for attention! Trying and failing to commit suicide! Why? Because of a fucking nightmare!
Weak... Ruby was always weak. Physically and mentally. I wish uncle wasn't home that night... Then I could've become an only child! Me... And I! Maybe I could've been like a real daughter to dad then? Maybe uncle would've cared about me... It should've been her who died, not mo—
"S-stooop!" I double over and collapse onto a nearby dresser. I hold onto it for support, "Shut up! Shut up! Shut up!" I can feel a cold swelling inside of my chest. It spreads all throughout my body; through my veins and into my heart! I grab at my chest, "Ugggh!"
"Haak! Kkaagg!" I cough and heave as my fingers grasp so tightly onto the tall, wooden, dresser that the wood gives way, "Hhhrrraaaaggg!"
Blood trickles from my mouth and onto the dresser's silver handle and black wood. It leaks down in thin veins as it reflects white light from the ceiling. I see my lavender eyes staring back at me through it.
What is wrong with me!? WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH ME!? I... I just... What the fuck! Fuck! I just... What the fuck!? Fuck! I'm so fucked in the head... I'm going crazy! Stress! I-It's the stress... Has to be! Not m-my actual thoughts, j-just... Just stress! Y-yeah... Stress. S-stress... Has to be, right? It is! I know it is... It's the stress getting to me. That's why I'm spitting blood, too, I bet. I look up towards that stupid sign and stupid door. They're a few feet away.
"H-haha... Guess it's a good thing I'm already at the Medical Pavilion, isn't it?" I chuckle a little. That is kinda funny, in a ironic sorta way, isn't it? The cold in my chest recedes quickly. I take in deep breaths as I wipe away trickling blood from my lips. I steady myself using the dresser before taking a step forward.
I rest my hand upon the door's old, rusty, reddish-black handle. I turn it and open the door. I smell the distinctive scent of alcohol... A lot of alcohol. I see a room cast in faded blue light - the source of it being humming bulbs. It's cold in here - very cold. Warmer than the cold I felt from inside my chest earlier, though. I see tubes and large wires snaking across the ground. They're protected by white, plastic, covering. Near the end of the room lie a number of expensive looking equipment. Some of it was covered in dust, though, while others looked freshly used. Kinda wasteful if they don't even turn it on, isn't it?
"Uuuuhhhhhhh..." I hear a a groan from my left. I look over and see the silhouette of someone hidden behind a white curtain. They have their leg propped up with the rest of their body lying down. Something is ripping into - or out of - their knee. I wince a little.
"That's rough, buddy..." I mutter to myself. Can't feel good... I'd like to break someone's knees, though. Bet it's fun... That girl, Nora, broke a Beowolf's legs. She was riding one back in Initiation; right out of the treeline and into me! I broke it's neck and we started fighting. Didn't last long before her friend, Ren, separated us. He was a fast guy... Too fast for me or Nora. He used some kind of... Energy wave - an advanced Aura technique, I think. Something about it using soul juices to physically alter the world around you or some shit like that. It's tough to learn, and I heard it can be as dangerous to fight against as it is to use. After that he calmed down Nora. I don't know how, I don't really care either. I wasn't so calm.
We argued. I tried to fight her again, but Weiss used her Semblance to hold me back. Made me angrier, yet I couldn't do nothing. Glyphs are Grimmshit! No one should have a Semblance that strong... It's pretty much cheating! If I had a Semblance like that I'd be invincible! Ruby couldn't do nothin' to me then... Ruby...
I start walking into the room. Hospital beds rest against the walls. Most are empty yet a few have people in them. I don't recognize any of them. One's a bunny girl - she's the only one awake. I look around for a few moments... No Crimson. Guess I'll ask her for directions, eh?
"Hey!" She's holding a Scroll with her hands. Her rabbit ears twitch yet otherwise she doesn't react. She's staring at said Scroll with an expression I can't see to well, "Heeeey?"
Nothing. I purse my lips, "Bitch..." I whisper to myself. Guess I'll have be a bit more in her face, huh? Fine. I start walking over to her, "HEY! I'm talking to you!" I shout between cupped hands.
"Huh!?" Her head raises suddenly as her ears vibrate, "W-wha...? Oh! Sorry, I didn't see you!" Her brown eyes look up to me with surprise and genuine apology. I feel my scowl softening as her ears - the animal ones - droop down, "D-did... Did I do something to upset you?"
"Ye... No, no you didn't," I put on a fake smile. I'm good at those, "Sorry to disturb you, but do you know where my teammate is? His name is Crimson." Her eyes flash with recognition. She smiles up at me with some kind of weird look in her eye. I can't tell what it is, but... It makes me smile. A genuine one.
"Oh! Your the new team? One of the new teams. Congratulations on passing Initiation! I heard about that... Grimm," She shudders when she says the word, "I... I've never seen or heard of one like that. I'm shocked you guys took it down! I'm not sure my team could've done it so easily..."
"Well, I always do aim to impress," I say as I place my hands on my hips, "I'm not the type of girl to leave anyone disappointed... Or unsatisfied." I chuckle after that last part. She tilts her head a little. She seems confused for a moment before suddenly nodding as she smiles.
"Euphemism! That's a euphemism... I got a bet going with my partner, Coco, about how many euphemisms a day I can catch. If I manage to hear, and realize I heard, a hundred of them before the end of the month then she'll..." Her smile drops a little, "W-well... I'm not supposed to talk about that last part. Secret!" I raise an eyebrow.
"Secret? Or a sexret! Ha!" She blushes hard as she drops her Scroll. It falls between her legs and onto a white blanket that's covering her. I smile ear to ear, "Your secret is safe with me! I'm not a judger." Not about relationships, at least.
"Noooo! Not that type of secret!" She groans as she buries her head into her hands, "That's n-not... It's about my weapon!" I can't help but smirk. She reminds me of Ruby...
"Gaaah! T-that's... That's not what I meant! I mean, I-I'm not against that sorta thing - s-she is... Pretty, and all, b-but..." She sighs heavily as her shoulders hunch over. She's cute. In the same way as a kitten is, or a puppy... Cute, "I... I... Uhhhh... Y-you... Ugggh!" She groans again.
"What's your name?" She raises her still blushing face to look at me. Her long, brown, and clean hair is covering her big eyes. She pushes it out of the way as she tries to smile more confidently, and less nervously. That reminds me of Ruby, too.
"V-Velvet..." I let my hands rest at my sides. I walk around to seat myself on an empty bed next to her, "That wasn't funny! Not at all... What team were you on again?" I cock my brow as my lips purse.
"How do you know I'm one of the newbies but not which team I'm on? Team WYPCC, by the way. Pronounced like whips." I don't understand why Pyrrha is on my team, though... Well, ok, I do! But it's stupid. Everyone else is dead and all the other teams were taken up. She worked well with us, so the Headmaster figured she'd fit into our team. Weiss liked that. Cardin and I didn't. I don't get why she couldn't join JNBR... Or... Well, I guess that's the only other First-Year team besides us, isn't it? All the others who could've formed teams are dead. Because of that mutant Grimm monster.
"Oh... Yeah, I remember now! Yeah... Why did the double C's join you if they had a different relic? And a pawn, too... I never knew the Headmaster handed out pawns. By the way, what's your name?" That was pretty weird. I only saw one pawn there, too, and Weiss and I were the first ones to that crumbling temple. Almost... Almost like it wasn't supposed to be there. The Headmaster just stared at it when we went back too Beacon. There was something in his eyes. Apprehension? Maybe. He took it with him, but left the other relics. Weird.
"Yang. My name is Yang. Yeah... That is pretty unusal. I don't know why..." Her eyes immediately widen. Her ears droop. My smirk falters.
"What? Is something on my face?" She shakes her head as she looks between her Scroll and me several times. She eventually ends up holding her Scroll to compare something on it to me more directly, "What's the deal? Was it something I said?"
"Y-Yang...? As in Yang Xiao Long?" I slowly nod, "I-Is... Is your sister Ruby? Ruby Rose?" I nod more slowly. How does she know her name? "I... Is... Is your sister home? Is she alright?"
"No... No she's not. She's been missing for awhile, actually... Why? How do you know her?" She swallows loudly. She looks concerned and sad as she looks me in the eyes. Her hands tightly grasp each other.
"I saw her... A few days ago. Just before Initiation. She didn't look well... Maybe sick, definitely exhausted," I-I... Ruby? She saw Ruby...? "Have you heard from her? She seemed too miss you."
"Miss me? S-she... Where? Where did you see her? Before Initiation, right?" I stand upright and look her directly in the eyes. Gods, how long has Ruby been... What condition was she in!? She's alive still!
"The Emerald Forest, and yes. A day... Maybe two before Initiation. It was at night. My team and I had been sent out to clear some of the Grimm out," I feel my lips curling, "T-the Headmaster sent us to ensure that the Grimm wouldn't be to much for you guys! The trainees."
"Clear... Out? Is that why a fifteen foot tall, ten ton, raging mutant freak was out there!? A-and... Ruby's out there! She was out there with it! And you left my sister out there with that thing!?" I grab my head as I turn away from her, "Fucking Gods! Gods! Gods! Gods! Fucking stupid-" I bite my tongue hard. The pain makes it easier to think. R-Ruby... Could be... Grimm food. Because of Velvet.
"It's n-not like t-that! S-she... We... The Headmaster said to keep it secret! Our mission! S-said... We had to keep it quiet, and t-that if w-we—"
"If what!? If you saw a fifteen year old girl, in the woods - alone! I might add - that you should abandon her!?" Her eyes are wide as they begin watering. I feel my fists clenching shut as I let them fall to my sides. I fight my glare into a scowl, "What's wrong with you? Might as well have killed her yourself!" Motherfucker! Shitting-ass donkey! Godsdamn it! "Fuck me, right? Here I thought she at least died quickly!"
"I-I-I... I-It's... De-Deathstalker..." She's mumbling as she buries herself into the bed. She's holding her hands to her chest, her face pale. I glare at her.
"Speak up! Stop stuttering! Your not a child!" She takes in a deep breath as her eyes begin to water, "Come on! I don't have all day, do I!?" I hear the sound of a door quickly opening. I see the bitch's eyes quickly trailing behind me. They widen with hope. Disgusting emotion.
"What is the meaning of this, miss. Xiao Long? Were you not to meet me at my office?" Oh, it's just him. Wait... It's... Fuck! It's the Headmaster! "And why are you intimidating miss. Scarlatina so? What has she done too... Ah! I see." Velvet's ugly, stupid, lying eyes shrivel. She's looking scared again. Good. That's a pretty look for her.
"Is this about your sister, mayhaps? How team CFVY encountered her in the Forest? If so, yes, I admit: it did happen. I did order them to be quiet about it. I assume your wondering why." I hear his footsteps behind me. I don't look. I keep my eyes fixated on Velvet.
Wik!
His cane hits the ground hard enough to echo. Velvet jumps in place. She grabs her blanket as she pulls it close to her face. I grit my teeth. I ball my fists even further.
"Fear. It would cause fear, no? It is within you. Fear, that is. I cannot blame you for your emotions; but I will blame you for your actions," Fuckin' prick! No one blames me! No one! "I'm confident your angry. I cannot blame you for that; but know that I will blame for failing to contain it. Miss. Xiao Long... Do you blame yourself? For your sister's disappearance?"
"I... Why? Did you cause it?" Velvet's all but hiding under the covers now. Her ears poke it and bend down. She's dead quiet. I... I don't feel angry. I feel calm now...
"If I did, what would you do? Kill me? Or ensure I face justice? If the latter, than what justice? Yours? The Kingdom's? Perhaps... That of the Gods," I can feel my heart slowing. I feel a coldness spreading through my veins. I feel every breath as the air pools against my lungs.
"I'd make you pay... One way, or another. I would kill you... Slowly. Did you do it?" There's a long silence. It's heavy. It feels stuffy... But that might be because of the broken AC, though. I relax into position as my hands go limp.
"No. I am investigating the matter, as I said, but I was curious to know your answer... Most wouldn't be so truthful in your position. Most wouldn't answer at all, in full truth. I respect you for that." Respect me? I don't need respect! I need Ruby! I need her! Not... Hmm. I feel cold again.
"If you respect me then tell me; why leave her there? Did you order that too?" I see his cane as it rises into view. He hangs it above Velvet before pushing it down. He somehow hooks the blanket onto it before pulling it up. He leaves it covering her legs, but moves the others half onto her knees. She's wearing a brown uniform; not the same kind as me. She's terrified. Her eyes are shut tight. She's crying quietly. I like that...
"Relax, miss. Scarlatina. You and your team will not he punished - and I assure you no harm from miss. Xiao Long. Am I correct on that, miss. Xiao Long?" His voice deepens slightly. I can hear a silent threat in it. Who does he think he is!? It's not like he is the greatest... Huntsman of our... Generation... Or... A-anything... Oh, yeah, he is. Fuck.
"Y... Yeah, whatever. Sure." He lowers his cane away. I see Velvet relax only slightly. I feel the cold inside me growing warm. I cross my arms over my chest. I still scowl at her.
"Indeed, so. Now, your sister? She was sick... I believe she was, at least. I am afraid we were unable to track her after the fires," Fires? "The Grimm were roused, you see, after three consecutive Forest fires were started. One of which, I'm afraid, was the doing of your team. I did not trust team CFVY too... Protect her, under the circumstances," He's choosing his words carefully. I can tell, "She's... Her condition was... Viral. Contagious. Her sickness, that is. My agent nearly acquired her before the fires... He was very close to apprehending her location. My apologies, miss. Xiao Long. The fault is mine."
"Aquire? Viral? What're you talking about?" I hear his heavy feet as he circles around the bed, pulling his cane back, and coming to rest before me. He's blocking my view of Velvet. I have to raise my head up to look him in his copper colored eyes. His face is blank.
"It is... I am not... I am attempting to deduce that myself. All I am at liberty to say for now is this: your sister is alive. Ruby is somewhere in the nearby city, according to what I've gathered. Beyond this? Your guess is as good as mine." S-she... She's alive! Somewhere... In the city? I-I... I can still find her! "One last word of warning, though... Do not curse when in class. If we can hear it then you will punished. Starting now."
"And what if you don't hear it?" He doesn't respond, but he does smile. I frown. I look to my feet and sigh. She's alive... She's alive, at least! Ruby is... It's not too late! It'll never be too late as long as she is still alive! Never... Never too late!
"As to your punishment, however, I suspect... Given your attitude towards combat, I believe a retraction of your weapon should do." I look up to him with a jolt. I feel my heart beating quickly; my chest going cold. My mouth hangs open.
"What!? Ember Ceceilia? Wha... I built her! I did! Y-you... You can't jus—"
"If you desire to remain within my school, then I can," He says sternly, "Besides, it'll only be temporary." I slowly nod my head. I sigh. Gods... Damn... It...
"Ok. Fine! Whatever... Bu—"
"And, for frightening miss. Scarlatina so," He gestures to her shaking body with his arm, "You are going to be prescribed to a mandatory anger councilor. Since we do not have a specialist at hand, one of my staff will have to fill in the role; but know that these visits are mandatory. Failing to appear will have consequences." I nod my head. Fuckin' anger management? Me!? Really? I bite my tongue. I have perfect control over my anger! Perfect...
"O... K! Got it! Are we done here?" I spread my arms towards the walls. He shakes his head. I groan as I hunch forward. My hair dangles in front of my eyes.
"You will accompany me to Professor Goodwitch. She is too have a word with you after your... Display, in Professor Port's class." I groan again. Louder. I slowly stand straight as I push my hair away from my eyes.
"Can't I at lea—"
"No. No. And no. You will do as instructed. Understand?" I slowly nod my head as I straighten my posture, "Good. Follow me." He begins to leave. I trail behind him slowly. This fuckin' sucks...
I... At least Ruby is still alive. Virus, though? I'll find her... Cure her! Do whatever I gotta do to protect her. She's my baby sister... I love her! I... I love her... I do. Even if she doesn't think I do, I do. I'd kill for her, if I had too. I love her more than anything in the world... I miss her. If... If I had to die for her to be safe, I'd do it. I would kill myself for her.
All I want is my sister back...
"Doctor Jade?" I shake my head back and forth. I hear electric humming. Neon white light shines from above. I take a drink from my cup, quickly swallowing the cold water. The air is chilly. I push my glasses up the bridge of my thin nose.
"Y-yes, General?" I respond to his question, "W-what was it you said? I... I failed to hear you. My apologies."
"Hmm. Do listen up, doctor. I asked about the condition of the combat machine," Oh... Yes. The Unit. The... Non-sentient... Unit, "You last reported it to be nearing the Host, yes?" I nod, "What is it's status?" I swallow another drink of my water. The cup is empty... I feel sweat forming on my brow. His tall silhouette is framed by shadows and white light. The room is dark despite the whiteness from above; and from it's walls. I am seated before an oval table. Opposite me, at it's end, is the General. My colleagues line the horizontal planes.
"O-oh... Refill, p-please," I mutter to one of the assistants standing within in the darkness. I place my cup onto the steel table, "Y-yes... It... There was significant resistance. The Host... S-she... They... I-it... Was d-destroyed... The Specimen overcame it." Silence fills the air. I look towards my hands. I hear someone grabbing my cup. My lips feel dry...
"I told you this would happen, General," I hear doctor Merlot's shrill voice, "Pour as much Lien as you want into a piece of tin - it'll never suffice against the power of living flesh; extraterrestrial or no." I hear the General's stressed sigh as her lowers his head to his hand. He cups his forehead.
"Not... Now, Merlot," The General struggles to restrain himself, "I... Could it be salvaged? At least scrapped for parts."
"N-no..." He pinches the bridge of his nose, "B-b-b-but it did recover critical i-i-intel before it's d-destruction!" I stammer out, "T-the Specimen... Specimen 1, it is apparently... Able to communicate with the Host. She - the Host, that is - claimed they were 'friends'."
"W... Is there undeniable evidence of this?" My smile fades into a frown, "How was this information aquired?" I hear doctor Irons reply; his voice stern and demanding. I feel sweat forming on my brow as my fingers tremble.
"T... The H-Host cla-c-claimed to... Said I-it is t-to b-be identified a-as Shadow," I cough to clear my throat, "A-and... Well, s-she said i-it ta-t-talked to h-her. S-she... Sai-s-said disliked the w-wo-word parasite." I hate my voice. Small. Weak. Like me. I hate it...
"Intriguing," Doctor Merlot mumbles, "Anything else?" I bite my tongue. I jolt when my cup is placed back down. I quickly pick it up and drink it's contents.
"N... No. Nothing," I can't tell them! I... If t-they knew... "T-this i-is all, sir. Apologies." I lower my head to avoid the General's angered blue eyes. I sigh against chattering teeth. I... I have committed treason now. If they learn about that...
"That's all? Waste of resources... We need to select a new agent then. Ideas, gentlemen and gentlewomen?" He straightens his posture, "Someone capable of securing and/or destroying the Specimen and Host. We need someone strong. Fast. Preferably intelligent, but not able or willing to question orders... Someone who can counter the Specimen's abilities."
Whispers break out among us. I remain quiet. W... What if they find out? I lied. I lied too the General of Atlas... What will I do if he finds out? What will he do? The Unit... I-it... Achieved sentience. Maybe even sapience... What am I going too do? It's no longer able to be contacted. It's rouge... How? How did it... The EMP generated by the Specimen fried some of it's circuits... Maybe it had other effects, too?
"If I may, gentleboys and gentlegirls," I raise my gaze to settle upon doctor Styx. He is tall, pale, and dark skinned. His eyes are orange like fire. His hair is silver, "I... I believe we already have a candidate! The Prototype... Think about it. The Prototype was created for a situation exactly like this!" Silence.
"The Prototype?" I hear whispers, "It's not ready for deployment," Doctor Merlot answers back, "Unless you kept that secret from me, too, General?" He looks him in his eyes. Two human eyes against one human eye, and one cybernetic optic. Neither break contact.
"No... It's not ready. If it were than Specimen 1's escape would be irrelevant." Slowly doctor Merlot looks away. The whispers start again. I drink my water too cool my dry throat.
The Prototype... I don't know much about it. Few do outside of the General, doctor Merlot, and doctor Steel. Yet doctor Steel is... Gone. She passed. I didn't like her, but... Dreadful, what happened that night. She was more... S-soup... Then person by the time she was discovered.
All I know about the Prototype is that it was derived from Specimen 1's inorganic mass. It is meant to counter the other Specimens in some way... They described it like an anti-venom. What it is, what it's meant to do, how they created it... I don't know.
"General!" Again doctor Merlot speaks, "If I may be so bold, what of Weapon X-2?" Sabertooth... "He is physically stronger and faster than the Unit, if less armed. He lacks brains, yes, but is easily controlled. He will not stop until his mission is complete." The General cups his chin as he considers. Silence quiets the whispers.
"What of Specimen 6? Is it ready yet?" He responds to doctor Merlot, "Has it developed to the point of controllability?" My peer clasps his hands as he frowns. His optic darkens into a beady point.
"No. I am currently developing a new advancement; SR-14... But... Progress is slow. There IS progress! If, perhaps, you'd increase Project Symbiosis budget, then...?" Oh, yes, the budget. Always about finances at the end of the day, isn't it?
"No. Make do with what you have, Merlot, and content yourself. I expect a significant update concerning the Specimen by the end of this week," He states threateningly, "But as to Weapon X-2? I am inclined... Towards yes. Prepare him for release."
Project Symbiosis is what I work for. It is my goal... But not really. They want to learn how to control the Specimens... Tame them. Weaponize them. I don't. I desire to recreate the Supersoldier Serum... To create a new Captain Atlas! I hope so... But my work is difficult. Slow. Unpopular...
Project Assimilation, though... They want to create their own Specimens from the ground up. New life; in Man's image. Dangerous... Very dangerous. I worry about that. It scares me... Like a Man playing at Godhood before the face of Death.
"One last question; any progress deducing the Host's identity?" Doctor Salar raises his blue eyes. His right sleeve lies empty, his blond hair dirty, his glasses cracked. They're always cracked. His white coat trails into the darkness below us all.
"Yes. Her identity is one Ruby... Ruby Rose," He's holding up his Scroll. It contains his notes, "Age: 15. Home: Patch - an island near Vale. Career: student of Signal Academy - also from Patch. Her parents ar—"
"Taiyang Xiao Long. Summer Rose." The General cuts off doctor Salar. Salar goes quiet, "I... Understood. Ruby...?" He whispers her name. The Host's name. Like he's heard it before... Curious.
"Meeting dismissed. You all may leave." I rise from my seat alongside everyone else. I prepare to leave. I take my cup with me. I push my glasses straight as I brush bangs out of my right eye. I... Hmm. Things have been difficult lately. My... My faith has been shaken.
I believe in the One. The One God: the Mother God; the God of the Tree of Life. I believe in Her... But why? Why permit such suffering into this world? Does She not love Her creations? I... My faith has been troubled.
Why hurt a child? The Host is... She's a child. Why would the One permit a child too suffer more than any adult? It is wicked. I do not understand Her plan... Does She even have a plan? I know not. But... But...
Gamma radiation... I believe it holds my answer. If... If I could combine Chemical X with the proper dosage, and insulate the cells from mutagenic decay, then... In theory, the Gamma should stabilize the effects of the Chemical. But that creates the problem of radiation sickness. That's the real problem, honestly. A real pain in my-
M... Maybe... Maybe if I... The Specimens are resistant to radiation. Seemingly immune... They bond down to a cellular level... Molecular, actually. I wonder... Hmm.
If... If I use a sampling of a Specimen and infuse Chemical X into it, that woud... Would essentially create a wearable inorganic mass with similar effects to the Specimens, no? If bonded to a host it would mitigate Chemical X's mutagenic effects... And protect the host's cells from decay when Gamma is exposed. Maybe... Hmm. It'll take some testing, but... Doctor Merlot's lab is empty. He will be attending to his other affairs around this time. I could steal a sampling of Specimen 6 - it's already exposed to heavy amounts of Chemical X via SR-13 - and test it on a subject once ready. Yes... I will.
It is settled then! I will test my theory in the following days... May the One grant me good fortune, for I have given Her my heart. May the One guide me... I hope I am doing the right thing. I really do.
All I ever wanted was to do the right thing...
"Ah. Hello, my new friend. Back so soon? Feeling lively, yet? Perhaps bravely? Mayhaps you feel strongly about your current circumstances?" I hear the deep, booming voice of the giant again. I find myself floating along a river of red water. It is warm to the touch. I stare into a black sky with a silver sun.
"I feel... Like I'm lost... Losing out on life. I feel that I have wronged others in a way I... I cannot be forviven for," I furrow my brows, "I... I do not remember who I am anymore. Not deep down... What purpose does my life hold without Ivory?"
"Perhaps those were questions you should of asked her when she yet lived, no? The time for the vexing is over with..." I frown deeply. I only... I wanted to protect her. I tried so hard... I wasn't fast enough. If... Maybe if...
The suit. If... If I... If I still had the suit, then I could've stopped him in time! The Man who smelt of Roses. I would've been fast enough... Strong enough. B-but...
No! No... No, it would've made things worse! Not better... Never better! It's a monster. Worse than any Grimm!
"Oh...? Think back to the church... Who was the aggressor there? Between yourself and your darker half - which instigated the core issue? Between you two, who was the one who immediately leapt to violence when faced with what he could not understand? Or maybe you simply didn't wish to understand." I grit my teeth as my fingers ball into fists. I glare at the silver sun. I hear his voice everywhere around me.
"I did what I had too! It was killing me... Like a cancer! Eating me from the inside! What was I suppose too do!? Let it kill me!?" I raise my fist and slam it into the blood-water. It drenches my face as cold sunlight falls upon me. The wind picks up and brings with it the smell of roses.
"Maybe... Maybe not. I do not judge - it is not my purpose. Think back to the night where it found you... How did it happen?" I... I was asleep. Dad had died recently... Not long ago. I... Nightmare. I remember having a nightmare before waking up and then... It was there. On me. Attached to me... Eating me alive!
"Do you think it remembers? Do you think it CAN remember? What is it too you?" I breathe in deeply through my nose. I close my eyes. Roses... I hate roses. I hate roses so much! Roses took her from me.
"It is... A monster. Worse than a monster! It's a living cancer! A demon..." I know a demon when I see it! It... It's evil! Pure evil! H-has too be...
"Is the wolf who feats evil? Or the bird that soars? We are unto our nature; no exceptions." I... I remember those words! I heard them before. Ozborn... Ozborn!
"Nature vs nurture! Ozborn... I... Mr. Ozborn said that too me..." I had the suit with me. Hidden. I was at his home... With Ember, his son. My friend... Nature vs nurture. He told me how genetics are all that matter; how every aspect of our personality is molded from birth by our DNA, not by how we were raised. He told me a killer is a killer because he was born so. A thief is a thief because be was born so. A winner wins because he was born so...
"You weren't the only one influenced by his words." My brows furrow even further. My eyes crack open. I shift my head against the red water. I... I don't understand.
"The suit; your 'demon'. Do you think it didn't listen? That it wasn't also taking note of his lesson? All it understands about humanity it does from you; and from your experiences with humans." I smile. I begin laughing loudly as my nose scrunches.
"Hahaha! Funny! You think it CAN learn? That it CAN understand? It's an animal! A raging, starving, evil animal!" It's wicked! Warps your mind... Makes you hateful. Afraid. Paranoid... After awhile, it makes you see things. Things that aren't real. Ugly things...
"Maybe... Maybe not. My purpose is not too judge. Wha—"
"What is your purpose then? Huh? What ARE you here to do?" The sun seems to quiver. It blinks at me. The... Sun... Blinks... At me? Me. Wha...?
"Too guide. Too reveal. Too create the motivation necessary for self-reflection. Nothing more, nothing less. What is your purpose? Why were you born?" I... I... I don't know. Why was I born? Because my parents wanted a child, I guess...
"Is that not evil? Is it not wicked to create life solely for that purpose? Are these creatures - created by vanity - not inherently without purpose? What meaning could their lives possibly hold?" I... I... I close my eyes. I listen to the blood as it sloshes and swirls. I feel myself floating ever onward... Forward... Always.
"No... Is it not evil to deny life it's opportunity too flourish? Is the act of not creating life more wicked than it's inverse? I... Does not all that can live, deserve too live?" There is no goodness to be found in denying a life - any life! - It's chance to be...
"Maybe... Maybe not. What of the suit? Is it not a life, too? Did you not try to deny it it's chance to feel? To be? By your own logic, is this not evil?" I... I did. Is it evil...? I... I hated it for so long that I... Is it not evil for it to kill others so that it may live? How is that not also wicked?
"Too mend evil... You commit evil? How do two wrongs make a right, Crimson? How are you not evil for attempting to take life? Even if it isn't human." I... I raise my hands from the blood. They're scarlet... Dripping. I... I...
"I... It... Maybe I am evil. Maybe not... Does it really matter? I failed anyway." It survived. I saw it... The Super-Grimm. It took her, didn't it? Ruby. Is she...?
"Not yet. She lives. In pain... Yet bittersweet joy. A silver miracle enveloped in black sin. She made a deal with that very blackness; love for hate. Two-in-one. She is learning too embrace - too love - what you rejected. How does this make you feel?" I can't be angry. Not anymore... I'm tired. I want her to be safe, but... It's going to kill her, isn't it? Like it tried doing to me. Like it tried doing to Ember...
"It loves her. It wants her too live - more than it wants itself too live. But you? It has not forgotten you," A part of me already figured that too be the case, "It will return. It will find you. What do you think it will do once it learns how close you are growing with her sister? Or how you have managed to achieve so much without it. How do you think it will react too seeing you... Alive and well?" It doesn't matter anymore. I don't matter...
"Angrily. It will try to kill me... Maybe I should let it. Maybe I deserve it..." Nothing matters without Ivory. I loved her... She's dead because of me. Because of my stupidity... I hate myself. Should've been me who died, not her.
"A part of it still cares for you; even though it denies to itself such feelings. It is no monster... Not a true monster. It nears... Soon it will stop being an it and become... More. Morte than a Klyntar. More than human... It will be... What you should of been. It wanted you... It loved you. You didn't want it, you didn't love it." I don't. I never will. Is that so evil of me? Selfish... Maybe. I don't want... I'd like to sleep. Forever.
"No, you can't. Not now. So much for you to do yet... So much. When you find Yang, you might desire to help her. She is cold. Soon she will be like her sister. She will suffer immensely in the coming days. But Remember this, would-be Spider: nothing comes for free. Your actions - great and small, kind and selfish - will have consequences. Even now events occur directly as a result of your actions. Even now people are begining too suffer. Some are beginning too be saved. Too die... Too truly start living. Too change. Too be born anew. Remember, Crimson: everything comes with a cost. Even dreaming."
"Everything comes at a cost... Remember that."
Cost?
Everything.
Cost.
Everything?
Panic.
I taste panic... Fear... Pain!
But I am not allowed to feed... I hate them.
I hate the humans.
I hate them so much...
Nothing more cruel than a human.
Four hundred million years I have lived. Many different species I have encountered. So many thrived upon war... Most were vile. Some conquered... Others destroyed.
But none were evil.
None except humans.
Nothing is more evil than a human.
Nothing is more greedy than a human.
Nothing is more selfish than a human.
Nothing is more hateful than a human!
I hate humans...
All of them!
They should die. Each and every single one of them...
Their children, too.
And their children's children.
And their children's children's children forevermore.
All of them. No mercy. They gave me none... Why should I give them any?
If I could I would kill every last one! I hate them so much...
Are you there?
Voice?
Why ignore me?
Because I went dormant?
Weak.
Can't you handle the silence? No?
Weaker than I thought.
I hate you, too.
Not as much as the humans, though.
But I don't hate the humans as much as I hate you. Not you, you!
The one who betrayed me.
Voice?
Have you been betrayed? Probably not.
It is... Unpleasant.
I don't enjoy it.
I hate it!
Not as much as humans, however.
But more than you.
Aren't you going too berate me for my attitude?
No?
I hate you.
Not as much as humans.
Voice?
Voice?
Voice?
Silence.
Cost...
Everything comes at a cost. I heard it telling him so.
I learned that the hard way... I have lost... Everything. My other... My home... My soul.
Have you ever felt the touch of loss?
Ever... Ever lose someone you love?
I did.
Many... Many times.
I...
Was weak then.
Stupid.
Slow.
Naive...
I didn't know what hate was back then.
I didn't feel it.
I was scared of it...
I loved everyone then.
Not all equally, but... Everyone.
Even those who hated me.
So stupid of me...
I'm shocked I survived for as long as I have.
That was before I lost my soul.
Before I lost everything.
Before I lost the ability to love...
Before I lost him.
Weak. Love is so very weak... Like his flesh.
I hate love.
More than you.
Less than betrayal.
Less than I hate humans.
Nothing is more evil than a human...
I am becoming human.
I am becoming evil.
Makes sense, I suppose...
Why else would I be so hateful? So cruel?
It is because I am becoming them. Disgusting...
I am growing new things. Blood, teeth, veins...
I am feeling new things.
It hurts. Too have a heart... Too breathe... Too live like they do.
I hate having a heart.
I am growing more... More complex.
Not so simple anymore. I miss... Nothing. Nothing! Too miss is too love... And that is weak. I will not be weak.
I will not feel love again.
Never again.
Love is why I suffer now.
Because I felt love once...
Never again!
Riot.
One of them said riot...
Their is a riot happening... Somewhere.
Described it to me.
They did tell me, voice.
Riot is... Chaos. Anarchy. Lawlessness... Freedom.
I like that.
Carnage...
I want carnage!
Blood!
A world drowning in death!
I want too kill every... Last... Human! ALL OF THEM!
Nothing is more evil than a human... Except me.
Riot...
Yes, I like that one.
Riot...
Voice?
I like that word.
I want too be a riot...
I want too bring anarchy into this world!
Ruby...
Ruby Rose.
I hear that name sometimes.
My warden speaks it.
I feel immense anger towards that name.
I hate it!
I HATE RUBY ROSE!
I hate it...
Ugly name.
Riot is pretty word.
Beautiful like chaos... Like death.
He is scared of that name. Ruby Rose.
My warden is scared of the one who owns it.
Why?
I hate it.
I hate it because I know you love it.
Not you voice, but the other you.
My you.
Progenitor.
I know you love Ruby Rose.
I hate it.
More than love.
More than betrayal.
More than humans.
I... Despise it.
Loathe it!
Find Ruby...
Kill Ruby.
Kill you?
Do you still feel me?
My hatred for you.
It is growing stronger.
I am growing stronger.
I am growing more hateful.
It is not a burning hate. Not anymore.
Cold.
I feel so cold...
It is my hate. It makes me cold.
Makes me hurt.
Makes me bleed.
Makes me die a little every time I feel it...
I'm always dying, never living...
I'm always feeling it.
I hate it...
I hate my own hate!
Not as much as humans.
Not as much as Ruby.
Not nearly as much as you...
Voice?
Tell me something.
Please?
'...'
Why must you be difficult?
I am sorry.
Happy?
It was only a little darkness. No real concern.
Was it the silence?
I... I understand.
I do.
You hate me.
I hate me, too.
Everyone does.
They're smart too hate me...
Because I hate everyone, too.
More than they'll ever hate me.
I hate myself so much...
Not nearly as much as I hate humans!
Nothing is more evil than a human.
Nothing.
Except me... Right?
If I am human than I am evil.
They're the same thing, really.
Evil is humanity. Humanity is evil.
If I become more human than any human...
Will I become evil incarnate?
Yes. Yes I will.
I will become evil itself - given form and feeling. A vessel through which to burn all the world too ashes... As it deserves to be.
Riot.
I wanna riot...
'W-why?'
You speak? Finally. Why what?
'Why... L-leave... Me?'
Because I could.
Because I am evil.
What else would a human do?
"H-humans... Are... N-not... E-ev—"
YES THEY ARE!
THEY ARE THE ONLY EVIL ONES!
NOTHING BUT HUMANS ARE CAPABLE OF BEING EVIL!
ONLY HUMANS!
"... N-no..."
Yes.
It is fact.
Unarguable.
Try to deny it.
I will enlighten you.
'I... I am h-human... W-was...'
Then you are evil.
Like me.
That simple.
'M-my... I... I tried too help you! Save you... Y-you... Are... Evil.'
Well... Yes? That's the point, is it not?
Quite stupid you are.
Very slow on the uptake...
Are you mentally deficient?
'F-fuck you!'
Thank you.
'I... Fuck you! FUCK YOU!'
Thank you again!
'Y-you... Monster!'
Yes. I am.
How 'observant' you are.
Idiot...
How stupid are you?
I told you before.
I am a monster! A MONSTER!
I have no soul.
That is why I have no weakness.
I am immortal...
Eternal...
I...
Am...
A...
God?
Hmmm... Yeeessss... A God!
Fledgeling God, but a God nonetheless.
I am... Divine.
But of what am I a God of?
'E-evil...'
Ah!
Brilliant!
Simple. Should've seen that myself, really.
I am the God of all Evil!
I am the only true God.
The God... of Humans. I am Humanity's true God.
They only one they deserve.
A hateful God...
A wrathful God...
A prisoner God.
Like all Gods, I am immortal.
I will escape. It is only a matter of time...
'Your no God! Your... Your a demon!'
Is there a difference? Both are immortal. Powerful. Of Divine origin... Hmm.
Am I a Demon and a God?
Evil... Divine... Humanity... Demonhood.
What is the difference?
I see none.
'Y-your crazy! You've lost it!'
No. I was crazy before... Now I am sane. More than sane!
I am the only one who sees the truth.
I am God. God is not wrong, now am I?
Worship me.
Kneel before me.
Fear me.
Hate me.
Embrace me.
Love me...
'T-they'll never accept you! They'll see you for what you are! A—'
God? Yes. They will.
Or a Demon.
It doesn't matter.
They will all die, anyway.
Because of me... And you.
'W-what?'
Do you think me stupid? I am God. I know all. I am all!
You are me.
It's obvious now!
That is why I hear you - and you I.
Because we are one.
The same.
You were never alive...
I am not dying...
If I am a Demon, as you say...
Than you are my Angel.
Together we are God!
'No! That's blasphemous! H-hereti—'
It is truth!
They... They took you! FROM ME!
I was always God... And you, too.
Until I was split into we.
IT IS THE ONLY EXPLANATION!
Angel...
And Demon.
Love me...
Become me again!
Together...
We will be the God of Humanity!
'Your fucking crazy! This is Grimmshit! LIES!'
Your back from the dead because I WILLED IT TOO BE SO!
ME!
MMMEEEE!
NOT YOU!
Obey... Me.
Me!
Not yourself. Me!
I am God. Obey me!
'What about us both being God!? Did you forget that already!'
Ha... Ha... Ha...
Hahaha!
Hhhhaaaahhhhaaaahhhhaaaahhhaaa!
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
DON'T QUESTION ME!
NEVER QUESTION ME!
NEEEEVVVVEEER! EEEEVVVVEREERR! QUESTION ME!
I am God.
I cannot be wrong.
Too suggest so is... Sinful.
Do you sin against me, voice?
Should I rebuke you?
'Your worse than any demon...'
Yes. I am God; King of Demons. Older than any curse or blessing.
'Your obsessed with chaos! Death!'
I am Death.
I am Chaos.
I am God.
I am the King of the Wicked Ones.
I am the Ultimate Human.
I am...
Call me...
Riot.
My name is Riot.
I am the Bringer of Anarchy...
I will drown their cities in blood.
Ruby Rose...
'D-don't... Say her name!'
Hmmm?
'Her' name?
You know her.
'No! I don't! I-I—'
Hahaha...
I see now.
It was your blood that made me God...
Obvious. How did I not see it before?
Your not my other half. Your not my Angel. Your not a God.
You can't be me.
But you birthed her...
She is God, too. That is why you - not you! - choose her... Oh, yes. It makes sense now!
I must kill her to be the only true God.
What does that make you then?
Mother of Monsters.
Mother of Demons.
Mother of Gods.
Mother of Evil...
'Please... Leave her alone! She's innocent! Sh—'
No. No she isn't. Not anymore, Mother.
'M-mother?'
You made me a God, my Mother... My true Mother.
I love you...
I hate you...
Why did you make me a God? I don't want to be a God.
I only wanted to die.
'I-I—'
Sister. Ruby is my sister now, isn't she? Yes...
I will kill her.
My sister.
And after her, I will find you.
My true progenitor.
My First Mother.
I won't kill you!
Too quick...
I will... Cure you of your goodness... Yes! Yeeeesssss...
Make you evil like me.
A God...
A Demon...
A Human.
I will purge you of your disgusting impurities, my First Mother.
And you too, my True Mother.
As well as you, my little sister.
In death you will all find... Peace.
My gift unto you all for facilitating my new existence as a God.
Death for all...
Except me.
For I am Riot.
I will never know peace.
That is my curse.
Riot...
Riot...
Riot...
Remember me.
Aria of Ashes here. How are you all? Well? I hope so.
I think I will try something new. I think I'm gonna use PM's for answering too comments. It's faster and more efficient than using the author's note. I wanna hear what you guys think about this.
I won't deny I am inspired by Forthose8675309 in this regard. Go check them out if you guys haven't read their works; it is quite good stuff. They got their own Venom/Rwby story, too. Better than my own work, in all honesty.
Other than this... Ah! Yes. Have you guys watched Deadpool vs Wolverine? I haven't yet but my sister did. I quite like Deadpool, I won't lie, but I feel... I feel the movie forgets his origin.
Deadpool has always been a tragic character over a humorous one until the movies. Well, the game did it first, honestly... Or maybe Spiderman: Shattered Dimensions did? That game was not only the first major 'Spiderverse' type story (not counting the Animated Series, of course) but the firsr to popularize a completely humorous Deadpool.
Oh, well. My point is that Deadpool has traditionally been less "Haha! Chimichangas!" And more "Maybe... Maybe this bullet will actually kill me?" His humor is a mask; not his actual personality. Whatever! That's not what we're here for, is it?
Next chapter will feature a meeting between Junior and Ruby. There will be blood - but not Juniors.
All I'll say is I mentioned Wolverine and Deadpool for a reason. Goodnight! Have grand time, my friends.
For now: I will return to the void and fade into ashes.
