Fangs of the Exiles
Rated M
Rwby
Summary:
Life is not about what happens to you, but what you make of it... At least that's what everyone says. Two faunus will answer whose way is right, carrying the will of a titanic kingdom while the other, the spirit of one who shouldn't exist. Forgotten, their paths will cross, for better or worse.
A/N:
Phew! I apologize for the delay in updates. The past couple of months have been incredibly challenging for me, as I've been coping with a significant loss in my family and contemplating a possible move. I'm really glad to be back and ready to continue this story as I promised. However, please keep in mind that there might be some changes in the story's direction moving forward.
I still plan to finish this story and might add a few extra chapters after the war arc, along with an epilogue. The final chapters will focus on a specific character, couple, or group in the immediate aftermath of the war, while the epilogue will delve deeper into the nuances of their journey. Regardless of how it all turns out, I am committed to crafting it for all of you.
Thank you for your patience and again, I apologize for taking so long to post this.
Chapter 48: Fangs of Cerberus-2
The desert night was cool and still when Aganju's eyes snapped open. Next to him, Pyrrha slept peacefully, her red hair spread across the pillow. Something had woken him - a presence he couldn't quite place.
A soft tapping drew his attention to the window. There, perched on the sill, was a small, bird-like Grimm. Its red eyes met his, and for a moment, Aganju forgot to breathe. This Grimm was different - it didn't radiate malevolence like the others.
Careful not to wake Pyrrha, Aganju slipped out of bed. The Grimm took flight, and without thinking, he followed. His bare feet hit the cool sand as he chased the creature through the sleeping encampment and into the open desert.
The Grimm led him to where the dunes met the sea, the full moon casting an ethereal glow over the landscape. As Aganju approached, the creature suddenly morphed, growing and shifting until Aganju found himself face to face with... himself.
The Grimm-Aganju's eyes glowed red, a twisted smile on its face. "So, you came," it said, its voice an unsettling echo of his own.
Aganju's hand went to his weapon. "What are you?"
Instead of answering, the Grimm-Aganju attacked. They clashed, scythe against claws, in a fierce dance under the moonlight. Sand swirled around them as Aganju tapped into his power, his eyes flickering crimson and black.
Finally, seeing an opening, Aganju swung his scythe wide, cutting deep into the Grimm's chest. But instead of dissipating, the creature burst into a thick, dark mist that engulfed Aganju.
He felt a pull as if his mind was being wrenched from his body. Aganju found himself in a vast, dark chamber when the sensation stopped. Twisted architecture loomed around him and at the center...
"Hello, Aganju," said a soft, melodious voice.
Aganju's breath caught in his throat as he saw Salem standing before him. Her pale figure stood out against the darkness, and her red eyes, similar to his own when he used his power, gazed at him with a mix of warmth and calculation that sent a shiver down his spine.
"This... this isn't possible," Aganju stammered, stepping back. "I'm still in the desert. This is a trick."
Salem smiled, the expression both gentle and terrifying. "No trick, my dear. Just a conversation long overdue."
Aganju's mind raced. He was face to face with the enemy they'd been fighting against, the source of the Grimm, the one who... His eyes widened as realization dawned.
"You're... you're my..."
"Mother," Salem finished for him, taking a step closer. "Yes, child. And we have so much to discuss."
Aganju's world tilted on its axis as the mist cleared, finding himself in a grand, twisted chamber. His heart raced as he locked eyes with the figure before him - Salem, the Queen of the Grimm, his... mother.
"At last we meet," Salem spoke, her voice softer than he'd imagined. "...Aganju."
His hands clenched into fists, his emotions a maelstrom of anger, confusion, and a hint of longing he refused to acknowledge. "Why now?" he demanded. "After all this time, why reach out to me now?"
Salem took a step forward, her red eyes filled with an emotion Aganju couldn't quite place. "I never forgave myself for your disappearance," she said. "Watching you grow, seeing you master the magic that runs in our blood... I'm proud of you, Aganju."
Her words ignited a fire within him. "Proud?" Aganju spat, his eyes flashing crimson and black. "You have no right! Where were you when I was alone, scared, trying to understand these powers? You didn't bother to find me!"
He expected rage, perhaps an attack. Instead, Salem's face crumpled with genuine sadness. "You're right," she admitted, her voice heavy with regret. "I should have done more. I should have searched harder, longer. My failure to find you is my greatest regret."
Aganju faltered, his anger giving way to confusion. This vulnerable, remorseful woman before him didn't align with the monster he'd been told about. "I don't... I don't understand," he stammered.
Salem reached out a hand, stopping short of touching him. "I know I have no right to ask for your forgiveness or to be part of your life. But I hoped... I hoped we could at least talk. That I could explain-"
"Aganju!" Ciel's voice cut through the vision, distant but urgent.
Salem's form began to blur. "Our time grows short," she said quickly. "But please, Aganju, if you want to know more - about your past, about our family - meet me where I instructed. Come alone, and-"
Aganju's surroundings suddenly fragmented, and he found himself rudely returning to the blistering heat of the desert. The wispy remains of the Grimm messenger dissipated at his feet as Ciel hastily made her way to him, her expression etched with profound worry her countenance etched with profound worry.
"Aganju! Are you alright? What happened?"
He turned to her, his mind reeling from the encounter. "I... I'm not sure," he said, his voice unsteady. "But I think I just met my mother."
As Ciel helped him back to camp, Aganju's thoughts were in turmoil. The Salem he'd met was so different from the monster he'd been told about. Her sadness, her regret... it had seemed so real. But could he trust it? Could he risk meeting her again?
As the first light of dawn broke over the horizon, Aganju stood at the edge of the cliff, feeling the cool morning breeze on his face. At that moment, a profound sense of responsibility washed over him. He knew that the decision he was about to make held the power to alter the course of not only his own life but the destiny of all who inhabited Remnant.
Salem stood motionless in her throne room, her pale fingers tracing the edges of the magical artifact that had allowed her to communicate with the faunus. The encounter had left her feeling... unsettled, a rarity for the witch. Emotions she thought long dead stirred within her chest, a maelstrom of longing, regret, and an unfamiliar warmth.
"My son," she whispered, the words foreign on her tongue. For millennia, she had been known only as the Queen of Grimm, a being of pure destruction and manipulation. But now, faced with the reality of Aganju, she found herself grappling with the tattered remains of humanity she thought long-deceased.
She closed her eyes, recalling every detail of his face. Though temporarily, he had her eyes, when he tapped into the power that resided in him. But there was a light in them, a warmth she had long since lost. Salem found herself wondering what he had been like as a child, imagining the milestones she had missed.
A pan of regret pierced her heart. "I should have searched harder," she murmured. "I should have torn this world apart to find you."
The thought of Aganju growing up without any guidance, feeling frightened and isolated because of his extraordinary powers, filled her with a profound sorrow that threatened to engulf her. Despite her experiences of confronting deities and transforming the very fabric of the world, she now felt completely powerless in the wake of her perceived failure as a mother... again. How could I have been so weak...?
But beneath the sorrow, a flicker of hope burned. He had listened to her, if only for a moment. Perhaps there was still a chance to forge a connection, to explain, to...
Salem paused, unsure of what she truly wanted. Redemption? Understanding? Or simply the chance to know her son?
Her musings were interrupted by the sound of footsteps. Composing herself, Salem turned to face the entrance of the room.
Cinder strode in, her eye gleaming with anticipation. "My Queen," she declared, bowing slightly. "I have a report from Tyrian and Mercury. The enemy has taken great casualties and their morale has taken a drastic hit. With your permission, we can crush Vacuo and-"
"No," Salem interrupted, her voice soft but firm.
Cinder blinked, taken aback. "No? But my Queen, we have them on the defensive. If we strike now-"
"I said no, Cinder," Salem repeated, turning to gaze out the window at the Grimm-infested landscape. "There has been... a change of plans. I wish to meet with the boy."
Cinder's eyes widened, a mix of shock and something darker flashing across her face. "Meet with him? But he's our enemy! He-"
"He is my son," Salem said, her tone brooking no argument. "And I have missed too much of his life already. Return to the battlefield, Cinder. Keep our forces at bay, but do not engage unless absolutely necessary. I need time, to collect the relic and him."
Cinder stood rigid, her fists clenched at her sides. For a moment, it seemed she might argue further. Instead, she bowed stiffly. "As you wish, my Queen," she said, her voice tight with suppressed emotion.
As Cinder turned to leave, Salem added, "And Cinder? He is not to be harmed. Under any circumstances. Is that understood?"
Cinder's eye flashed with barely concealed rage, but she nodded curtly before storming out of the chamber.
Once alone, Cinder let her mask of obedience fall away. Fury coursed through her veins, hot and poisonous. Aganju. Always Aganju.
She remembered when she first met him, a small, wide-eyed faunus child trailing her like a lost puppy. Back then, she had felt a flicker of affection for him, even entertaining the notion of having a little brother to protect and guide.
As much as she tried to deny it, she couldn't ignore the overwhelming sense of awe that washed over her when she witnessed his power. It seemed to flow effortlessly from him, as if it was an innate part of him, while she had to exert every ounce of effort and determination to muster even a fraction of his strength. The admiration in Salem's eyes when she mentioned him was palpable, a warmth that Cinder had never experienced directed at her before.
Jealousy, bitter and corrosive, had eaten away at any fondness she might have felt. And now, to Salem hesitate, to put aside their plans for him...
"No," Cinder snarled, her hand engulfed in flame. "I won't let him take everything from me. Not again."
As she made her way back to the portal that would take her to the battlefield, Cinder's mind raced with plots and schemes. Salem had ordered Aganju not to be harmed, but surely in the chaos of battle, accidents could happen.
A cold smirk curved Cinder's lips. Yes, she would rid the world of that damned faunus. And then, finally, she would have Salem's full attention, her favor. She would be the daughter Salem truly deserved.
With that thought fueling her, Cinder stepped through the portal, ready to shape the coming battle to her own ends.
Salem stood by the tall, arched window in her dimly lit chamber, gazing out into the desolate landscape beyond. Unbeknownst to her, a tempest of emotions was raging within the heart of her devoted disciple. Her mind was consumed with thoughts of the young man, pondering the potential for reconciliation and the distant dream of a reunited family. In that rare moment, the Queen of Grimm experienced a stirring of something akin to hope, a sensation that had eluded her for countless ages.
"Soon, my son," she whispered to the empty air. "Soon, we will meet again. And perhaps... perhaps we can begin anew."
As both Salem and Cinder prepared for what was to come, the fate of Remnant trembled on the edge of a knife.
The desert sun blazed overhead as the combined forces of Huntsmen and Huntresses stood ready to face the oncoming wave of Grimm. Team RWBY, JNPR, SSNNN, CFVY, Aganju, Roxanne, Ciel, Emerald, the remaining Ace-Ops, and others formed a formidable line of defense.
Scylla was unable to battle due to her traumatic ordeal, choosing to stay and strategize with Nava, the stag faunus. Aganju and Roxanne were more than understanding of her plight. The last thing they wanted was for another member of their family to be hurt as a result of this ensuing war. In their eyes, she deserved to rest and enjoy life with her new friend.
"Ruby's voice rang out clear and strong. "Remember everyone, we're not just fighting for Vacuo. We're fighting for all of Remnant!"
As if responding to her words, the first wave of Grimm crested the dunes: Beowolves, Ursai, Nevermore, and more exotic Grimm native to the desert charged toward them.
"Here they come!" Jaune shouted, raising his shield. "Hold the line!"
The battle erupted in a cacophony of gunfire, clashing metal, and the inhuman screams of the hellacious spawns. Ruby's scythe whirled in a deadly arc, cutting down Beowolves left and right. Weiss's glyphs flashed across the battlefield, alternately boosting allies and trapping enemies. Blake's shadows confused and misdirected the Grimm, while Yang's fiery punches sent them flying.
Nearby, Nora's hammer smashed through line after line of Grimm ranks thanks to her might as the Winter maiden, while Ren's precise strikes took out any that got too close. Jaune coordinated their movements, his tactical mind proving as valuable as his sword and shield.
Aganju and Pyrrha fought back-to-back, their movements in perfect sync. Aganju's dark tails kicked up sand and guarded their blindspots, warding off the monstrosities with his scythe/bow combination, depending on the situation. Pyrrha's mastery of polarity tapped into the hardened metallic grains, creating ripples of metal shrapnel that tore through the Grimm.
Coco's minigun mowed down swathes of enemies, while Velvet's copied arms added an element of unpredictability to their defense. Yatsuhashi's massive blade cleaved through the larger Grimm, with Fox darting between them to take out the smaller, faster ones.
Ciel's remarkable time dilation semblance was a game-changer in the battle against the Grimm. By manipulating time, she was able to create pockets of slowed time, granting her allies the opportunity to strike down the Grimm with unparalleled ease. What's more, her unique bond with Aganju allowed her to sustain the effects of her semblance for an extended duration, far surpassing her previous feats while studying at the Atlas Academy.
Sage's immense physical power and Scarlet's agile and acrobatic combat style perfectly complemented each other as they valiantly held their position on the battlefield. Together, they formed an unstoppable force, effectively maintaining their section of the line against the relentless onslaught of the Grimm.
As the battle raged on, Emerald, Yang, and Roxanne found themselves pushed to the edge of the main group, surrounded by a particularly dense cluster of Grimm.
"We need to regroup!" Roxanne shouted, her head lowered as she charged through a line of Beowolves.
Yang nodded, her hair blazing with accumulated power. "On three, we break through to-"
Her words were cut short as a silver blur shot past her, striking her squarely in the jaw. Yang stumbled, turning to see a familiar face smirking at her.
"Mercury," Emerald coiled like a viper, her weapons poised for action.
His smirk widened. "Miss me?"
Mercury sprang into action, his advanced cybernetic legs propelling him forward with incredible speed. Yang's powerful punches found no target as he skillfully weaved between the three opponents, his agile movements evading her every strike. Even though Emerald's illusions attempted to deceive him, Mercury's well-honed muscle memory allowed him to continue fighting effectively, relying on his training and instincts rather than his visual perception.
Roxanne charged, but just as she was about to make contact, Mercury vaulted over her, using her momentum to send her crashing into Yang.
"Too slow," he taunted, dropping into a fighting stance.
The three regrouped, breathing heavily. Despite their combined strength, Mercury's speed and precision kept him one step ahead.
"Any bright ideas?" Yang wiped some blood from a cut on her cheek.
Before either could respond, Mercury was on them again. A flurry of kicks sent Emerald sprawling, while a sweeping leg took Roxanne's feet out from under her. Yang managed to block his next attack, but the force still sent her skidding backward.
As Mercury prepared to press his advantage, a shield whirled through the air, forcing him to dodge. Pyrrha Nikos stepped forward, her green eyes blazing with determination.
"Why don't you try me?" she challenged, catching her shield as it returned. "We never had that rematch, did we?"
Mercury's eyes narrowed. "The so-called Invincible Girl... Here I thought you were dead."
They clashed in a blur of movement. Mercury's kicks met Pyrrha's shield, while her spear darted in to test his defenses. Unlike the others, Pyrrha seemed able to keep up with Mercury's speed, her combat instincts and semblance giving her a slight edge.
As they fought, memories of their brief encounter at Beacon flashed through both their minds. But this was no 'friendly' spar. Each strike carried the weight of their opposing loyalties, their differing paths since that fateful day.
Mercury lashed out with a spinning kick, but Pyrrha was ready. She used her semblance to subtly alter the trajectory of the cybernetic limb, throwing him off balance. In that moment of vulnerability, she struck.
Her shield slammed into his chest, driving the air from his lungs. Before he could recover, her spear swept his legs out from under him. Mercury hit the ground hard, looking up to find the point at his throat. Anytime he tried to slip a kick at her, he could feel her power crushing the limbs, leaving him defenseless.
"Yield," she commanded.
For a moment, it appeared Mercury might try to continue fighting. But then, with a bitter laugh, he raised his hands in surrender. "Guess you win again, Nikos."
As Emerald and Roxanne moved to secure Mercury, Yang approached Pyrrha. "Nice moves," she placed a hand on the warrior's shoulder, grinning from ear to ear. "Remind never to get on your bad side."
Pyrrha smiled, but her eyes were already scanning the battlefield. "We should rejoin the other. This fight is far from over."
Indeed, while they had been occupied with Mercury, the battle had continued to rage. Aganju's voice carried over the chaos, rallying their allies for another push against the Grimm. Mercury was handed over into the custody of the reserve forces, effectively removing him from the battle entirely. From a distance, a certain scorpion let a soul-splitting, unhinged giggle tickle his throat as he ventured deeper into the shadows.
As the young women moved to rejoin the main group, Pyrrha cast one last look at the vanquished Mercury. Their eyes met, and an unspoken understanding passed between them. In another life, they might have been rivals, even friends. But now, they were on opposite sides of a war that spelled a new beginning or a bitter end to the realm of Remnant.
Pyrrha turned away, her resolve strengthened. Whatever came next, she would face it alongside her friends, her chosen family.
The battle continued to rage as the sun began to set over the desert, casting long shadows across the blood-soaked sand. Thankfully, the aid of the Summer Maiden made things a bit easier as the dark beasts were defeated, but the fighters knew better. The war for Remnant was far from over, but for now, the defenders of Vacuo stood strong, a beacon of hope in a world threatened by darkness.
The shattered moon of Remnant cast a soft glow over Vacuo, its light glinting off the sand-worn buildings. On one of the rooftops, three figures sat in comfortable silence, their bodies still aching from the day's battle.
Aganju, his fox ears and tail twitching at every night sound, broke the silence first. "You know, I never thought I'd miss Mistral's humidity, but this desert air is something else."
Roxanne chuckled, her broken horn silhouetted against the moonlight. "Speak for yourself. My wool's never been drier."
Scylla, her serpentine skin coiled closer to the fire, smiling gently. "It's nice, isn't it? All of us together... like old times."
A comfortable silence fell over them, again, filled with unspoken experience. They were three-quarters of Team ASRE, survivors of battles that had changed them all.
Aganju's keen eye noticed Scylla's distracted gaze. Something on your mind?"
Scylla's scales shimmered as she shifted uncomfortably. "I... I think I like someone."
Roxanne perked up at the news. "Oh? Do tell!"
"It's Nava," she admitted, her cheeks flushing. "The stag faunus I met the other day at the marketplace."
"She seems nice," Aganju remarked encouragingly. "What's stopping you from asking her out?"
Scylla's voice dropped to a whisper. "Isn't it too soon? After Esu, I mean..."
The mood sobered at the mention of their former teammate. Roxanne reached out, placing a comforting hand on Scylla's arm. "Hey, you're allowed to move on, you know? After what Esu did... you don't owe him anything. Aganju told me about his betrayal and how you were imprisoned and abused. That bastard didn't deserve you."
Aganju nodded in agreement. "Roxie's right. You deserve to heal, to grow. If Nava makes you happy, that's all that matters."
Scylla's eyes glistened with unshed tears. "You think so?"
"Absolutely," Aganju affirmed. "Look at us. Roxie's with Yang, I'm with Pyrrha. We've all found happiness in unexpected places."
Roxanne grinned brightly, flexing her arm where burn scars were still visible. "Don't forget, I nearly died back at Beacon for you and Yang. After that, I spent a lot of time with her family. She was stubborn as all hell and made it difficult to get her back on track. She was a pain in the ass at that point. Worth it, though."
Aganju unconsciously traced the scars on his own body, revealing the dark remnants of Cinder's torture back at Atlas. Scylla pressed a hand over her mouth. "Got this after a nasty argument with Pyrrha over Ironwood's tactics. Got stabbed by one of my mother's, Raven and nearly died."
"Aganju..."
"The point is, we've all been through hell. But we're still here, still fighting. Still loving."
"He's right..." Roxie smiled brighter than before. "You literally had your soul ripped out of your body. You were trapped in a timeless realm after being stabbed by Adam. I feel that's 'compensation' enough."
Scylla looked at her teammates, her family really, and felt a surge of affection. "You're right. Life's too short, isn't it?"
"Especially in our line of work," Roxanne quipped.
Scylla straightened up, a new resolution in her eyes. "I'm going to ask out Nava."
Aganju and Roxanne exchanged delighted glances. "That's our girl!" Roxanne cheered.
The fox grabbed his cup. "I think this calls for a toast."
They raised their glasses, the moonlight catching the liquid and making it glow.
"To new beginnings," Aganju started. "To healing," Roxanne added. "To love," Scylla finished.
Their cups clinked together, the sound ringing out into the quiet night. As they drank, each of them felt a warmth that had nothing to do with the tea. Here, under the fractured moon, they were more than teammates. They were a reunited family, bound by shared struggles and unwavering support.
As the night wore on, their laughter echoed across the rooftops of Vacuo, a defiant sound of joy in a world that had tried so hard to break them. Tomorrow would bring new battles and new challenges. But for now, in this moment, they had each other. And that was enough.
Sango and Winter traversed the eerie, moonlit expanse, their boots crunching softly on the broken ground littered with remnants of their recent battle. The pale light illuminated their uniforms, marred with dirt and splatters of dried blood, a testament to their fierce struggle. Despite the physical toll, their spirits stood resolute against the heavy silence that surrounded them.
Yet, as they walked, Sango couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. She caught glimpses of Winter's distant expression, her usually sharp focus now clouded with distraction. The way Winter's eyes drifted over the desolate landscape, seemingly lost in thought, made Sango's heart tighten with concern. It was as if an invisible weight pressed down on her friend, drawing her away from the present, and Sango knew she had to find out what haunted Winter's mind.
"Hey," he begins, trying to break the silence. "You okay? You seem a little out of it."
Winter forces a smile. "Just... lost in thought, that's all."
Sango raises an eyebrow, knowing Winter's focus was one of her greatest strengths. "About what?"
Winter shrugs. "Nothing important."
Sango wasn't convinced. He decides to lighten the moon. "Hey, I heard they brought that Mercury kid in today after Pyrrha crushed his legs. Talk about lacking a hill to stand on, right?"
Winter's smile falters. "Sango, this isn't the time for poor jokes!"
"Why not?" Sango inquires, perplexed by the shift in tone. "A little humor never hurt anyone."
Winter sighs. "It's just... I'm worried about the future."
Sango's playful demeanor vanished upon hearing the sobering words. Winter was always the best of them when it came to composure, yet, somehow he found himself standing beside a girl he hadn't seen in years.
"The future? Since when have you ever put stock in the uncertain?"
Winter hesitated for a moment, swallowing a lump in her throat before speaking. "I've been thinking about my family. My mother's dating a former teammate, and Weiss is, oddly enough, interested in Jaune... Even Whitley is forging his path with the prospects of romance... I can't help but wonder if I'll ever find happiness like that."
Sango's heart raced in an unexpected flutter. He had never witnessed her reveal such raw vulnerability all at once, and it left him breathless.
"You know," he sighs softly. "happiness isn't something that can be found. It has to be created from within. That's why people say it can come from the most unexpected of places."
"Like when you protected me all those years ago?" Winter looks at him, her gaze filled with hope and uncertainty. "It's amazing how long we've known each other. You, a White Fang initiate saving the life of the then-heiress of the Schnee family fortune."
"The news would salivate over a story like that!"
This time, Winter let out a genuine giggle—no mere chuckle or slight smile, but an unmistakable giggle. She turned away, trying to hide her flushed cheeks. It brought back memories of the night they first crossed paths under uncertain circumstances. Without Sango, Winter might not have lived to become the woman she is today. And if it weren't for her, Sango's life could have ended up trapped in despair or worse, long gone.
"I... I wish I could've thanked you properly for saving my life."
"Um..." he scratches his neck sheepishly. "...I think your mother helping me get into Atlas Academy was thanks enough."
Winter's breath catches. She never realized how oblivious the panther faunus could be. It was infuriating, yet also endearing.
"I meant what you and Elm have, you boob!"
"Wait, are you saying you're jealous of Elm?" Sango blinked, his eyes mixed with amusement and sincerity. "Winter... Talk to me."
Winter bit her lip, carefully contemplating her next words.
"You... wouldn't understand. I... there's no use in talking about it now," she crossed her arms, appearing more like a pouting child than an astute officer. "We're in the middle of a war anyway, and we should focus on our evening patrol."
Sango watched her with an amused tilt of his head. He knew her better than most, a rare connection not even her family shared. The stoic facade she wore was more of a mask that few ever recognized. Their introduction, much like her, was a bittersweet yet cherished memory for the panther faunus. Witnessing any glimpse of vulnerability from the elder Schnee felt like a privilege—one he didn't take lightly.
Rather than tempt fate any further, Sango opted to step closer to her. Suddenly, she felt a gentle poke on her right shoulder. Instinctively, she turned, only to be met with a soft kiss on her cheek. A warm blush crept across Winter's face as she caught a glimpse of Sango dashing away, laughter bubbling from his lips. Though he typically kept his emotions under wraps, there was no mistaking the sincerity of that gesture.
...still, she had a reputation to uphold, even if it was just for herself...
"Get back here, you boob!" she yelled into the night, though a soft giggle followed as she chased behind the now-cackling panther.
On that fateful day, the allied forces of Remnant celebrated what they believed to be a monumental victory. They had vanquished a formidable horde of Grimm and captured Mercury, filling the air with their cheers and jubilations. It was a sight that could almost be entertaining—if it weren't so utterly pathetic. Their fleeting joy, born from dismantling my plans for success, will ultimately serve as the spark that ignites the true end of this war. The irony of their celebration only deepens my resolve.
The end draws near for these fools.
Let them revel in their celebrations and their false sense of peace. I've seen it all before—the so-called Invincible Girl, that deceptive illusionist. The naive farm boy turned headmaster. And of course... Ruby Rose, the silver-eyed hero, shining bright amidst the chaos.
None of them stand a chance against the full force of my impending onslaught.
Not even him...