RWBY Noir

by Wombag1786

"The most merciful thing in the world, I think, is the inability of the human mind to correlate all its content." In 1919, the world has seen the horrors of the great war come to an end, yet forces behind the vale of sanity work and worm into the booming new world. Thankfully, humanity will not be alone in this madness. Though Madness, may prove to be a Blessing then Sanity.

7. The Detective

I don't own RWBY or Call of Cthulu.

Important AN: Hey before this story continues. Please note that that this chapter will reveal what really happened. So please, for the sake of the story, come up with a theory on why or how they got here. This will be your last chance. Alright, onto the story.

December 31st 1919.

San Francisco, Late in the night.

Late in the night, the view slowly pulls down on the city by the bay. People were out celebrating the end of the war or buying any and all spirits they can get their hands on before the 18th amendment was put into effect. The view pulls down on the financial district, a small bar by the name of "The Old Ship Saloon." had customers coming in and out with hands full of spirits. The shock of how the new amendment ratified or the fact that the war was over caused a sharp increase in spirits. So much that more people simple came into the bar to grab a bottle before heading home. All except one. A single patron sat at the bar, listening to a calming melody, Dream a little dream of me. He bought himself an expensive bottle of scotch but instead of heading home to his apartment he stayed behind to drink in peace.

He was a noticeable fellow. Wore a tan trench coat over a grey vest jacket, dirty sweat stained collared shirt with a loose black tie around his neck. His raven black hair was a mess with it looking like a mixture of bad pomade and bed head. As he pushes his hair back, his arm reveals a strange birthmark on them. If one looks closely you can see a pattern that look like chain links. The view shifts over to expose the man's face. He was Caucasian in his late twenties, with a five o'clock shadow growing slightly out of control. Along the right side of his face was a few scars that a Mexican hand grenade. As he sips from his drink, he was looking down at a photo with sad eyes. In it was a younger version of him before the war. Next to him was a few of his friends. Friends he will never see again.

As he sits there, the pain in his dull blue eyes was beginning to show. So he pulls out his scrap book and inserted the photo back in place. Instead of placing it back into his coat inner pocket, he left it on the bar before taking a long sip from his glass. As he does, the view focuses on scrap book as the cold winter wind push the book open to a page. There it stops at a photo of him as a child next to man who looked a lot like him and a woman who had the same eyes. There, the man begins to narrate his past.

"My name is Thomas Asher Colt. Jr. But please call me Tommy, if I must be referred to as someone I much less prefer to be called after my father. After what he has done. But I suppose for one to discuss the tragedy that is my life, and how it led to me to this town so far from home. I have to talk about him." The man known as Tommy said in a sleep deprived tone. As he monologues the view focus on a photo of him as a kid. On his right was his mother and the left were his father. He looks somewhat like Tommy with the exception of a fully grown mutton chops.

"I was born August twelfth, 1892. My mother, a Polish immigrant by the name of Danielle Eichelberger married my father Thomas Hoxton Colt Sr. A private eye from Boston who moved to a sleepy town in Essex county, apparently, he found work at the Blackwood Detective Agency in Arkham. From what I've been told, the two met on the road. My father was horrible burned, and looked like he was mugged." Tommy narrates as the wind pushes the pages over to reveal a cut-out article and photo. The article details a small isolated town near Kingsport MA burned to the ground with everyone inside. The photo was of Tommy's father walking down the road with a bike. Noticeably his arms were burned by what looked like chain markings.

"After nursing him back to health, the two tried to go their own ways. But always ran into one another. Eventually, the two were married at the Temple Israel in Boston 1891. A year later I was born and we were one big happy fucking family. Tsk, right." Tommy remarked in a cynical tone as the wind pushes the pages over to reveal a wedding photo. And the photo of him as a baby next to it.

"Dad was always distant. Like a man who skipped out on his tab distant. Mom well… she was lovely for the most part. A bit strict when it came to my religion practice but overall was pleasant person that can calm a drunk Irishman. My childhood otherwise was fairly normal. Well fairly isn't exactly the words I put it. Dad would bring his work home with him. Can't say for certain I had any idea what the hell he was working on. He would lock himself in his study for days on end, trying to figure a case out." As Tommy narrates, the wind pushes the pages over revealing a newspaper clipping of his father solving a murder case. He stands somewhat proudly with his son next to a board with multiple photos, news clippings, and evidence attached to it with string connecting.

"The few times I peeked through the cracks in our house would fascinate my young mind, and mold me into this sorry state of a man I am today. Photo's, reports, and even personal notes hang on the wall. Connected by red twine that brought them all together. Like a trail map, he could stare at it for hours before realizing where the person of interest was heading. If there is one positive thing I can say about my father, its that he gave me his eye and mind for this sort of thing." Tommy narrates as the pages were pushed to the side revealing a new article on basic detective work, written by Tommy's father. In bold it claimed that he was a modern-day Sherlock.

"This of course came to ahead in the mid-summer of 1903. I was out playing ball with friends when we heard the sirens of the firefighters. Interested, we all followed… till we came to my house on the outskirts of the Merchant District of town. I watched as that old two-story building went up in smoke. With my parents still inside." The pages were once more pushed to the side to show another news article. This time of the incident on the corner of W. Church St and Boundary St in the Merchant district. Next to the news article was the obituary from the same paper. In it was Tommy's parents.

"Police report indicated it was a gas leak gone wrong. But, I managed to slip out of their custodies during the night I snuck off to see what really happened… sure enough they were right. It was a gas leak… started in my father's study. On I could see in the ashen shape of the wall that it looked like my father had tossed something on the ground. By the looks of it, a lamp. So, my father committed arson… and lost not only his own life and his beloved wife. But the respect of his son." The wind push the scrap book pages over to a photo of the fourteen year old orphan being hugged by an aunt. In it, one can see that the kid was visible angry. Next to the photo was of the corpse outlines. Danielle and Thomas Colt Sr. Died next together.

"After that day, I was moved to relatives living on the west coast. Gave up wanting to be a detective then and there. After graduating from MHS in 1907 I didn't have any real plans for the future, so I joined a few classmates of mine in basic training. A few went on to become high ranking induvial and few others joined different branches of the military. Me, I was stationed with the 15th National Guard division in Los Angeles. Training was somewhat brutal but so was living in San Francisco." The pages were once again turned, this time by Tommy's hand. The page now revealed had two photos above and below. The top one of his friends graduating MHS and the bottom one was taken during the first day of basic training.

"Then, the Mexican army invades in a sneak attack of 1917. We were effectively called to retake San Diego. Course they were waiting for us. It was a bloody massacre that ended with the army being pushed so far back that they took Los Angeles. Me, I was hit by a hand grenade and awoke in a P.O.W camp outside of Mexico City." He removed his hand to pour another shot of scotch for himself. As he does the pages flipped over to show a news article that Mexico was invading the southwest. Next to that news article was another detailing the humiliating defeat at San Diego. How this led to the capture of Las Angels.

"Conditions were shitty, we were starving half of the time. Occasionally the guard would kill one of us should we prove to rowdy. After months of rotting a buddy of mine had enough and dug a way out. He got me and a few others to help, to which we manage to escape… only for the Mexican army to be waiting for us on the other side." The pages flipped once more, this time revealing a single news article of a P.O.W camp being liberating months after their escape attempt.

"We were brought out into the desert to be executed. They lined us up in front of a hole and the commander would shoot us. One by one, all while my friend was forced to watch. When it came to my turn, my friend, somehow found the courage and the strength to break free from his restrainment and jump in front of me as the commander gun went off. He died, and I was thought to have perished. Bastards didn't even bother to check. Guess they wanted to leave as soon as possible." The pages flipped over to reveal a photo and news clipping. The photos were of small mass graves. Each one filled with a few dozen men each. Every single one was executed by firing squad. Next to the photo, the news article detailed the hanging of war criminals and how it was solely Germanys fault for getting Mexico involved.

"After leaving our corpses to rot in the hole, I waited a few minutes before crawling out from underneath my dead friend. Knowing that they will kill me, I walked back north. Let me tell you. A week in the desert is its own special kind of hell. I won't bore you with the details but by the time the American army found me a week later, I was suffering from heat stroke, malnourishment, and hallucinating out my ass. I was sent to a hospital back in the states where I stayed for the rest of the war. The experience destroyed one of my kidneys, had to have it removed and that was enough to get me discharged with a purple heart." The pages once more turned with the gust of wind. On the page was a photo of him in the hospital. Malnourished and sunburned horrible. Next to it was a purple heart that he received.

"Since my injury prevented me from doing much, I had to bite the bullet. If I were a dame, I sooner put myself out for prostitution. I had no real skills, except one. The day I was released from the hospital I joined a branch of the Blackwood Detective Agency. I don't know if they hired me out of pity that no one wanted a soldier who can't lift a crate of pillows. Or it was because of my fathers… reputation. Either way, I'm paid four fifty a month plus what the client pays extra to look for runaway brides or cheating husbands. Occasionally, I get a case that required me to use my fist over my words." The pages once more turned over to reveal a news article of the Blackwood Detective Agency's first branch on the west coast. In the article photo was Tommy standing in front of his office door.

"Despite making enough for decent living, I hated this line of work. First chance I get, I'll quit this job. Well, that was the plan. See a few months back a friend came back from the war. He and I were going to open a trading business with the Japanese when the war ended. Well, he was captured by the Imperial German Sea Raider in the Pacific. He too managed to escape the ship with lots of materials… but yet he experienced something that drove him mad. He kept on raving about an island from the depths. And the monstrous being that swims beneath it." The pages then flipped over, stopping on a photo of the two. Next to the photo was a crudely hand drawn picture of a giant fish like creature holding an obelisk.

"Whatever he saw, it crippled him mentally. Poor man begin taking Morphine to the point that I had to support him. As sad as it was for a lawman to hold up a junkie, it only got sadder. A few days back, while I was out shopping, my friend couldn't take it anymore. Tossed himself from our apartment window." The pages were once more blown to the very end. There two crime scene photos were next to an obituary article. The first photo was of a broken window, the next one was of the body on ground. The Obituary detailed how he took his life. And the suicide note he left behind confounds experts on this 'Dagon' figure.

Tommy then closed the scrapbook before putting it back in his jacket. He then takes another shot before finishing his monologue. Unaware of two people approaching him from behind. "With him went my dreams of leaving the detective business. And another friend who I had to burry. Just got back from his wake and now spending the last of my monthly salary on expensive booze. Heh, happy fucking new year Colt."

"Excuse me, but are we addressing Detective Thomas Colt Jr?" A voice asked from behind Colt. He didn't answer immediately, rather he poured himself another shot before throwing it back.

"Tommy, I prefer Tommy." Tommy remarked without turning around.

"Ah, so we've been told." The figure said.

"Yes brother, I believe he holds spite towards his own father. Hence the name change." Another voice spoke. Despite the change in tone it sounds creepily similar to the first voice. "To be fair though if he truly wanted to run away from his past, he could have instead spent the money down at city hall for an official name change rather than buy a bottle of overpriced whisky."

"Indeed brother." The other voice remarked.

As the two continued talking, curiosity got the better of Tommy. So, he turned around to see who was trying to get his attention. There before him was two men of Caucasian and Asian descent. Twins if he had to guess. Both wore tailored made navy blue pinstriped three-piece suits with matching bowler hats, umbrellas in hand, and crooked spectacles that barley covered their eyes. However, upon closer inspection it seems that there are one or two differences. One had a bright yellow bow tie while the other had a purple silk tie. On the right lapels was a gold pin with an animal horns on it. One had a Stag's horn while the other had rams' horns. The final difference was their eye color. One has a light grey borderline silver eyes while the other had dark blue borderline purple. As the two continue to talk Tommy was about to interrupt them when they turn the table and spoke to him.

"We do apologies for keeping you." They both said at the same time. Then the one in the bow tie walked to the side and sat on Tommy's right while the other sat on his left.

"My name is Thgil." The man in the bow tie introduce himself.

"And my name is Kard." The one in the tie introduce himself.

"We are the Owt siblings." They then conclude at the same time.

"I see… so what can I do for you two?" Tommy asked as he poured himself another shot of scotch.

"Straight to the point. Oh how I miss that." Kard remarked. Before Tommy could pick up on what he was talking about Thgil spoke up.

"We would like to hire your services for the night." Thgil explains.

"Yes, see we donated a huge sum of finances to the construction of Legion of Honor Museum on the outer part of Richmond. And though the money has been well spent it seems a few things have gone missing, as well as reports of break ins." Kard explains as he rubs his fingers together.

"Yes, a tragedy in its own right considering what this museum was dedicated too." Thgil said in a sad tone.

"So, you want me to do something that the police can do… for free?" Tommy asked getting use to the rattle of these two strange brothers.

"We would but what kind of scandal would that bring to this fair city. Some devious ruffian stealing from a museum dedicated to those who died in the war?" Kard said with a tsk.

"Not to sound like an old miser's worried about there investment, we believe this matter should be handled quietly and quickly." Thgil answered. "Best for everyone."

Tommy looked at the two of them. He honestly didn't know what to say. On one hand there is something clearly wrong with them. On the other, they were too upfront. Deciding to pry he pulls out a cigarette and a match. After a few strikes he got himself a light. He lit his cigarette before taking a drag. After exhaling he eyed the two up. They were patient, he'll give them that. Not even battering an eye as he exhaled the smoke.

"… Alright, what exactly do need me to do?" Tommy asked before taking another drag.

"Just to do some snooping in the Legion of honor." Thgil replies.

"It's still under construction but the individual who caused this dilemma reportedly stocks the halls at night. So please do practice caution. We have yet to inform the security guards of your employment." Kard replies with a devious smirk.

"(Cough) I'm sorry but you two want me to break into an unfinish museum. Snoop around to find out who has been skimming off the top. All while remaining undetected?" Tommy asked with bewilderment.

The two brothers look at each other before replying at the same time. "Yes."

"… Ugh, look. For that kind of job I expect at least three times my salary. Along with an additional fee for this late fee. That isn't even covering the fact that you have to sign a mountain of paperwork for me to even atem…" Before Tommy could finish the two reach into their Blazer and pulled out a thick stack of cash. About two thousand in total.

"I reckon that a job like this would be worth five hundred minimal. But since timing is of the essence me and my brother will pay you four times as much and you can skip the paperwork." Kard explains.

"Again, all we want you to do is… how do our fellow contributors call it. Ah 'unexpected' inspection of premises." Thgil said as he gets up from his seat with his brother following him. The two then turn back to Tommy. Thgil then remarked. "Do practice safety Detective Colt. Some of the night guards have gone missing, or have been on edge since the incident last week."

"(Sigh) Truly a tragedy. Even broke a priceless vase on display from our home country." Kard remark causing his brother to start a conversation on the importance of history over human life.

With them gone Colt had no idea what to do next. Most of the time, he was asked just to prove if someone was sleeping with another. Or if an athlete is throwing the match. The worst was that case where a kleptomaniac was a commie sympathizer and tried to blow up the factory he worked at. Still, the cash should help him. Rent has been difficult since his friends return. This should get him back on his feet and his landlord off his ass. So, he takes one last shot of Scotch, payed his tab. And left to do his job. Unaware of what he will truly uncover.

Close to midnight. Two hours after being hired.

Tommy had arrived the museum. Already he was hating the job. After bribing the receptionist at San Francisco Chronicle, he found a news article about the incident the Owt brothers were yawning about. It seems that a security guard was found in a catatonic like state. Evidence showed that he was pursued from the basement where a few oil paintings were stored. No evidence showed what was chasing him but it ended violently. With the guard being cut up. Though by the looks of it, it was self-inflicted. A few hours later he passed but not before screaming in absolute horror. The event was chalked up to booze being the culprit and the case was dropped. Yet guards are now more than reluctant to work here. Especial around this time. As he walked up to the door, he found the gates were locked. Rolling his eyes, he knells down and begin to pick it. Just as he finishes there was a loud burst of thunder followed by sudden heavy rain.

"… (Sigh) Really?" Tommy remarked as he looked up at the rain.

The rain begins to fall harder, as Tommy made his way up the hill to the deserted Museum. It was designed to emulate Roman architecture with a massive court yard to enter. Stone tablets were laid on the ground with a diamond hole at the center. However, it was unfinished, under the coble stone was the basement interior and the only thing that was preventing water from dripping down into the bottom floor were haphazard planks left around for the workers to cross. He walked over to the entrance and considered pulling out a flashlight, but in case a guard was on the scene he chooses against it.

He begins to wander the halls of the unfinish building. As he walks along, he couldn't help but notice how unguarded the artifacts were. Tapestries, paintings, urns, and idles laid out in the open. This was strange seeing that for a museum there was no guards posted. As he walks along, the empty hallway he hears the pittering of something. He quickly turns around to see nobody. Before hearing the sound of something behind him. It didn't sound human. Almost like a dog which was strange. He had checked the out skirts from afar. No dog kennel and there wasn't a shelter anywhere around. So with curiosity getting the better of him he reaches into his trench coat and pulls out a flashlight. Turing it on he could see nothing, with the exception of something quite queer. On the ground was a trail of Rose buds. He reaches down and picks one up to inspect it.

"What in the hell?" Tommy remarks before hearing more pittering behind him. Turning around he notices a new trail of roses on the ground. A few have yet to fall to the ground. He points his light at the end of the hall where he can see the trail leads down a pair of stairs. Figuring this might be the trouble maker he follows the trail of Rose petals. Unaware of something lurking behind.

Downstairs, was a… disturbing sight. Lining the walls were various oil paintings with casings of strange artifacts below them. The line of roses leads to what looks like an oil painting covered by a tarp. Taking a gulp, he reaches into his pocket and pulls a 38. Smith & Wesson Model of 1905, before continuing on. He cocks the hammer back as he walks slowly to it. He couldn't see it but from a side angle, a shadow like hand was slowly reaches out from the shadows. Just barely missing Tommy as he approached the covered portrait. He noticed bellow that the Rose petals ended at the portrait. He looks around making sure there were no more petals. Curious about why this painting was covered he removes the sheet.

Under it was an oil painting that left the man tilting his head in confusion. It depicted a silver haired man in green. And a woman whose entire skin was grey with black veins showing. In the background it looks like a street was dissolving into a white void. Closing in on them. Curios he looks down at the Frame. Bellow where the name of the portrait, author, and the year of completion. Reading aloud what it says, his mind wonders what it means. 'All, is forgiven, in the end. By Sarah Hawkins 1899'

Tommy had no idea who these two were, but he did remembered that name. Ms. Hawkins. She was the daughter of Murdock Du Pont, as well as a famous artist from Providence. Her paintings were said to depict the future and, in some cases, actually do in a the most vague notion. She however died last year in a fire set by her husband. In storage they found a few of her paintings that were slightly un-finished. Maybe the Owt Siblings got their hands on them. Though who ever these two were suppose to be, clearly weren't done yet. He then turns around to see a red cloud rushing towards him. He was knocked to the ground but not before seeing a child at the center. With a horrified look.

"W-What in the world!?" Tommy asked in shock before realizing he was covered in Rose petals. He was about to take a stand when a queasy feeling hits him. He had to sit for a few moments. But by then he realized something.

He wasn't in the same room. Rather he was in a different part of the art gallery. Looking to the side, he can see the line of roses leading out the door. He then stands up before turning around. There before him was a painting that was strange it was a dark empty hallway, but surrounding looked like broken glass. Like something broke out of the painting. He takes a step back to look at the name only to hear glass shattering underneath his feet. Looking down there were multiple sets of glass.

"What in the…" Before Tommy could finish, he hears the footsteps of someone. Along with a light from a guard's torch.

"W-Who's t-there?" A voice called out from around the corner.

Acting quickly, Tommy hides behind a table with plywood leaning against it. He stayed still and turned off his light. After a few moments, a guard walks in. He shines his light around looking for the origin of the sound. Instead he spots the broken glass and rose petals on the ground.

"A-Alright, who's there!" The guard pulls out a Colt Model 1903.

He begins to walk towards the table where Tommy was hiding behind. As he got closer and closer. Tommy begins to hold his breath. He was covered in traces of petals. With the gun in hand he could be pinned as an art thief. Not sure what to do, he stayed there for a few moments when a loud crash can be heard from another room. The guard turns around and heads towards the sound. Leaving Tommy in his hiding spot. After a moment Tommy peeps out of his hiding spot.

"… Well, that was close." Tommy remarks to himself as he steps out.

He then took a quick moment to shake off any rose petals left on his person. He then returned to the painting. Curious wanting to know what the painting was about. Reading the title below was peculiar to the begrudging detective. Another piece by Sarah Hawkins though there was something off about the name of it. 'The two visitors, of worlds and planes. By Sarah Hawkins 1916'

He looks back at the painting. It was just an empty hallway with vague paintings hanging from the side. No one was there. No figures, or creatures were present. The paintings in the background were too vague to make out, other then what supposedly looked like people in backgrounds. As he looked closer, he thought for a moment seeing something in the dark. A fade of skin pink in the distance with traces of red. He takes a step back when the figure got bigger, and bigger with every second. The pink and red blur got so big that it became a figure. A young girl to be exactly. A face that he saw just moments ago. A child's face of fear. Just as she reached the frame did, she ran out of the painting, like it was a door hallway. The girl knocked him over as she ran on. Not bothering to stop as she ran through the hall.

"What in the? Hey, you Stop!" Tommy shouted out as he ran after her. Not realizing something was following behind him.

He follows after the girl footsteps through the blacken and unfinished hallway. She was always ahead of him, turning the corner when he was getting close. After jumping over a crate filled with artifacts, he found himself in a huge room. Walls were haphazardly put up but unfinished. Leaving a huge nearly empty room. With a huge diamond hole in ceiling, allowing heavy rain to fall onto the ground at the center of the room. Though there were scaffolding holding up the floor above.

He takes a few moments to look around this strange room. Confusing how despite the room being nearly empty, it seems the girl had managed to run away. It took him a moment to pick up her trail. She ran through the puddle on the ground, leaving behind a trail of wet foot prints that looked big enough to be the same size as the girl. So he followed them to the end of the other end of the room, passing by a few display cases. There another oil painting hangs on the wall, this one being much bigger than the others. Bellow it is a display case filled with strange Native Indian knifes of old. They were made of stone, bone, and wood. With strange carvings and symbols in them.

Tommy recognize these knifes. The Naumkeag natives of southern Salem Mas used these knifes for spiritual travels. He saw similar one's in the Miskatonic university Museum. As he looks down the reflection by the lighting caught his attention. He looks up to see another photo by Sarah Hawkins. In it, there was the young girl, running down a cave like hallway. In hand was one of the knifes and in the other a beautiful and enchanting gold lamp that glowed blue. Surrounding her were these horrible looking monsters. They were as thin as scarecrows. Tall with longer arms that drag on the ground. And had glowing red eyes in skull faces. The painting tittle 'Surrounded, by Apathy's by Sarah Hawkins 1909' left Tommy disturbed. Just looking at the painting made him feel… made him feel so tired. He takes a step back only to hear a voice behind him.

"H-Hold still! O-Or I'll shoot!" A voice from behind calls out. The light pointing at him made him realized that he was caught. He does as the night guard ordered. Once his hands were in the air, the night guard then orders him again. "R-Right, n-now turn around, slowly!" The night guard order.

Tommy does so, there before him was the night guard. Holding his torch in one hand and a gun in the other. He was trembling in fright but held his weapon slightly steady at Tommy. As the two stared at one another Tommy replies simply. "I'm not a thief, if you're wondering."

"Y-Yeah well doesn't matter. This is private property. A-and I'm already having a bad night as it is." The Night guard replies with shaky hands as he approaches Tommy.

Tommy can see that this job was affecting him. He was sweating profusely, eyes were exhausted, and by the way he was moving clearly jumping out his own shadow. As he got closer Tommy figured he might as well try and get out of this.

"Look, kick me off the grounds, but at least help me find my kid first." Tommy lied as the guard begins to pat him down. Finding his revolver before placing it into his back belt. "She is leaving these rose petals around. Think it's some game to trick her old man."

"U-Uh h-huh. A-And why would a father be carrying a peace?" The guard stutters as he takes a step back.

"Because this is America." Tommy remarks sarcastically. The guard didn't like that and was about to grab Tommy when something stopped him. He looked up at the painting on the wall and something snapped. He continues to stare as his eye's go wide in horror. As the guard moves back Tommy seemed to notice his odd behavior. "Hey… are you ok son?"

The guard didn't respond rather he continued to walk back till he stepped into the rain shower dropping from the diamond hole. Before Tommy could ask, the guard lets out a panicked scream before firing blindly. Tommy dives to the ground as the bullets flew. The guard fired off the remaining rounds before tossing his gun and sprinting down the hall. All while screaming madly into the darkness.

"… Ok, the hell was that?" Tommy remarks in confusion as he stands up.

He then looks back at the painting, to which causes his eyes to go wide. The painting had change. The girl was now missing and in its place was a horrible looking monstrosity. It was small, almost five foot ten. The grey mummy like skin was tightly wrapped around its limbs. It's arms however crooked were much longer then the body. It seems to hold it up in a constricted stance. The head however was equally horrifying. Its head was semi ape and canine shape. With crocked and jagged stained teeth hanging from its hideously wide mouth. The flesh covered the rest of it's face, but there were deep slits in them, exposing unnerving yellow eyes underneath. The sight of this hideous beast caused Tommy to take a step back. He averted his eyes down so he won't have to look at it. However, he spots another anomaly with the painting. What was once the name of the piece had changed. Now reading in a language he has never seen before.

"H' shambles ep nilgh'ri ahf' h' mgr'luh. XXXXXXXXXX01" Tommy reads bellow.

"… A-Am, I going crazy?" Tommy asked himself as he walks away from the paint. As he does, a loud scream can be heard from down the hallway.

It can be described as a mixture of pain and fear at their purest form. Recognizing it as the guard, Tommy quickly race towards the sound. Exiting the room. Failing to notice the painting he was just staring at had reverted to a think inky like substance. Moments later something pushes out of it.

Back over with Tommy, he had round the corner of the hallway and was racing to find this scream. As he does, he came to a T-section where the hallway ends. One leads to the stairs back up while the other leads to the end of the hall near another painting. One depicting another version of that creature. On the ground in front of it was the guard who was on the ground. He was crawling away from something. As he frantically crawls away, he turns around to see Tommy to which he calls out.

Tommy was about to run over to him when something odd happened. His arms. Pacifically the part of his arms that his birth mark wrap around, itched and burned. His arms begins to itch and burn something awful, like he was being branded. He ignored this at first, but the closer he got the worse it seems to get. He was just halfway down the hall when he had to stop. The feeling of his arms was intolerable. It was like they were on fire. He had to stop and roll up his sleeves to see what was going on with his arms. As he itch and scratch away something caused him to stop. Something was over the guard. He couldn't see it at first. What he originally saw was the guard levitating as he was crying out to someone. His limbs were suddenly snapped back. In the wrong directions. He was then violently tossed about like a rag doll. As he was tossed about, Tommy's gun came flying over nearly hitting him in the face. As he screams, Tommy simply had enough and ran to him, ignoring the pain. Though he wished had headed its warning.

At first, he saw nothing. But with each step he can see a greyish mist before finally confronting the creature that was devilishly breaking the poor man. He recognized the creature from the portrait in the hall. The mere sight of it caused Tommy to stubbles back as it broke the man from limb to screaming limb. Once done it then drags the man towards the portrait where it crawls back in. Dragging the poor security guard in with it. Tommy could do nothing, the sight of such a hideous being nearly made the veteran faint in fright.

He continues to stare on before the creature suddenly returns from it's portrait. It looks around before turning back to Tommy before making an unearthly growl before shuffling towards him. With each step it got closer to him, the more his birthmark burns. This managed to snap him from his fear induced paralysis before racing down the hall. He quickly snags his gun and ran towards the stares. But was cut off when another one of those things came around the corner.

Tommy lets out a shriek of horror as he turns around. The creature turned to him and shambled towards him. With one of its ghastly limbs held out. Tommy was now cornered between two of these abominations. Acting quick he points his weapon at the one that blocks his escape. He fired a total of four times. Each round going through the creature, but not in the traditional sense. They went through it like a rock through mist. With every shot it fails to do anything but injure it. He was effectively blocked off till he noticed something. A side door leading into a janitor's office.

He quickly grabs the handle and twist it only to find out it was locked. Backing up he fires off the remaining shots to destroy the door. Which successful busted the lock. He then burst into the Janitors room before the creatures could nab him. Inside was a cramped room there was nothing of uses, just filled with cleaning supplies. Still to prevent these creatures from barging in, he spots a row of lockers by the side of the door. He pulls down one then another on top for security. As he struggles to get the third one down, two hands emerge from the barricade. Like a stick through water it reaches out to try and nab him. He just barely avoided them.

As he steps back, he can see with utter horror that they were now pushing themselves in. Not caring about the door or the barricade. It was like nothing physical can touch them. He looks around for another escape but there seems to lack one. That is when he noticed above him was a ventilation shaft that was big enough for him to fit in. He quickly climbed the shelf and made his way to the vent, where he proceeded to bash away at it. While he was doing so, the creatures were nearly through the door. After a few tries he managed to finally bust it open, but in doing so caused the shelf to break off from the wall.

"Shit, shit, shit, SHIT!" Tommy remarks as he quickly jumps from the shelf.

Grabbing ahold of the opening with both hands as he pulls himself in, just before the creatures could grab him. Once inside he begins to crawl as fast as he could, just before the monster's limbs move through the ceiling and ventilation. He crawls till he found an outing into the stairs he was originally running too. Not caring about personal safety, he pulls himself out head first and lands on the ground hard. Knocking the air out of his lungs.

"(Cough, cough.) Ugh (Cough, cough.) what in the world was that?" Tommy asked himself as he lays there in pain. Eventually he picks himself up. And got a good look at the filth that smeared his clothes. Just as he takes a break, his arms once again begin to itch and an arm comes bursting out of the wall.

"OH JESUS FUCK!" Tommy screams as he falls backwards against the wall.

The creature once again begins to move through the wall. This time with more speed and anger in its growls. One pulled itself through the wall while the other through the ground. Acting quickly Tommy ran up the stairs. He was done with this. He came he saw. And he'll report what he saw to the Owt Siblings, even if they don't believe him. He sprinted up the stairs as the two creatures followed after him. He made a hard left with the creatures just on his heels. He then turns another, into the courtyard finding himself outside.

The rain was coming down heavily, and puddles had begun to form. As he was halfway across the courtyard Tommy takes one look back. He can see the creatures were unaffected by the rain water, rather it went right through them. They were gaining on him and quickly turns back to the entrance. In that split moment the empty entrance to the museum had a that child in red, now running straight into him. Once again, he was picked up by a red mist before finally letting go. He was, sadly, let go a few feet off the ground. He lets out a scream as he plummets back down to the ground crashing into the plywood that broke underneath him. He comes crumbling down and hits the side of the scaffolding before crashing into a display case filled with Chinese amulets. He laid there in pain for a few moments before rolling off onto the floor.

"Ugh, (Cough, cough) note to self… (Cough, cough) raise… my price, with those brothers." Tommy remarks sarcastically to himself as he laid there in pain. As he looks up at the ceiling with water dripping down through the hole. Moments later the creatures looked through the hole, giving a few growls before dropping down.

Despite the pain Tommy felt he could managed to roll to the side and scoot away just as the two creatures dropped down. They then proceed to shamble towards him. No need to run now. They had corner their pray. And unlike last time. There was no vent to escape through. Tommy managed to get to his feet and limped away from them. But he knew the futility. He was cornered. As the creatures moved in, they start to push him close the painting. He was inches away when a hand pushes through the oil painting.

It swipes down at him, grabbing ahold of his shoulder with a crushing strength. Tommy screamed in pain as he was being pulled towards the painting. As he struggles, in an act of desperation he looks around for anything to save him. That's when he spots the knifes, in particular, the one from the painting that use to be here before replaced with the portrait of these abominations. Without thinking he smashes the case and retrieved the knife.

He stabs the creature with the native knife; however, it simply passes through the arm and stabs right into the painting. This did something, cause the moment he slashes away there was a loud scream as he fell through the hand. Like the objects. He begins to crawl away and watches in astonishing horror as the creature's pale skin becomes inky dark. They begin to be sucked back into the painting like a whirlpool. They struggled as one by one they disappeared back into the painting.

Once gone the painting remained in a liquid form. For a moment, Tommy half mad and on the verge of exhaustion was tempted to run away with the last bit of strength he had left. But then a hand came through. It wasn't like the monsters, but rather human. After a few moments a young girl managed to pull herself free from the liquid like it was thick mud. He almost instantly recognized her. She was the kid who has been carrying him around like a doll. Now that she was on the ground, he could get a better look at her.

She was pale Caucasian with a strange rose red tipped ebony hair, though that wasn't as strange as her clothes. A white blouse and black corset with a black skirt with red trimmings. On the back was a strange metallic rectangle that was also red with pieces of silver and black. She had thigh high blackish grey stockings and ankle high boots. But most noticeable of all was the red hooded cape around her neck. As she looks around with a frightful look, he can see that her eyes were a shade of pure silver.

Before either one could even react. Six of those creatures' hands reaches out and grab the girl. She screamed as they begin to drag her into the painting. He had seen what happened to the night guard, and he would rather not see that ever again. Sides, despite how she dropped him, she was just a kid. So acting quickly Tommy ran over just as the kid was being pulled back in. He grabbed ahold of her arm and put a foot on the wall. To which he pulled her. Despite the number of these creatures, they weren't as strong as they used to be. It was a miracle they could snap that guard's arm with that kind of strength. But the numbers caused some difficulty.

As they puled some hands begin to shift to get a better grip. This resulted in the tearing of the poor girls' clothes, cape, and hair. But the worst was when one hand reaches over the girl's face, finding her right eye and pressing its sharp finger through it. Tommy watches in horror as the girl screams in agony as blood came gushing out.

The creature will tear her apart. Piece by bloody piece unless they let go. So acting quickly Tommy used the native dagger on the painting once again. All while screaming out for them to let go. "HIT THE FUCKING ROADS YOU UGLY SON OF BITCHES!"

As he stabs at the painting, the thing slowly begins to become solid and the hand were forced to release the girl. The two fall to the ground, and a green ethereal glow blinded Tommy for a few moments. The lights then died out and the painting was now of the three monstrous creatures. In one's hand was a bloody silver eye. Bellow the painting title changed as well. Reading, 'The one who got away, from the Shamblers. By Sarah Hawkins 1920'

"Ugh, fuckin art." Tommy said as he leans up. For some reason he felt at peace. His arms no longer burn or itch like they did when those… things were around. He had no idea why they itch or burn in the first place, but he had more pressing issues to deal with.

The kid must have fallen unconscious from the pain. She was bleeding heavily, and if not stop she will bleed out. So, acting quickly he takes off his trench coat before ripping off his right sleeve off. He wrapped it around her eye to staunch the bleeding till she can receive proper aid. And then put her into his trench coat before picking her up. He then proceeded to leave the room with a limp in his step, but as he walked towards the entrance, he couldn't help but notice something else on her person. A strange lamp made of gold, with a light blue center glowing semi-brightly. The view then focus on it before the scene cuts to darkness.

The next day, outside Blackwood Detective agency office on Folsom St in the Soma District.

It was a new decade. The past few years of war was behind everyone. Its 1920. And how is Colt spending the day? Watching a child who was sleeping soundly on his office couch with her red cape being used as a blanket. The scene had opened outside his office on Folsom St. Looking in the third-floor window readers can see Tommy had just stepped out to get himself a cup of coffee from a nearby store. As he left, the view pulls in through his window to show the internals of his office. The office space wasn't much. He had basic set up for an office.

A desk, file cabinet, photos of family friends and case files, a bookshelf with a few books on the latest scientific fields, occult, medical, and linguistics as well as a few vinyl's, and a neglected potted fern in the corner. On the right side of the room was a cork board, filled with notes from previous cases. Beneath the cork board was a couch that he had placed inside so he could spend the night without returning to his apartment in the Western Addition District. However, since the early hours of the morning it has been occupied by the mystery young dame from the museum. As she slept soundly with her cape covering her, she begins to murmured to herself before rolling over. That's when she revealed that covering her right eye was a bloodstained gauze eye patch. The creature didn't just destroy her right eye. It pulled it by the optic nerve. Poor thing will never see anything past the left side of her nose without turning her head again.

As she slept silently, time passed by quickly and soon Tommy walks back in the door with a few things. A cup of coffee and a paper bag of bagels he got from the nearby bakery. Along with a few papers with multiple addresses. He had made a few calls to a few small arms company's and government officials. He wanted to figure out where this 'Crescent Rose' that currently occupied his desk was built, or who this 'Ruby Rose' character played into the events at the Museum. He got nowhere with either one. The weapon, a bolt action riffle that had three modes. Got no answer, either because it was a holiday or that they didn't even know what the hell he was talking. Seriously, a sniper war scythe? Who had the brains to come up with that?

As for the child's identity or history, she showed up nowhere in any government paperwork, no passport forms, medical history, or even a birth certificate. Yet she had an ID card that looked to professional to be fake. Her ID states she is a citizen of Vale. Strange considering Oregon, West Virginia, and South Dakota were states not countries. Still, least the information on her person wasn't all mysterious. Got her full name, a birthdate, and a photo of four individuals in it.

All of them wearing matching outfits. School uniform if he had to guess. Even stranger was their appearance. One girl's hair was so white it could be mistaken for snow. Another a girl with a black bow had these yellow cat like eyes, and a very busty young blond had bizarrely purple eyes. That seem physically impossible for a person to have such radiant eye color. This left more questions than answers. However, for him to get these answers, he will have to simply wait for her to wake up. He had just hung up his trench coat when he heard a faint groan from Ruby. It seems she was waking up; he'd honestly thought it would be a few days but her wound seemed to heal surprisingly quick.

'Ms. Ruby Rose. A strange girl for a strange new year.' Tommy thought as he takes a sip from his coffee. As he leans against his desk, Ruby slowly opened her eye. She looked around hazily before leaning up. As she looks around, she spots Tommy.

"Morning sunshine." Tommy said as the girl stared at him with a confused stare. As her hazy eye tried to process what happened. They suddenly widen in shock from the realization of something.

"Yang!" The girl screamed as she gets up only to trip over her own cape. Crashing hard to the ground. She tried to stand of course, but the pain of missing an eye begins to settle in. Keeping her to the ground. As she lays there, Tommy walks over to her looking down at her.

"(*Long slurping noise.)… So, Ms. Rose. Mind telling me what in the name of sanity were you doing Legion of Honor Museum last night?" Tommy asked as after taking a long sip from his mug. Ruby then pulls herself up and gets in a defensive stance.

"How do you know my name?" Ruby asked as she gets up with hands held in a karate stance.

"Wallet." Tommy replied as he pulled out hers from his back pocket before tossing it on the desk.

"Ohhhh…" Was Ruby's answer as she realized that if this man wanted to hurt her, he would have done so. Then again, she was missing an eye and was in some office. She walked over to the window. Outside, the afternoon sun begins to slowly set over a bay. And rain had begun to pour down slightly harder. As she stares out a question formed in her head.

"Where… Where am I?" Ruby asked as she had no recognition of the town.

"San Francisco California." Tommy replies as pulls out a cigarette. As he lights a match while Ruby looks at him with a perplex stare.

"Cal-ifornia? Is that part of Atlas?" Ruby asked.

"America, the western side of the country." Tommy replies as he takes a drag from his cigarette. Ruby raised a brow trying to figure out what he was talking about. After exhaling the smoke, he then turned to her. "Ms. Rose. Can I call you that?"

"Um, Ruby's fine." Ruby said as she walks back and collects her cape from the ground.

"Well, Ruby. I am Detective Thomas Colt Jr. Friends call me Tommy." Tommy said as he points to the Certificate on the wall. "You have been recently a part of an incident at the Legion of Honor Museum late last night. Do you recall anything from last night?"

As he said that, Ruby fitted her cape back on. Mentioning last night brought back some memories. Most of them were, hazy… thankfully. The few memories she could remember clearly sent shivers down her spine. The sound those… monsters made. Suddenly she realized she was missing something. A lamp. As she looks around, Tommy brought her attention back to him by reaching behind his desk and retrieving a lamp.

"I'll take that as a yes." Tommy remarked as he puts the lamp on the desk with a quiet thud. "Since I have yet to get ahold of my employer, I'll go on a limb and guess this very shiny piece of tin is yours. However, I want answers and I'm guessing you want this back. So I propose an ultimatum. Tell me everything, all of it. Or I'll give the authorities a call to tell them about your questionable lamp here."

Ruby looked at Tommy with a little dismay. She was hesitant with her words, like she was hiding something. After a few moments of silence, she didn't know what to say before finding both the words and the courage to answered him. But before she could, her stomach begins to growl. Interrupting her before she could even begin. Blushing slightly, she held her stomach. Tommy on the other hand simply rolled his eyes before pulling a bagel from the bag. Handing it over to Ruby.

"Look, kid. I'm not asking for your life story. Just for you to clarify what exactly happened last night." Tommy said in a calm tone as Ruby snatched the bagel and quickly sat back down on the couch and begin to eat the freshly made bagel. After stuffing herself for a few moments she then replied.

"Whhell, thunny thing is." Ruby said with a mouthful. "(Gulp) I kind have to tell you my life story to explain why I have the relic of Knowledge."

"Relic of Knowledge?" Tommy asked with a brow raised. Ruby realizing, she let that slipped quickly covered her mouth.

"Um… well, (Sigh) Look, you wouldn't believe me even if I tell the truth." Ruby said as she looked down in shame for opening her mouth.

Tommy gave her an unimpressed glair. After a few moments of silence Tommy walks over to her and knelt down to her level. With a serious tone. "Kid, yesterday I was drowning my sorrow after a funeral when two creepy twins hired me to investigate their museum. What I thought was a simple job ended with me being chased around the place by a goddamn monsters that came out of the paintings. So please. Humor me or else I will let the authorities know about this 'Relic of Knowledge'."

Ruby gave a nervous chuckle. She knew that there was no way out, so with a sigh she spilled it all. How she was a student from Beacon, excepted two years earlier. Her team, confusingly named, RWBY. Was one of Beacon's most… interesting groups. When the school fell during the WF assault, she lost a lot of friends. She heads out with a few other friends to Mistral to find out why a woman name Cinder burned down her school in the first place. It was there she reunited with their dead professor Ozpin along with the rest of her team. After the battle at Haven Academy, they decided to bring the Relic of Knowledge to Atlas for safe keeping from a woman by the name of Salem. On the way something strange happened, there was a bright light and they found themselves in a strange city. As they tried to figure out where they are, they were attacked by a monster. Not the one from the museum. It could only be described as a mess of tentacles, flesh, and teeth. This thing, caused the seven to scatter. With the group split up, she and her sister went off to look for the rest while Jaune stayed with Ren. As they looked around, she heard Weiss screaming. By the time they arrived, she disappeared. Then they found Blake reciting something in the corner. When they approached, she pulled what Ruby describes as, 'possessed witch trance.'

When asked what she mean she shuddered with a few examples. '360 head spin, back arced in painful positions, and vomiting blood with blank eyes.' After chasing the two out, they were soon assaulted by men in robes. As they fought against them, it seemed that they could never hurt them. Eventually, they managed to overcome Yang. Dragging her off while they pushed Ruby over into a hole. Before she could follow, they covered the hole, trapping her in an underground hallway. Trying to find her way out, she found herself shortly in what looked like an art gallery. For the life of her she could not remember what happened next. But whatever she saw frightened her. Causing her to run with that, monster chasing her. As she ran, she accidently ran into Tommy and well. He already knows the rest. Probably more than her.

With that came the end, and to be honest. Tommy wasn't impressed. He takes one last drag before extinguishing his cigarette in the ash tray. He then looked over to Ruby before pinching the bridge of his nose. In a serious tone he remarks, "So let me get this straight. You are from the kingdom Vale. A place that doesn't exist anywhere on earth. You were excepted to a school where they train kids to fight monsters. Not the type that you described in the later part of the story. After it was burned down in a civil terrorist group of humans with animal features, you and your friends went on a magical quest to prevent a witch named Salem from summoning two god like entities. Did I miss anything else?"

"Um, the part about earth. What is earth?" Ruby asked with a confused look.

"… God, where in the hell did you come up with bullshit like this?" Tommy said as he was considering calling Agnews Insane Asylum down in San Jose.

"What? I'm telling the truth. If you don't believe me then ask Jinn." Ruby explained.

"Jinn?" Tommy asked with a brow raised.

"The spirit in the Relic of Knowledge." Ruby said as she points to the lamp on Tommy's Desk.

"Uh huh. And I have a talking burning bush in my backyard. Kid, I will give you one more chance before I have you booked for trespassing." Tommy said in a furious tone.

"I am telling the truth; I can prove it!" Ruby said in a terrified tone. Ever since her dad put Yang and her through the scare straight program, she had nightmares of going to jail.

With a brow raised. Tommy moved to his swivel chair and with his arms crossed he decided to humor her. "Alright, bring her out. I have a few questions for this Jinn.

Giving a reluctant nod, Ruby gets off the couch and grabbed the lamp. She inspected it, making sure that it was the same one from Haven Academy. With a small sigh, she whispers the name aloud. "Jinn!"

First, nothing happens. Tommy simply stared at her with an unconvinced glair. He was about to snatch the dumb lamp out her hand when he noticed something. The rain, it stopped. Suspicious he walked over to the window. To his honest shock, the rain didn't just stop. It was frozen in place. Outside, the people were also frozen, some in mid step. It was like time had stop with the exception of him and Ruby. Then something strange happened. The lamp begins to glow and blue smoke begin to seep from its lid. Shortly a massive blue woman appeared from the smoke.

"Do you have a question for me young one?" The women asked before noticing the cramp room. She then noticed Tommy staring at her in shock. It took her a moment before realizing something. "Oh, so we are here again. Heh how interesting."

"Wha… what are you?" Tommy asked as he reels back from the shock of seeing a literal genie in a bottle.

"I told you. Jinn is the spirit that dwells inside the lamp of knowledge." Ruby replies as she gets off the couch. "She can answer three questions once every hundred years."

"Hmm, so true, but only what has happened in past or present. I cannot answer a question pertaining to the future." Jinn replies before grabbing Tommy's cheek. Giving him a seductive pinch. "Though I don't need to know your future handsome."

"Alright, alright." Tommy said annoyed as he tried to remove Jinn's fingers from his cheek. After a few attempts he was released. As he rubbed his cheek he continued on. "You're from another world, great and to think this job can't get any stranger."

"See told you. Now, Jinn where is my…" Before Ruby could finish Jinn closed her trap with her fingers while silently shhhhing her.

"Shhhhhhhhh, Aw, what did I told you about using me without a question in mind? Now, only this mortal can ask, without interference." Jinn said before turning to Tommy. "So what will it be handsome? Any question no matter how big or small I can answer. Just know that I can't answer the question should it be about the future."

Tommy was honestly stunned. Any question as long as it doesn't involve the future. It was somewhat overwhelming. So he took a moment to think. Any question. As he pounders back and forth a thought accrued. He then turned to Ruby. "Before I ask, I want to make sure. If I ask, will she be able to prove that what she said is true?

Ruby was about to answer but was shhhed by Jinn at every turn. Rolling her eyes she eventually gives a nod to which Jinn just simply smirked at. So, with that answer, Tommy turned to Jinn and asked. "Jinn, please can you show me everything that Ms. Rose here had told me. The whole history of events that had led to this moment."

"Hmm, oh I certainly can, handsome." Jinn said before snapping her fingers. Almost immediately the entire world disappeared in a blanket of white void. From there, Tommy and Ruby watched the events of Remnant unfold before their eyes. From the two gods, to the great war. Ruby's first day to the fall of Beacon. The journey to Mistral, to the ride to Atlas. That is where things begin to get strange.

On the way to Atlas, someone had activated a portal in the nameless city in the mountains south of the Transantarctic Mountains. A city not built by human hands, yet remains in the bleakest part of Antarctica. There he witnessed the kids scattering as a horrific monster chased them. He and Ruby watch as Yang was rendered unconscious before being dragged by robed strangers. Weiss screaming as she was helplessly pulled through a portal by huge crab like claw. Blake being possessed by an ancient witch. Jaune as he was pulled away by hunchbacks in gold, laughing and wailing madly with a yellow book in hand. Ren, being pulled underwater by slimy subhuman monsters. Nora, being pushed into a sarcophagus that couldn't be open from the inside. Then Ruby, all alone. She was backed into a corner before coming across an oil painting gallery. These oil paintings were from different times, different places, all with Sarah Hawkins signature. In each one showed the fates of each of her friends.

Yang tied down and being sacrificed to a slug like monster as robed figures watch on. 'The forgotten horror, the forgotten life, By Sarah Hawkins 1924'

Nora crying in agony as the left side of her face was melting painfully off in a dark and ancient pyramid. 'The old pharaohs curse, By Sarah Hawkins 1922'

Blake's tongue being stolen by the Arkham witch, and massive worms fought climbing down her throat. 'The tongue-less black cat, by Sarah Hawkins 1924'

Jaune, a lifeless human puppet with strings being pulled by a yellow cloaked figure. 'The knight in the court of Hastur, by Sarah Hawkins 1923'

Weiss, being experimented on by a horrific creature, all while still conscious as they removed her army slowly. 'The great scientific irony, by Sarah Hawkins 1921'

Ren, huddled on the ground with a look of mad fear in him as webbed and clawed hands reach for him. 'A poor unfortunate soul, a poor unfortunate woe, by Sarah Hawkins 1923'

Then Ruby stood still with her eyes wide in absolute horror. The final oil painting was of her. Kneeling with wide eyes of horror and tears running down her face. In one hand was Earth, slowly being crushed under her filthy fingers. In the other, a simple handgun. Pointed directly at her right temple, and a huge burst of red on the left temple. Below was only two words, two words that name this godless portrait of terror. 'The Choice, by Sarah Hawkins 1919'

Horrified she walked backwards, clutching her head in pain as an unknown chant begins to silence her. As she stumbles back in agony, she walked back into a painting that looked like the same painting seen in the Museum; the one depicting the monster. It then came to life and dragged her inside. She was pulled through and dragged down a hallway. She managed to get away but, in her horror, ended up fading in and out of reality at the Legion of Honor Museum. The rest that happen as they say, was history. Tommy helped save her, but the monster plucked one of her eyes before disappearing. The view ends leaving one question, how did she get here in the first place.

The landscape returned back to the room. Jinn now hovering as she looks down at the two. Tommy had to take a moment to process what he saw. A world, with a broken moon. Two actual gods. And where certain people having animal traits are part of the norm. In hindsight, seeing all this made him question how humanity will deal with the knowledge that they weren't alone in the universe… probably terrible.

"Ah, wasn't that nostalgic." Jinn remarks before noticing Ruby. The look of horror on her face as she rocked back and forth on the ground. "Well… maybe for me."

"So, everything Ruby said was true… Jesus." Tommy remarks as he falls back on the couch. Jinn then shrinks down to normal height and lay's down beside him in a suggestive manner.

"Oh, cutie. Don't feel so bad. Not many people remain sane to the end." Jinn said as she reaches up and scratches beneath his chin in a romantic jester. Slightly annoyed Tommy moves her hand only for her to float by and settle behind him. Pushing her breast against the back of his head she plaid around with his hair.

"Is, she always this… flirtatious?" Tommy asked in slightly annoyed at the genie. Course Ruby was still twitching back in forth with the mad look of fear on her face.

"Oh, not with many handsome. Men who seek the truth with their own skills, how you humans say. Gets me going." Jinn hushes to him in a seductive tone as her hand reaches down to his belt. Annoyed and feeling uncomfortable. Tommy stopped her before standing up.

"As much as the idea may be intoxicating for some, I am not some gigolo. Besides, there a kid here." Tommy said with annoyance at the spirit's advances. She however persisted by grabbing ahold of his other arm and swirling around with him. Almost like dancing.

"Oh, and I have ability to stop time. Sides I think the kid is out of it." Jinn remarks before taking a small love bite on the tip of his ear. By then Ruby had broken out of her trance.

"Hmm, wait what's going on?" Ruby asked as she breaks out of her trance. Realizing her fun time was ruined, Jinn drops Tommy like a bake potato.

"(sigh) Maybe next time." Jinn groans. She then proceeds back to her lamp before Ruby quickly grabs ahold of her.

"Wait, you showed us what happened but what about my friends, my sister?" Ruby asked.

"Well, the third question has already been asked. No point in asking now young one" Jinn replies before looking up at Tommy who was just getting off the ground. "Though to be fair, I couldn't tell you even if you had the third question."

Ruby tilts her head in confusion before Tommy remarks. "So, they will be here? Just not now."

"Ugh, why do you have to be such a tease." Jinn mutters aloud as she bites her hand in a sense of ecstasy. "I can not answer it, but why should I since you already know the answer already."

"T-The answer?" Ruby stutters with a confused look on her face.

"Hmm, ask me again next time, till then listen to the hunk here. He seems to know how things work." Jinn replies as she looks back at Tommy. With a flirtatious wink she then remarks. "To the point of temptation."

Tommy then averted his eyes as Jinn gave a seductive pose before disappearing back into the lamp. After a few moments after she disappeared, the two can hear the rain coming down once again. The two were left standing there in shock before Tommy broke the silence. "… Interesting woman, you got in your back-pocket Ms. Rose."

Ruby gave a strange look. Having no idea what exactly transpired when she was having flashbacks of a monster. Tommy on the other hand was busy on something. He walked over to his desk and begins writing something on different pieces of paper. Eventually he finished what he was writing, to which he proceeded to retrieve red yarn, pins, and files. Once retrieved he walked over to the cork board and proceeded to remove the previous case files and stuff them in the folders. Once clear Ruby watched as he places the posters up.

"The genie. In her vision of your little hallway of horror, were paintings by Sarah Hawking's. Each one had a year written on the side." Tommy remarks as he place up the notes.

"Who?" Ruby asked with a confused look.

"Doesn't' matter, she's dead and buried for a long time now. However local legend has it that, her paintings were suppose portraits into the future. Utter-nonsense, but considering what the genie showed their may be a connection." Tommy replies as he pins the paper to the cork board. "Regardless, point is each one of those horrible portraits had a date. Years, and if the folk lore about Ms. Hawking's portraits are to be believe then I might be able to find them."

"Really?" Ruby asked as she gives a perplex look. Tommy then backs away, revealing the board now. On it, was seven names. All of them her friends with the one in the center being hers. Bellow each name was different dates and descriptions. "How… is this going to help you find them?"

"Yesterday, when we met. Do you know what was the date?" Tommy asked as he pulls out a cigarette. Ruby shook her head and gives a shrug. To which Tommy then replies. "December 31st 1919, around midnight. Today, is January 1st 1920. If my theory is correct that will mean either one or two things. These dates will imply when they are found. Or when they surface. And once that happens, we can track them all down."

"Really that will be incre… wait, we?" Ruby asked upon hearing Tommy's words.

"Yes we." Tommy said in a firm tone. "You need to eat and since we don't have monsters running around… normally. Your skill set will be put to better use helping me investigate. Think of it as paying rent for a temporary home."

Ruby was about to object but the man had a point. A world without Grimm sounded awesome… until she realized there is no Huntsman… which was less awesome. Then there was the fact that she had no idea about the landscape, laws, or even how to find a job. So, this was her only option for now. Bright side, least she can get one of those cool badges Sun and Neptune carried around.

"Alright, guess being a detective will be cool." Ruby said with an unsure tone.

What would her life look like as a detective? A Chibi bubble then appeared before her as she imaged herself as one. What came to mind was a chibi version of herself in a lose fitting tie and trench coat with a fedora and smoke in her mouth. As the imaginary chibi smokes the cigarette like a tough gal, the words above her in chibi format say's 'Super-duper P.I Ruby extraordinaire.'

Loving the idea that she was one of those tough guys from the old shows her dad would watch, the image popped and in an excited tone she asked. "Actually, being a detective sounds awesome, when do I get my badge?"

"Um… what?" Tommy said in a confused look. "You don't get a badge right away. You have to meet certain requirements first."

Tommy then pulls out a piece of paper with a strange insignia at the side. It was a black leafless tree, it started from the roots to the branches, and at the center of it was an Eye. As Tommy filled out the paperwork he continued on.

"See, for you to become a Private Eye, you most either have A. experience in law enforcement." Tommy explains before Ruby suddenly interrupts him.

"Oh, I definitely have that. I stopped this criminal name Roman Torchwick a few times." Ruby explains.

"Uh huh, did you managed to stop any crime or work with any law enforcement agencies. Particularly on this planet." Tommy remarks. To which Ruby close her eye in embarrassment before scratching the back of her head. "Yeah figure as much. As I was saying, A. experience in law enforcement. B. Military training… (Excited Gasp!) With proof of service. ("Awwww") or C. Having a sponsor. Someone volunteering to be shadowed. Like an apprentice program."

After stating that, Tommy push forth the paperwork and hands her a pen. "Just sign under here and for the next five years you will be under my wing. Then, you can have a badge."

Ruby lets out a small sigh. Those badges Sun and Neptune had were so cool. Guess if this detour to earth takes a lot longer than planned, she might as well earn a badge to one up theirs. Ruby then signs here name on the dotted line before sliding it back to Tommy. He then stamped it before inserting it into an envelope.

"Right, so does this mean I'm now a junior detective of Amer-ica?" Ruby asked with twinkles in her eye.

"Um, no." Tommy replies with a curious look. "Also, junior detective? Sounds made up. But you will be acting as a shadow for the next five years. Maybe less if you prove yourself to be talented."

"Ohh." Ruby replies feeling slightly sheepish.

"But regardless the moment the paperwork is filed, away you will be an official member of the Blackwood's detective agency." Tommy reassured her.

"Oh, so when will that be?" Ruby said with excitement as another chibi bubble appears. This one with her holding a P.I badge with the Blackwood detective agency symbol on it.

"About a week… if we're lucky." Tommy replies, causing that thought bubble to pop. Seeing the confusion on her face, Tommy then explains. "It's a holiday, and the main headquarters is in Boston."

"Oh… how far is Boston?" Ruby asked.

"On the other side of the country, which is twenty-eight thousand miles east." Tommy answered.

"Oh… why not dustmail it?" Ruby asked.

"What?" Tommy asked.

"Dustmail. Where you can send mail through the internet." Ruby explains.

"The hell is an internet?" Tommy asked.

"… You don't have internet… do you have tv?" Ruby asked.

"Uh, no idea what's TV or stand for." Tommy replies.

"… Video games?" Ruby asked with puppy eyes.

"Who would want to watch someone play a game at the movies?" Tommy asked with a perplex look on his face. However there was a glimmer of hope in her eye after hearing that line.

"Wait, you guys have movies?" Ruby asked with excitement

"Yeah, Hollywood just finished translating this German film. The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari. Supposedly pretty good." Tommy remarks before Ruby grabbed him by the collars with excitement I her eye.

"OOOOhhh, can we go see it?! It's been forever since I seen a movie." Ruby said with excitement.

Tommy begins to question how someone as old as her can have such a childish personality. But then he thinks back to last night. Everything that has happened to him, it's probably for the best that he finds something to keep his mind off it. Maybe that's what Ms. Rose was trying to do under that childish persona.

"(Sigh) Alright… but first we need to get you a change of clothes." Tommy remarks as he points to hers.

"Clothes?" Ruby asked as she looks down at hers. "What's wrong with them?"

"Nobody dresses like a battle harden Red riding hood." Tommy pointed out.

Ruby gave a strange look before realizing that she was tactically equipped for fighting Grimm. Maybe the clothes would get an odd stare. So, with an embarrassed 'Oh' Tommy gives a nod before he grabs his trench coat. He then remarks as he gets ready to leave. "There's a clothing magazine out in the hall. You can read it to get an idea what the styles are. Till then I'll go out and get you some basic clothes for you to walk around in till we can shop for something more your style."

"Alright, oh please don't buy any of those lady stilts. Still can't walk in those things." Ruby said just before Tommy left.

"No heels, got it, anything else?" Tommy asked with his head sticking out of the door.

"Um, can you have it in red? Oh or jet black. No wait red and black. Oh and I prefer a skirt but I'm ok with pants. As for a jacket can you pick a small one, something that my hood can fit ove…" Before Ruby could finish Tommy cuts her off.

"Kid, I'm just getting you something basic. Tomorrow I'll take you shopping for what ever suits your fancy. But unless your list cover things that you won't find comfortable, we won't have time to go to the movies." Tommy stated flatly.

"Oh… well no heels. And maybe something better then this." Ruby states as she points to her the bandage that covers her eye.

"Alright, then. Guess I'll be hitting the road, jack. Don't make a mess while I'm away." Tommy said before leaving.

Ruby gave a curious look, wondering if that was a saying or something. She decided to take a look at that magazine he mentioned. Outside was a little lounge room, with different magazines. It took her a bit but she found it. Taking a quick peak inside she was a little disappointed by the clothes inside. They were a little to lady like for her taste. However one thing that caught her attention was a magazine with a beautiful revolver and a strange looking handgun with what looked like a broomstick handle on the front.

"Shooting time's magazine. Weapon of the future, handgun or revolver?" Ruby read aloud.

She gave a shrug and grabbed both magazines before returning back inside. She was about to read through it when she reaches down for her Scroll. Before she did a thought hit her. What would she use to charge her scroll once the power had drained? These things are solar powered with a lighting dust battery. But even then, she could attract the wrong attention with her music. With a sigh she was about to start reading the magazine when her eye caught something else. One of those vintage vinyl players, or at least to her.

It took her a moment before it dawns upon her. If he had one then surely, he must have records around. She takes a look around before noticing some in a book case. She walked over taking a look at them. They didn't had much in the way of songs that she would like. In fact, they sound like something that her grandmother would listen to. As she went through them, she came across something that caught her eye.

A vinyl with the cover of a blind man on the front. On the back were a few songs but one that caught her eye was the same phrase that Tommy used. 'Hit the road jack.' Figuring it must be his favorit song since he said it like a catchphrase, she pulled the record from the cover before placing it in the player. After a few attempts she got somewhere with it.

Play Nightcore version of "Hit the Road Jack" by U-N-D-E-R-D-O-G-S

A loud trumpet with a series of piano keys begin to play. After a few moments, Ruby begins to nod along to it. She then murmured to herself "Hmm, not bad." before walking back to couch before reading the magazine. All while the song continued. As the song continues the scene goes dark before finally their was darkness and the song.

Hit the road Jack and don't you come back no more, no more, no more, no more.
Hit the road Jack and don't you come back no more. What you say?

Hit the road Jack and don't you come back no more, no more, no more, no more.
Hit the road Jack and don't you come back no more.

Woah Woman, oh woman, don't treat me so mean,
You're the meanest old woman that I've ever seen.

I guess if you said so
I'd have to pack my things and go

Hit the road Jack and don't you come back no more, no more, no more, no more
Hit the road Jack and don't you come back no more

What you say?

Hit the road Jack and don't you come back no more, no more, no more, no more
Hit the road Jack and don't you come back no more

Now baby, listen baby, don't ya treat me this-a way
Cause I'll be back on my feet some day.
Don't care if you do 'cause it's understood
You ain't got no money you just ain't no good.

Well, I guess if you say so
I'd have to pack my things and go

Hit the road Jack and don't you come back no more, no more, no more, no more
Hit the road Jack and don't you come back no more

What you say?

Hit the road Jack and don't you come back no more, no more, no more, no more
Hit the road Jack and don't you come back no more

Yeah yeah yeah

Hit the road Jack and don't you come back no more, no more, no more, no more

Hit the road Jack and don't you come back no more
What you say?
Hit the road
And don't you come back no more
Don't you come back no more
Don't you come back
No more

Hello everybody. Wombag1786 here. Wow, how exciting. So RWBY and JNR were brought to Antarctica where they all were pulled apart and sent to different parts of the globe at different time periods. (That's going to get confusing. Specially since that would put her a year older than her sister.) Ruby happens to lose an eye. Though the biggest thing, is that Ruby may have seen events that will forever change the cosmos as we know it… that or I'm being a dick to her. Either one is a possibility. Anyways I'm excited to know that y'all were theorizing and if you were paying close attention to this story.

Now, this isn't the ending. I'm going to answer your questions and comments, before getting to something important.

From Black cross0: Well, you were close. She did loose an eye… and her mind. Though she found it again. But what I have in mind for her is a much, much, much worse fate… a choice. I won't go into any details but know that when I revealed the choice to a friend, they lost it.

Heh, well I just gave vague images of the future. Along with a hint on who brought them here. I'm sure you will thoroughly enjoy the story. (Time to put those detective skills to use.)

Hey, if you know anyone willing give them my card. (Or any oil painters looking for their next work.)

Thanks for writing Black cross0

From FEV Grim: Yep, can you guess the choice?

Thanks for writing FEV Grim

From gold crown dragon: That or accidently hit a Cthulhu.

Thanks for writing gold crown dragon

From Carre: 1. No problems

2. Yeah, computer just got an update with a translator… I can see the mistakes. Bright side I can now read the Spanish fanfictions.

3. Well technically it is at the bottom of the ocean. Before being sent up to form a ritual. Carrying with it the ship grave yard at the bottom of the Mariana trench.

4. Hopefully your theory was close my friend. If not it's ok, I'm curious to know.

Thanks for writing Carre

From Combine117: Technically their privates hide in their body, like a lizard. But yeah, it's out there. Makes you question who would want to fuck with those monsters. (*Just as Wombag said that Obed Marsh walked out behind the stage, before awkwardly walking back.)

Oh he's in a coma… but that ain't no dream. In the Cthulhu mythos there's a plane of reality known as Dreamland… which can only be access by two ways. By dreaming (… I know, irony is a bitch) or through a magic stair case somewhere in Siberia… which is guarded by a man-eating spider god.

I digress, point is, he's stuck in dreamland. And being in a coma means that he can't wake up. Which sucks since one night on earth can be decades in there. (You can't die of old age, so Ren will be mentally older than everyone by the time he wakes up… years later.)

Which I consider to be the worst fate out of the seven. (Second being Yang's permanent memory loss.)

… (*looks over at straw berries that were sent to Wombag. After looking down at them he pushes them a little far away before moving his seat.)

Thanks for writing Combine117

From Pherix2003: Fair enough.

Agreed, I once read a book written by a fisherwoman who specialized in catching sword fish off the coast of the cape. In her book the number thirteen is missing Replaced with "The number before fourteen." Because 13 is a bad luck number.

Well, Dagon is a questionable deity. Nobody knows if Father Dagon is a title given to deep ones who grow up, or the name of a minor god.

Heh, friendly? Questionable will be the best guess for anyone. Seeing that they took over an entire town. And the human sacrifice is a bit much. I think they are begrudging at best, hostile at worst.

Father Dagon and Mother H***a.

Heh, let's just day that despite the name saying so, it ain't no Dreamland.

Yeah, chapter was short mostly due to how lengthy the previous one was.

And the cat is out of the bag. Thoughts?

Thanks for writing Pherix2003.

Well with that done I hope you all enjoy the chapter. This is the final chapter of the introduction arc. In two weeks, the next chapter will begin (Already have the next five chapters done, just want to have a buffer system so I can take vacation days. With that said I want to write the next chapter before uploading the next one… that and also I need to improve my grade, so expect a slow story for those who are use to the one week chapter.) So do stick around. Also, if anyone is an artist, mind taking a request? It's for a few future chapter.

Right, so please Fav, and Fol the story. Leave a comment or question bellow.

This is Wombag1786 signing off.

Later that evening

The scene opens up on the Blackwood's detective agency office building again. The rain had stop, and the moon had appeared full outside in the clear sky. On the window overlooking the streets below, Ruby now dressed in a simple light red dress, was leaning out the window. She had just gotten back from the movies with Tommy. Despite it being in black and white and no sound the movie was still entertaining. Tommy had to sell off an apartment so he gave Ruby the keys to his office to spend the night. She made her way back and couldn't help but notice the moon high up in the sky. Truly, she was on another world. Looking up into the night sky to see the moon intact, in all its grandeur and beauty was truly breathtaking. As she stares up in astonishment, the view pulls back to a far away building top, before revealing that someone was watching her through binoculars.

"Well, it seems we were both wrong my dear brother." A familiar voice said as the view pulls back to revealing the one watching is Thgil Owt.

"Really, who was it?" Kard asked as he played solitaire on a nearby table.

"It seems Ms. Rose is the one who first arrived." Thgil explains.

"Oh, is that right?" Kard asked as he gets up and walks over to his brother.

"Yes, but if it's any consolation, she did loose the eye." Thgil stated as he hands the brother the binoculars. Kard took them and looked on at Ruby.

"So it seems." Kard remarks as he lowers his binoculars. He then turned to his brother who had pulled out an American silver dollar before flipping it to him. Kard catches it before pocketing it. "Suppose half is fair. Now, what about the others?"

"Hmm, that's a fair question. Jinn did reveal to them and we could look into their minds to find out when and where." Thgil states as he scratches the bottom of his chin.

"True, but where's the fun in that brother." Kard remarks. After a few moments a small smirk on Kard face appears before speaking. "… forty American dollars state Ms. Xiao Long will be appearing next."

"Oh brother, isn't high stake gambling bellow us?" Thgil asked with a sigh.

"Make it seventy then." Kard remarked with a smirk as he produced a single fifty-dollar bill.

"… Heh, make it sixty on Ms. Valkyrie." Thgil said with a smirk as he raised a hand. The two shook hands on the deal before Thgil takes out his watch.

"Hmm, oh dear. Seems we might be a tad bit late for the opera in Vienna." Thgil said as he looked down at his watch.

"Oh please brother. We built a machine to transport our creations from Remnant, I think we can make it there in five minutes." Kard remarks as he rolled his eyes.

"True, but still I'd grown fond of pretending to be human. Rather amusing on how frail they can be." Thgil said with a small smile.

"Heh, or how much fun is it to walk among them without knowing what we do brother." Kard remarks with a chuckle. The two then laughed for a few moments before Thgil stopped.

"Heh, heh. Well as fun as it is to pretend to be human. We do must be going." Thgil said before walking off.

"Oh, alright. Only because I love that Mazart's work." Kard remarks as he follows after his brother.

The view pulls back a bit to reveal their shadows. With each step the two brothers took the more and more their shadows looked less human. After their fifth step they shed their frail human forms and fully transformed into majestic dragons of gold and dark purple. They took to the sky, flying high above the sky till they looked like a shooting star in the sky.