I don't own RWBY or Call of Cthulhu
Mgep ehyeeog yogshugg's ot borea
August 12 1924 (10 days prior to Amidst The Ancient Tree's)
3rd POV
Inside the cold Tunnel, Weiss walks through the tunnels of ice and snow. She had just trapped that strange being in the house, assuming that was the child. As the sketchbook turned diary suggest the mother and father were likely dead long before that thing came around. Though if that was the case. Why was there a spirit of that child? However before she could think any more on the matter, the tunnel begins to shake and a loud bang could be heard echoing.
Weiss grabbed the wall as the tunnel shook. As she held her breath as the tunnels roof cracks. Thankfully the roof held and as the shaking stopped, Weiss stands up and lets out a sigh. Remarking under her breath. "What in Monty's name was that?"
She then rushes down the hall, towards the sound's point of origins. When she turned the corner she came to a horrific sight. Blood splattered over the walls and floors. Looking around she can see three bodies sticking out of the collapsed snow, and a white hat. Horrified she rushed to the hat and plucked it up from the ground.
"Oh god, Fausta! Fausta!" Weiss called out with a rarely shown concern tone. Just then came a loud moan from behind the snow pile. Their was a small opening at the top of the pile of snow ice and rock, a bit tight but one that Weiss could crawl through. Pulling through she see's two figures in the snow. "Monty almighty, Fausta, Mr. Philips!"
Fausta didn't respond, but laid quietly. Weiss slid down to her and pulled her from the snow. Then Philips from the snow. As she shakes the two, only the Canadian groans. Philips was alive but must have blackened out. Knowing he will be alright for the time she turns her attention to Fausta. Shaking her, throwing small amount of snow to onto her face, opening her mouth so she can let air flow into her mouth. As she struggled to get anywhere with Fausta she heard something press from Fausta's lips.
"Quít..ate de enci…ma" A hushed voice whispered.
"What?" Weiss asked.
"Quít..ate de enci…ma." Fausta spoke again in that hushed tone.
"What?" Weiss asked as she leans over to hear her.
"Quítate de encima… estás en mi brazo." (Get off me… your on my arm.) Fausta whispers causing Weiss to flinch as she realizes she's kneeling rather painfully on the old Vacara's arm.
"Oh, Lo siento." Weiss apologies as she quickly gets up.
"Ugh, I didn't think you'd care that much about my well being, beyond just a Recibo de impuestos sobre algunos trámites." (Tax receipt on some paperwork)." Fausta said sarcastically said as she is helped up by Weiss.
"Heh, maybe. But given how I've paid my own and yours this past two years I won't need you beyond further tax records should audits come my way." Weiss said, equally sarcastic. Granted Fausta had no idea what Weiss was talking about, but understood the tone she'd used to be a real smart ass.
"Ugh, you two have the queerest of relationship." A side voice groans, looking over they see Philips slowly getting up. "And I have bunked with a French couple hosting a Ménage à trois."
"Oh please the term is frenemy, nothing so bohemian." Weiss remarks curtly but did not stop to assist Philips to his feet.
"Tsk, Pervertido canadiense." Fausta said under her breath. As Weiss hands her back her white Stetson, Fausta asked. "Where were you Snow Princess? The moment you touched the fog you vanished."
"I what?" Weiss asked with a raised brow.
"Disappeared. Instantly." Philips adds as he dusts the snow off him.
"Huh, so like teleportation?" Weiss asked with a raised brow.
"Que?" Fausta asked.
"Teleportation, a hypothetical where one could move from point A to point B regardless of the distance between instantaneous." Philips explains before putting his hand to his chin. "Though I'd always thought the concept was something reserve for a Jules Verne novel."
"Well, mathematically speaking it is possible but the force that it would take to spawn such a feat would be beyond anything this world could produce." Weiss remarks, as her mind races with complex formulas that she memorized from her family company's attempt at instant transmission of dust products… it didn't work, for obvious reasons.
"Oh por el amor de Dios. English or Española, you two. The only thing I got out of this is something to do with Jules Verne." Fausta laments as everything these two said went over her head.
"Basically we are somewhere else. Um think walking through one door in New York and finding yourself in San Fransico at the same time you walk through the door. Only question is, how far we traveled." Philip simplified to Fausta.
"Clearly not on earth." Weiss said cryptically, gaining the two's attention.
"How certain are you of that?" Philip asked with a raised brow.
"Call it a hunch, given the strangeness we face I wouldn't throw it out of the realm of possibility." Weiss replies. It's a bit lazy but given the circumstances it was sufficient for Philip at the time.
"(Sigh) so, how do we get out of here then? I'd assume if we are using Jules Verne as a reference then we simply head down to the center of wherever we are?" Fausta asked in an irritated tone.
The two give a shrug, to which Fausta gives an even harder sigh before walking down the only hallway that wasn't covered in snow. Weiss and Philip following shortly after her. As they do, the scene pulls to the snow pile. It remains still for a few moments before a large monkey like hand shot out of it with a loud bear like snarl following it.
Back with the three, they followed this strange snow bound hallways, slowly but surely looking for any escape from this frozen labyrinth. After what felt like hours, they soon come to a large dark room. With very little light, Weiss pulls out Myrtenaster using fire dust to ignite her blade. Strange as that was for Mr. Philip his eyes shifted to what the light of Weiss's rapier illuminated. Gold, so much of it. Coins, masks, statues, everything that can be coated in it. An urge or rather temptation to pick up the item was dashed however when closer inspection reveals the same symbols that were on the dagger that was lost on the attack. Along with that came a feeling of… coldness. Something about the gold feel ominous as though they were cures. Resisting the urge they came upon a set of bones, beside a strange hand chiseled writing upon the wall. The flesh still clinging to the body but has decade to the point that he looks like a juicy freeze dried mummy, embedded into his body was the clothes he had adorned when he was alive, rather native and with a color that would suggest pre Columbus. Yet now fading with the cold.
"Huh, ok this I can translate." Philip said as he reads the wall scrawled message left behind by the frozen bones that laid beside it. "Nehuatl in tlacahuapahuitzil in tlācatzīn. In ixpan ca nopiltzīn Huitzilopochtli tlācatoca. In ahtlatl in tlācatzīn teteohpilhuan in tlāhuihcuilo, in cōzmeca itocā in atl, cuix tlācatzīn queninītia in tonatiuh huēyi cahuitl inic huīhuiuh, nīhuān tictlazohtzin, cuīcatl. Ma nemi inīxpan tetlacalquila Itztlacoliuhqui. Yāh in zan in tepetzīn. In necahualli, quīztōnquichihuili icac, inyōtl itzcāyōtl. In tlahtōllōtl quimāhuiztlāliliz, tlen iquihtōnquihtzō in tlanecchihualiz. In tlahtōllōtl tlacualquixtlāliliztli zan itōni noyōllōtl, quīztōnquichihuili inyōtl, tlāquimilhuitiliz, tlen icaīqui, mācuilō tlātlanepetzqui inyōtl icacahuac... In niyāh, itzintli inyōtl. In ahtlatl in tetlēhua in noyōllōtl in tlanecchihualiz. In niyāh cuīcatl nemi in quimātlatlalīz. In niyāh tlen miāc, quimelāhuiliztlāliliz Huitzilopochtli in quipiya īhuic huelicmotlāli. In nimitzīcāhuitia... zan huelicmotlāli in tlācatzīn quihtoh in tlahtzīn"
After rereading it he quickly checks it again before giving the translated version of this ancient message, and as the snow and ice it was written in a bleak and cold tone, adeptly fitting the setting they have found themselves in. "I write these words as a warning. We must continue the sacrifices to Huitzilopochtli. Our king and priest have always told us, that without the sun we would be forever lost in darkness. But what they did not tell me was that we should have left a sacrifice to Itztlacoliuhqui. It walks the winds blown south. Wandering the cold as though in search of its kin. The gods pity those taken by it for whom ever is found by Itztlacoliuhqui is whisked away to his kingdom of eternal snow… I am such one soul. Doomed is my soul to this kingdom of eternal cold. My body shall be corrupted over time and my soul doomed to howl in the wind, a song of the damned that only the cursed may hear. My only hope is that one of its many gates shall open. It spreads its treasure to those who could stomach the cold. Becoming beasts beyond nature's beauty. Sometimes these treasures are stolen and though the item curses the thief the treasure remains out of their reach. So it allows its spawn to chase after those in possession of its cursed trinkets. I don't know how much time has passed since it last open, but I'm doubtful I'll ever see home again… May Huitzilopochtli grant me mercy and let me return to the warmth. I beg of him… for all those who are trapped here."
As Philips ends the translation, their was a brief silence. Their was so much to unpack with this. Already they were in this treasure room and with everything that had happened prior to entering, this connected some dots that left a rather, disturbing thought in their minds. Soly by the implication of this message left behind by the bones that had frozen to the floor and walls. After what felt like an eternity, Weiss was about to speak up when a faint echo can be heard coming from a nearby corridor.
Mggoka'ai ya, ah'lloigshogg ya, Y' ymg' uln l' ahl'n'gha. mguh'e ehye r'luhhor h' ulnah. Mggoka'ai ya, ah'lloigshogg ya, Y' ymg' uln l' ahl'n'gha. mguh'e ehye r'luhhor h' ulnah. Mggoka'ai ya, ah'lloigshogg ya, Y' ymg' uln l' ahl'n'gha. mguh'e ehye r'luhhor h' ulnah. Mggoka'ai ya, ah'lloigshogg ya, Y' ymg' uln l' ahl'n'gha. mguh'e ehye r'luhhor h' ulnah!
Following the voices, the found themselves in a large dome like room. Bellow on a lower level they can see many of these wild men, dancing about a strange Wicker Man. Tied to it was the hostages. Weiss almost instantly recognize this scene from her dream though unlike her dream she was on the other side of the room rather then up on the ledge. Still despite this she had a feeling that if they did not act quickly enough then these hostages would suffer a fate worse than what they already are doomed to now. As they stare the Wildman can be seen chanting the line over and over again, doing their little tribal almost religious dances around, as the cries of the poor hostages mix with their unholy chant.
"Right, does anyone here have a plan?" Philips asked the two. "I assume we will not be leaving these poor souls to their fate."
"We do, kill the bad guys save the yanquis, and get of dodge." Fausta flatly said as she checks her rifle.
"Thats it?! Really?" Weiss hissed.
"Yeah, that simple." Fausta remarks as she cocks the lever action.
"Mind you, there are easily three dozen of those things down there and worse yet to be seen? If we start fighting it will be like ringing a dinner bell. I doubt we can fight them off, and that's putting Greyson skills with firearms to debate… no offense Mr. Philips." Weiss counters.
"No I agree, it be you two against them." Philips adds in agreement.
"Well how about we toss these into the mix." Fausta said as she pulls out a few bundles of dynamite. "Plant them around the mound and when we attack we blow the roof down on them as we make our escape."
"… Where did you even get the dynamite from?" Weiss asked looking over at the multiple sticks.
"I noticed a few boxes marked with those Malditos tontos logo's and thought what would a Pinkerton sinvergüenzas need with Dynamite? Plus they are useful for leveling the ranch so why not." Fausta said with a smirk and no shame in her voice for stealing from the Pinkertons.
"… Normally I'd not advocate for theft of others, given the circumstances and the treatment I'd say this be an exception to this." Philip muses as Fausta hands him a bundle of dynamite.
"Alright so we go down there, kill as many as we can. And cause a cave in. Once we find a way out then what?"
"Then we head out through the cave." Weiss pointed to the one on the other side. "It will be our only way out once the dome collapses."
"Or it will just trap us underground forever. Still, this might be the best option for now." Philips said as he checks his pockets for matches.
"Better one then what we had at old Mormon fort." Fausta said as tilts her hat, "Well, let's get train wreck moving."
"Poor choice of words but yes." Weiss nods in agreement before the two moved down towards the Wicker man. All while Philip creeps to place some of the bundles of dynamite, around the sides.
Down below the wild men continued their heinous and abominable chants towards their cruel god. The hostages mainly consisting of Women and children looked on in horror as they watched the wild men strip the flesh from themselves and forced their flesh down their throats in a hedonistic form of ritual cannibalism. They begin chanting, louder, and louder as they pull a single child from the group, her mother bacons for her son but was pushed back and beaten severally. The child cries as he is stripped down. The wild men begin howling like mad dogs as the largest among them pulls out the very knife that was stolen from the train. He chant's the cursed words as he raises the knife.
Gnaiih ot mgfm'latghnah, mggoka fahf gof'n ng h' ahmggoka llll ymg' r'luh" The wild man spoke in a hushed tone through bleeding gums and frozen vocal cords as he raises the knife. He was about to plunge the blade into the young boy when suddenly he was impaled from behind. Blood spewed out onto the young boy who let's out a shriek of terror expecting pain, only to realize it's not his blood.
Looking up, he see's the wild man fall to the snow as a women with white snow hair and a single arm. She pulled her rapier with a twirl and quickly got into a defensive stance as the wild men went feral and rushed towards her. She swayed about the floor with the flexibility and athleticism of a ballerina, cutting down many who were rushing at her like a pack of feral dogs. Though her fencing and footwork was impressive their numbers proved a problem, or for what the hostages thought at first. When one jumped at Weiss from behind, he was cut down by a loud bang. From the side was Fausta who was firing off impressively into the hoard of savages as if she was in a cheap western novel. However with those shots, came the hooting and howler of many voices. More of these savages rush in from smaller side tunnels, growling like rabid dogs as they rushed to keep their prize. As they do, explosions begin to go off as Mr. Philips begins throwing dynamite from the upper level down onto these pathways. Causing a large explosion that shook the dome violently. The hostages were frozen in place in fear and trauma as the dome begins to crack.
"Now would be a good time to vámonos yanquis!" Fausta shouts towards the crowd before killing another Wild man that was rushing towards Philip, after recognizing him as the one trying to bring down their temple of ice and snow.
The crowd remains still as they were still in shock and fear. After Weiss killed another one of these wild men she rushes over to the group and screams, "Listen to the Mexican and run! Run for your lives now!"
Play The Wendigo Chase Music (Dead by Daylight x Until Dawn Fan-Made Concept) by AidenAang on youtube.
The crowd seemed to snap out of it, least for now and they scrambled to their feet and raced towards the directed tunnel. Even barefoot their urge or rather fear pushed them to run mostly barefoot through the snow and ice with post haste. Weiss making sure that they all made it turns around to see Philips sliding down. Rushing to his feet as he crashes down to the ground. He struggled up as the Wild men begin chasing after him. Fausta provided covering fire but they were closing in on Philips. His breath becoming raggedy but his will to survive kept his feet moving. He barely dodges out of the way as they leapt at him practically clawing at his heals as he rushes towards the two women. Just before one could cling to his clothes he dives into the tunnel where Weiss using her semblance, causes a cave in, blocking the Wild men from following. She turns to Philip who was to busy catching his breath to notice Weiss glyphs. As he staggers to get to his feet Fausta walks over and pulls him up.
"Come on you maldito canuck, we need to leave now!" Fausta said as she pulls Mr. Philip to his feet.
She then pushed him to run further, they soon caught up with the group who were slow due to most lacking their shoes, however the three recognize the way they were running. Running as quickly as they can. The hostages and the three could see the gate ahead. Freedom from this Frozen Hell, but just as they were closing in, a claw like hand shot out of the snow. Grabbing one of the hostages. Her screams echoed as she was town in half before anyone could react. The monstrous being that chased Weiss out of the home emerges. Gargling the intestines like pasta. As it slurps up the internal organs it turns to crowd. Staring hatred red eyes at Weiss.
"Querido Dios, ¿qué es eso?" (Dear God, what is that?) Fausta asked as she stares at the monstrous beast.
"A persistent annoyance." Weiss respond as she takes out Myrtenaster and gets into a combative stance.
The crowd begins shifting back in Terror. As they do, a hairy monkey like paw then shoots out of the opposing side of the tunnel. Breaking through the ice like snow and snatching another unfortunate victim, breaking him half before pounding his body into mush. The Multilimb creature that had chased Fausta and Philip turns to the group before roaring.
"And what in Monty's name is that?!" Weiss asked in shock of seeing something that reminds her heavily of an Ursa Major.
"Una molestia peluda." (A hairy annoyance.) Fausta replies.
The two large creatures blocked the only means of escape, and there was no turning back. They begin slowly moving towards the crowd of panicking hostages. Just then came a loud scream as Philip, in a fit of panic and terror rushes forward with the last stick of dynamite. Like a mad man he threw the explosive at the two. Nearly blowing himself up in the process.
"Go! Just run!" Philip screams as the explosive stuns both monstrous beings.
The crowd in fear obeys and run towards the gate. A few slipped by and made it into the gate, though the monstrous beings recovered from the shock of the explosive and begin mauling multiple people. With no choice the group had to rush through, praying the creatures didn't tear them apparat. Weiss and Fausta were some of the lucky few, however luck soon turn her ugly rear towards them. These two creatures recalled the two and like a bloodhound lunged directly towards them. Avoiding easier prey for them. Weiss managed to side step the monstrous being, pushing Fausta aside to safety as the monstrous child crashes into the bear. Enraged the two begin fighting each other. Tearing at each other, trampling over a few victims, but more devastating causing the tunnel to collapse. Fausta and Weiss were at the gate, not entering till they were certain that the last of the hostages escaped. Just as majority had, the monstrous child had grabbed ahold of the bear, swinging around it. As it struggled the creature grabs it's jaw and with a sickening snap bent the bears jaw in two. It collapses to the ground. Where the monstrous creature then turns to the two, snarling as it rushes towards the remaining hostages and the one that was in it's lair. It howls as it rushes forward slamming at the stragglers who didn't made. As it rushes forwards Weiss shouted to Fausta.
"Get the last ones out I'll hold it off!" Weiss shouts as she charges forward before Fausta could scream at her to not.
Weiss charges in, Sliding under the creature before turning back around and charging, puncturing it's leg to cause it to trip. The entity lets out a loud shriek as it tried to backhand Weiss. However due to the size of this beastly spawn and how cramp the tunnel was, especially seeing how it was collapsing all around them; Weiss was able to evade easily and gracefully. She continued to prod and stab the creature gaining its attention as the last of the hostages race through the gate. Fausta calls out to Weiss.
"Last one, Come on! Get out of there!" Fausta shouted down to her as a large ice shard nearly hit the old vaquero.
"Go! I'll be right behind you!" Weiss shouts back before dodging a strike. Fausta hesitates but knew Weiss. So she entered the gate and disappeared.
Weiss dodges the strikes of both the monstrous being and the falling ice. She slid under the Beast once more and rushed for the gate. She was inches away when suddenly the Creature managed to grab ahold of Weiss foot and pulled her to the ground with a thud. Pulling her back. Weiss struggles to get out of the claws of this monstrous child. As she struggles her eyes turned up to something run through the mist. It was… that child. The ghostly one who lead her down into tunnel. It leapt over Weiss and straight into the monstrous being. It didn't do anything but reacted violently. Giving Weiss just enough time to get to her feet and run through the portal. She clashes down to her feet and was about to run when she found herself face to face with the barrel of a gun. Before her was Maria, with a bruised cheek. Weiss Eyes widened as she points the gun at her then she lifts it up a bit and fires. Hitting the side of the structure.
That shot hit the side of the stone structure. Causing it to crack. As it does a loud scream can be heard. A large hand can be seen stretching out, that monstrous creature had lashed out and tried to drag Weiss back into it's realm. With the destruction of the gate, even slightly caused the structure to collapse and the gateway cutting the limb completely off with it.
Weiss stares in disbelieve for a few moments before looking up at Maria. After a tense second did Weiss speak. "Thanks… for that."
"Don't thank me. I was simply doing my job." Maria said coldly, not even bothering to give Weiss a hand. Just then the small cave begins collapse and lake above begins pouring down into the cave. "We should go."
Agent Winchester begins for the cave leaving Weiss to catch up. They got out before the cave was flooded, burring any trace of this structure for good. Once out, Weiss found that members of the Pinkerton, train staff and a few of the family's rushing down to the survivors. Glad to see them alive… or to be disappointed and heart broken of their demise.
Weiss, looked around. Looking for Fausta when came a tapping on her shoulder. It was Philip. He hugged Weiss, Catching her off guard. "Oh thank heavens your alright."
"Um… yeah. Why wouldn't I be?" Weiss asked unsure how to respond to physical affection.
"He doesn't know how tough of a Reyna de hielo you can be." A voice from behind. It was Fausta. "Plus I think he is just excited we made it."
"Not everyone." Weiss said morbidly as she noticed the a child off to the side. The very same one that Weiss had saved. He was now wrapped in a blanket and given oversize socks to wear on his bear feet, but atlas nothing could be done. Poor boy had witness his mothers death, and was left standing in the cold.
"Well, chin up." Philip said as he pulls back. "If not for you two none of them would have made it."
"He's right. Doubt anyone would have been saved." Fausta adds as she looks around, for once feeling a bit prideful of that fact.
"Suppose so… still just what was that thing exactly? This whole endeavor left me with many questions." Weiss said. The strange symbols. Memories of her childhood, and irrefutable evidence that whatever this Avaloth entity is, it's connection to Remnant. Along with that she was certain that the very knife that could have hold the key to this was lost. Left behind in that strange world.
"Perhaps… it's best that remains unsolved. Least till we get off this mountain." Mr. Philips said as he looks up. The storm clouds had disappearance and allowing for the warm sun to the shine on down upon the group.
"Yeah… that would be nice." Weiss said as she takes a moment to bask in the sunlight. As she does the view pulls up to the mountain. A gust of wind from it sweeps down over the lake, though unlike most winds this one contained a bellowing echo. A horrific scream that few can hear, it was of malicious rage and spit and it's voice echoes throughout the Serria Nevada mountains as the scene goes dark.
Play Swing in Spring by Wolfgang Lohr & Offbeat
The scene opens on the Frozen mountainside, right where the story had last left off. The Ice covered tracks, as the organ begins to play, the melody causes for a single flower to emerge from the side of the track. As it does a single bulb emerges, though it doesn't look like a flower bulb but a small child. She begins to dance as the sun light begins to shine down on the flower. As the flower child dances upon it's bulb, more flowers begin to emerged with others of various age and size emerging to dance out in the sunlight, only for a large cold wind to blow down and cut them from their stems.
We just came out of the hardest season
The last three months have been dark andfreezing
AllI've wanted todo is hide away
Because I swearhumans are supposed to hibernate
"But Offbeat, what about New Years Eve?"
Well I guess that's the one night I'm willing to leave
And proceed to Party Like It's the 20's
Then it's back to my bed sheets with my Tetley's
'Til I know for sure that the Winter's done
And the cold and the rain has been switched for sun
We've got the swing 'cause that's what we bring
To celebrate the fact that Spring has sprung!
As the first act comes to an end, the flowers floating out above the cold snow, dancing among the snow flakes that resembled a rather familiar sigil in the air. As these flowers dance among the snow flakes, they begin to form words that read.
(Patsy Ruth Miller as Weiss Schnee)
Sunny days and luscious leaves
That rustle in the subtle breeze
Singing birds and buzzing bees
Its Swing in Spring
Fluffy clouds that hover high
Up in the brightly colored sky
Flowers bloom and come alive
It's Swing in Spring
As the Chorus comes to an end, the flowers were blown down towards Donner Lake, nearly falling into the cold lake when another gust of wind Blew the flowers to the side, where they formed words around a rotting Stetson that was buried beneath the snow, as the flowers pass by this ancient felt hat the flowers go to form words which reads,
(Verna Michelena as Fausta Bell)
It's that time of year so get to know
But I think somebody needs to tell John Snow
That "winter's coming", nah it's not
Spring is here and it's getting hot
We've got the new tracks which are sure
To make you shake a leg til your limbs are sore
When Wolfgang tells you to hit the floor
You best listen 'cause this guy is the Lohr!
We love the Spring 'cause the days are longer
The sun blazes and the rays are stronger
But even when it's over it ain't a bummer
'Cause we know what's coming next is the Summer!
As the next act begins, the dancing flowers float towards the trees, passing by a set of books that had been left behind from a failed expedition past the mountains. These ancient books on legends and pulpy tales of heroism the pages were blown open, with the flowers landing on the pages, covering certain letters to spell the following;
(Walter Pidgeon as Greyson Philip)
Sunny days and luscious leaves
That rustle in the subtle breeze
Singing birds and buzzing bees
Its Swing in Spring
Fluffy clouds that hover high
Up in the brightly colored sky
Flowers bloom and come alive
It's Swing in Spring
Swing in Spring!
Yeah!
Swing, swing
Swing, swing
Sunny days and luscious leaves
That rustle in the subtle breeze
Singing birds and buzzing bees
Its Swing in Spring
Fluffy clouds that hover high
Up in the brightly colored sky
Flowers bloom and come alive
It's Swing in Spring
The wind then blows those dancing flowers on back up towards the start, where they land before the track. By the track where the train just was, was left over casing for old Winchester repeaters. The flowers land on the shells, forming a strange symbol that if looked at an angle seemed to form words that spell;
(Louise Brooks As Maria Winchester)
Sunny days and luscious leaves
That rustle in the subtle breeze
Singing birds and buzzing bees
Its Swing in Spring
Fluffy clouds that hover high
Up in the brightly colored sky
Flowers bloom and come alive
It's Swing in Spring
As the song slowly comes to an end, a large snarling gust of wind covers the flowers. An act of malice done by old man winter in spite of spring. As these dancing tulips of beauty are covered, their dancers smothered, one flower, small as it is was carried away before it could be smothered by the wind, floating eastward and off the mountain to a more warmer climate.
Swing in Spring!
Swing, swing
Swing in Spring!
Swing, swing
Hello Everyone Wombag1786 here, so this was close. Almost didn't finish this chapter on time. Anyways so bad news, due to a lack of votes… and sudden expenses. But on the bright side this will give you more time to vote. Now then onto the questions and comments.
From Dustiniz117: I hope this ending is to your liking. Though I'm sure there is more to this story then the Pinkertons being dicks.
I do have one arc planned. The Dreamland Express, which starts in Ulthar. Seeing the group enjoy the ride towards the Gulf of Nodens
More so they are in Yog Soggoths mind, but fair. After all one of his avatars is Purgatory itself. But how and when they get to earth, well… there are things that not even the gods can undo.
Thanks for writing Dustiniz117.
From Blackwing8: Not exactly. Though she may develop Chionophobia going forward.
Not sure myself. Doubt a god had to vent.
Seems they had a lot, yet the serries kept moving forward so I'm confident it will survive. Just hope Disney, amazon, or crunchy roll picks it up.
Aw, I'll let you two hash this out.
A tragedy, while I am not a fan of Dragon balls It did get me into anime so I pay my respects to the creator.
Thanks for writing Blackwing8.
From CrimsonWeresloth: Believe me… there is so much worse then mear boogie man… believe me I know.
Thanks for writing CrimsonWeresloth.
From Guest April 12:
Thanks for writing Guest April 12.
From Guest April 24: Thanks, appreciate the sentiment.
Thanks for writing Guest April 24.
So, with that I'm done for now. Cutting this real close but Glad I got it done. Please Fav and Fol the story. Leave a comment down bellow and I will respond. And please do vote if you hadn't. I'm extending the deadline as well.
This is Wombag1786 Signing off.
Reno, Nevada
August 15 1924 (7 days prior to Amidst The Ancient Tree's)
It's been… a hectic few days. Since the attack the snow had quick melted away leaving only the peak blanked in snow. The train arrived in Reno where everyone was either hospitalized or questioned by the police. When word spread about the attack, it sensationalized across the west. Journalists for miles begin pouring into the biggest little city. However at the same time the Pinkertons quickly acted and begin covering up the incident. The reporters were turned away and all those who survived had to sign a NDA. Those who did had any Medical, funeral, and personal affects covered fully by the agency. Those who refused were painted as crazies, even dragged to an asylum, most likely to be lobotomized if proven too much trouble.
As for Weiss, she was compensated for the lost of her art as several of them were destroyed in the attack. She managed to squeeze out the full price and then some for their mistreatment of her, Fausta and Philip. As an act of spite, she plans on donating the funds to the Pinkertons Rivals. She found the nearest location in Baton Rouge Louisiana and gave them a quick call. She'd had just got off the phone with the head administrator who was grateful for the donation, offered to name a branch after her but due to the NDA she had to remain anonymous. Walking over to the tracks, she and Fausta watches as multiple people board trains, taking routes that would avoid mountains. Weiss couldn't help but stare at the young boy. Apparently, his mother was the only close not family he had. His distant relatives were across the pond. Most likely he'd end up in an orphanage, if the incident didn't leave him traumatized. He boarded the train never to be seen by Weiss again.
"(Sigh) I know we saved that boy… but I can't help but think it be better if he had died with his mother." Weiss murmured to herself. Fausta didn't respond, but took a drag from her cigarette as she watches the train pull away. As Weiss continued. "I know that sounds dark, but… well I have an inkling of what that boy will experience."
"Suppose you do Reyna de hielo." Fausta said as she exhales. "But in my experience it's better to love and lost then to never love at all."
"… Really?" Weiss asked as she wave the smoke away from her nose.
"Eh, no estoy seguro. Me escapé de casa. Pensé que era algo que dirían los yanquis." (Eh, not sure. I ran away from home. Just thought it was something you Yankees would say.) Fausta said bluntly with a shrug, much to Weiss Chagrin. "Vamos, vemos a nuestra amiga Canuck." (Come on, let's see our Canuck friend off.)
She then throws the smoke aside as she walks to the other side of the station, leaving Weiss who calls out. "¡Ni siquiera soy un yanqui! ¡Ni siquiera soy americano!" (I'm not even a Yankee! I'm not even American!)
"Aún así, sigues actuando como cualquier otro fanfarrón que he conocido, Princesa de Hielo." (Yet you still act like any other carpetbagger I've met Ice Princess.) Fausta called back with a cheeky tone in her voice.
"… Dixie Tonto del Sur." (Southern Dixie Dolt.) Weiss mumbles under her breath as she follows Fausta
Walking up to Philip who was talking to clerk, Fausta taps his shoulder, getting him to turn around. She then asked "Something wrong with your ticket?"
"Um no. I've made some changes." Philip said as he grabs his suitcase. "I'm not heading back to Canada."
"Oh?" Weiss said with a raised brow.
"After what I experienced. The fear and terror that ran through me. I would… should burn my books and swear off any discussion on the matter. But now that I stand here, I can't help but want to explore more. So I'm heading to Mexico City. See if I can peruse any further knowledge on Avaloth." Philip explains before turning around to take his ticket.
"Really? Huh, you got some bolas grandes to look into that nightmare fuel." Fausta compliments.
"Yeah well guess I learned that from you two." Philip said earning a chuckle from Fausta and a smirk from Weiss. He then wraps his hand around Weiss for a tender embrace. "If you'd like, I'd can send you my research while I'm down there."
"Heh, I'll pass. Maybe you and Princesa de hielo can talk shop all you want, but unless it's bourbon or horses you've lost me on the subject." Fausta said as Philip tries to offer her a hug only to be politely refused. Settling on a hand shake instead.
"Tsk, doesn't stop me from trying to get anything of importance through to you." Weiss comments earning a chuckle from the old outlaw. She then pulls out a small business card, containing the address of Fausta's ranch. "Write to us as soon as you arrive. Maybe one day we'll visit you, if you're still south of the boarder."
"That would be a pleasant surprise." Philip remarks before hearing the train whistle. Heading to the train, he turns to the two. "Well, this is goodbye for now. Till we see you again."
Weiss and Fausta then waves him off. As he disappeared into the locomotive, the train begins slowly moving south toward Tucson. Watching it, reminded the old Vaquera that she too needed to get their tickets. Excusing herself she leaves Weiss who continues to watch the train, hoping to get a glimpse of Philip. However she caught something else, in the corner of her eye. In the other side of the tracks was a child. A very familiar looking rabbit Faunas girl. Weiss freezes in shock and a twinge of fear overtook her… for all of a few minutes. This Spector didn't seem to care or notice Weiss. But rather basked in the sunlight. Enjoying the warmth on its non-corporal form. As Weiss looks on wondering it then dawns upon her. That locket she grabbed from that cold place, it was still on her. Pulling out the locket from her pocket did the Spector seem to turn to her.
Weiss looked down at the photo of the two within. A mother and child. Their warm happy faces… demented by that stranger cold and horrible place. As she looks down at it an idea came to mind. Turning to the train that had left, she found it was still within growing distance. At least if she uses her Semblance. Taking it hand she throws the locket onto the train. With luck the train will arrive in Arizona, maybe travel as far south as Mexico where with any luck be lost in the hot desert of the south west. She turned to the spirit who looked at Weiss with glossy eyes, not of sadness but of an underlining joy. It hushed to her in a silent voice. Though unable to speak she could tell what she is saying.
'Thank you' It hushes before disappearing. Her spirit at rest. Weiss smiles from the ghostly appreciation. She was still a little disappointed by the outcome of this strange encounter. Seeing that child free from the cold place after god knows how long, was enough for now. She turned and walks towards Fausta. As she does the view cuts to the side where in a phone booth, Maria can be seen. She is applying some makeup to hide the bruise on her cheek. As she does she can be seen talking to someone.
"Do you have any idea how much you mess has cost us?" An angry voice from the other side snapped at Agent Winchester. "I swear if you were any other agent I'd can your ass and black book you from any position in private security!"
"Will you relax Tim. My late mother's grants will patch this oversight over easily." Maria said calmly.
"Will it cover the loss of that relic, or the dead men!?" The voice on the other line snapped.
"Easy Tim Easy, Jesus you're acting like it's the second Homestead strike." Maria said in a cool tone.
"(Sigh) What about the target?" The voice said causing Maria to go silent. "If your telegram is to be believed, you uncovered one onboard the train. She was accompanied by Outlaw Fausta Bell?"
"… I could not recover her nor was I able to press into a cell for extraction. However I did learn she is aware of Nexus subject from the Blackwood." Maria responded in a cool tone. "To what extent of their relationship with Ruby is yet to be seen."
"Hmm, well I happen to learn that target nexus is on her way to Vermont with Blackwood Agent Tommy Colt Jr. Seems they are transporting a prisoner." The voice on the other line suggest.
"Can you call to whichever hole they are dragging their prisoners? Tell em to slow down the paperwork process?" Maria said over the line with some interest breaking through her serious tone.
"Already on it. Should keep them in San Fransico for a few days." The voice said before in a serious note. "And I trust you to accomplish this alone? After this incident You'll be lucky to have any other agents assigned to you."
"Aw, that sounds just fine to me. Most of these meat heads you pair me up with get in the way." Maria said with a chuckle.
"Agent Winchester." The voice on the other side said in a deadpan serious tone.
"Alright, alright Tim. Easy I was mostly kidding." Maria said gaining a groan from the voice on the other side.
"Maria, just take this seriously. We need to know just what we are dealing with and to get ahead of Blackwood. Since this agency uncovered Blackwoods dirty secret back in 84, we have been in a losing race with them." The voice said in a serious tone.
"Yeah, yeah, don't remind me." Maria said with a serious tone. After a few minutes She decided to end the call. "Listen Tim, I got to go. If I'm heading to Vermont I'll have to get going."
"Alright, good luck Agent Winchester." The Voice on the other side said just before Maria hangs up and the scene goes dark.
Paris France, June 3rd 1794
The scene opens in a cheap apartment. Inside the place seemed to be refurbished into an art studio. Hundreds of paintings lined the walls of different degrees. They were good… but soulless. Nothing to captivating. The artist who painted these can be seen painting his next piece, a single piece of fruit. As he paints a loud knocking at the door can be heard. He goes quiet, he wasn't expecting guests. It was the height of the reign of terror, Robespierre policies has effectively made terror the cities national policy. Anyone was at risk of being outed as a counter revolutionary. Very few were found innocent. As the knocking got louder he slowly put down the brush before approaching the door. With a gulp he opens it to find a morbidly obese women who despite her size is starving. With a sigh of relief he responds.
"Citoyen Cailloux, à quoi dois-je le plaisir de cet après-midi?" ( Citizen Cailloux, to what I owe the pleasure this afternoon?) He asked with a smile. The women however did not return the smile.
"Paiement." (Payment.) She said firmly. Causing the young man to frown. "Il te manque 5 sous, tu n'as pas payé de loyer depuis plus de deux mois." (Your 5 sous short, hadn't paid rent in over two months.)
"Aw, je suis désolé mais je t'assure que je te rembourserai." (Aw, I'm sorry but I assure you that I will pay you back.) He said calmly with a smile. However the women wasn't convinced by his faint smile. She pressed her finger to his chest with an aggressive glair.
"Gérald LeBeau, vous ne m'avez promis que la saleté sur laquelle nous nous tenons. Je te donnerai jusqu'au septidi pour me rembourser avant de te renvoyer dans la rue avec tes conneries sans valeur." (Gérald LeBeau, you promised me nothing but the dirt that we stand upon. I will give you till the septidi to pay me back before I have you back out onto the streets with your worthless crap!) the land lady snaps at the now named artist Gérald LeBeau.
"Euh, et jusqu'au décadi ? Je jure que je l'aurai avec les intérêts." (Um how about till the décadi? I swear I'll have it plus interest.) Gérald pleads.
"Septidi, et si tu penses qu'un de tes terribles tableaux va le recouvrir, alors je demanderai aux gardes de t'arrêter et j'irai à la foutue guillotine." (Septidi, and if you think one of your terrible paintings will cover it then I'll have the guards arrest you and off to the damn Guillotine!) the land lady snaps before slamming the door. Ending the conversation.
"… Le septidi… merde." (… The septidi… shit.) Gérald mutters to himself as he returns to his painting.
He continues as best as he could. He came to Paris prior to the Bastille falling. Wrapped up in the promises of the Revolution he'd believed his art would carry him further than anything these aristocrats could. However his art was so mediocre he would be lucky to afford bread. Though with the high taxes on grain he would go nights without food. This last art piece he'd hope to sell for was his only hope. As the hours passed, he had finally finished it but frowned in despair. It was just a fruit and with the prices for bread people would rather spend money on a fruit then a painting of one. In his despair he threw the canvas to the ground. Cursing his luck as he tore it to shreds.
"(Sigh) Autant emballer mes affaires. J'aurai la chance de mourir de faim dans les rues." ((Sigh) I might as well pack my things. I'll be lucky to starve in the streets.) Gérald remarks in despair as he goes to packs his things. Packing away his paintbrush and portrait book he was about to sneak out of his room, when he heard something it was… music. The apartment he was staying at was close to the Théâtre Feydeau. A lot of whores and artist worked within ear shot of his apartment but this was no ordinary violin. It was… nearly indescribable to the senses. A twisted melancholy noise that sung the high praises to some unknowing Cosmos. It drew him in, similar to a snake to a flute. Creeping up the stairs he heads to the attic.
If he recalls the attic tenants were a married couple and their toddler child. The father was a dwarf who played for the aristocracy before the revolution, supposedly really talented but his mind has gone due to some strange form of madness. Truth be told, he'd never heard the ginger dwarf play. What blasphemous melody that enchanted the artist mind became far more enchanting then he could fathom. His curiosity has stricken him to his core, which he reaches for the door, tugging at the handle before opening it. Beyond the threshold was darkness, not a normal darkness as it can be seen moving about. The music almost became silent before it envelopes Gérald. He lets out a loud scream as he was whisked away… to the final void. The court of Azathoth.
Play "The Music of Erich Zann" -Violin Solo
The scene show's a comic book, falling on top of the previous one. Showing a portrait of a Ginger Dwarf playing his Violin, surrounding the painting in the darkness were bugs ranging from the lowly worm, to the massive cockroaches. All in mass looking up at the portrait as though they can hear the cursed music from beyond time itself. Beside it were three image bubbles with the name above written as:
RWBY Noir
The Painting of Zann
Staring:
Nora Valkorie: Queen of the castle
Jobert Carren: French Hero
Hassan Detemple: A Moroccan Rapscallion