Disclaimer: Don't own either Rwby or Type Moon. So enjoy or don't
Chapter 6: A Hero's Burden
The warm sun cast its golden rays over the bustling streets of Kuo Kuana. A disguised Shirou, walked beside Ghira Belladonna. The Faunus leader guided him through the vibrant marketplace, filled with the scents of exotic spices and the sounds of cheerful bargaining. Ghira's voice resonated with pride as he spoke of Menagerie.
"You see, Shirou, Menagerie is a haven for the Faunus. We've worked hard to make it a place of peace and contentment. Our people are happy here, free from the oppression they faced elsewhere."
Shirou nodded, absorbing the tranquility that seemed to envelop the town. The sight of children playing and merchants trading brought a rare smile to his face, a stark contrast to the battles and strife that had dominated his life.
The market was a kaleidoscope of colors and sounds. Stalls overflowed with fresh produce, handmade crafts, and intricate jewelry. Faunus of all kinds moved through the marketplace, their unique traits—from feline ears to reptilian tails—creating a tapestry of diversity. A pair of musicians played a lively tune on traditional instruments, drawing a small crowd who clapped along to the rhythm.
"Every part of Kuo Kuana reflects the spirit of our people," Ghira continued. "Our artisans are renowned for their skill, and our farmers produce some of the finest crops in Remnant. We may have been pushed to the margins of society, but here, we've built something to be proud of."
As they walked, Ghira pointed out various landmarks. "There's the town hall, where we hold community meetings. It's connected to the main house, which serves as both our residence and a central administrative hub for Menagerie. Over there is the school, where our children learn about their heritage and the wider world. And just beyond that, you can see the shrine, a place for reflection and honoring our ancestors."
Shirou was struck by the sense of community and pride that permeated the town. It was a stark contrast to the isolation and violence he had known. The people here were not merely surviving; they were thriving, building a future together.
They passed by a group of children playing a game of tag, their laughter ringing through the air. A few of the kids waved to Ghira, who waved back with a warm smile.
"Hello, Chief Ghira!" one of them called out.
"Good morning, children," Ghira replied. "Enjoy your game and stay out of trouble!"
Turning to Shirou, Ghira said, "Our future lies in their hands. We must ensure they grow up in a world where they can live freely and with dignity."
Shirou nodded, feeling a pang of emotion. The peace and happiness of Kuo Kuana were a stark reminder of what he had fought for—and what he had lost. For a brief moment, he allowed himself to hope that perhaps, one day, he could find a place in such a world.
As they continued their tour, Shirou couldn't help but marvel at the harmonious daily life of the Faunus. Families gathered at food stalls, laughter ringing in the air. Artisans crafted their wares with care, and musicians played joyful tunes. The sense of community and unity was palpable.
They walked past a bakery where the sweet aroma of freshly baked bread filled the air. A baker, her canine ears twitching with delight, handed a loaf to a young boy who eagerly ran back to his waiting parents. Nearby, an elderly Faunus couple strolled hand-in-hand, their faces serene and content.
"Shirou, look at how our people live," Ghira said, his voice softening. "It wasn't always like this. There was a time when fear and oppression were all we knew. But here, we've created a sanctuary. Our children can grow up without the fear of discrimination. They can be proud of who they are."
Shirou watched as a group of teenagers helped an elderly Faunus woman carry her groceries, their camaraderie and respect evident in their interactions. He noticed how the shopkeepers greeted each other warmly, how strangers exchanged friendly nods, and how the atmosphere was filled with a sense of safety and belonging.
In the distance, a small park came into view, where families picnicked on the grass, and children played on swings and slides. The laughter of children, the murmurs of conversations, and the chirping of birds created a symphony of tranquility that wrapped around Shirou like a comforting blanket.
He saw a street artist painting a mural on a wall, depicting the rich history and culture of the Faunus. Passersby stopped to admire the artwork, some offering compliments, others simply appreciating the beauty being created. The artist, a Faunus with antlers, smiled and nodded in thanks, his brushstrokes fluid and confident.
For a moment, Shirou felt a profound peace wash over him. It was a feeling he hadn't experienced in a long time, if ever. The calm and happiness of Kuo Kuana's inhabitants contrasted sharply with his own tumultuous past, filled with conflict and suffering. He realized that the Faunus here had not only found a way to survive but to thrive and embrace life fully.
The peace was shattered by a sudden, ear-piercing screech. Shirou and Ghira turned towards the harbor, where chaos erupted. A giant Grimm Kraken, its massive tentacles thrashing, emerged from the depths, attacking the docks. The water churned violently, dark waves crashing against the shore as the creature rose, its glowing red eyes filled with malice. Screams filled the air as the creature wreaked havoc, pulling ships apart and endangering lives.
Ghira's expression turned grim. "We need to help them!" he shouted. He quickly called for the guards, his voice carrying urgency. "Get the guards! We need everyone at the harbor now!"
The Kraken's tentacles lashed out, smashing into wooden piers and splintering them like matchsticks. The sound of cracking wood and the terrified cries of the Faunus filled the air. Boats were capsized, their crews thrown into the turbulent waters. Some tried to swim to safety, but the Kraken's relentless onslaught made escape nearly impossible.
Ghira and Shirou watched in horror as the Kraken wrapped a tentacle around a large cargo ship, lifting it from the water and shaking it violently. Crates and barrels tumbled into the sea, their contents spilling out and floating away. The ship's crew clung to the railing, their faces pale with fear.
Without hesitation, Shirou removes his disguise and rushes forward to help those in need. His eyes sharpened with determination, and he sprinted towards the docks, his movements swift and purposeful. Ghira watched in surprise and a touch of fear as Shirou charged headlong into the fray. The Faunus leader's call for the guards was answered by several armed Faunus rushing to the scene, but Shirou was already far ahead.
As he ran, Shirou's mind focused with razor-sharp clarity. He traced a longsword, the familiar weight and shape materializing seamlessly in his hand. The sword, a masterpiece of deadly elegance, seemed to hum with energy. Reaching the docks, he saw the colossal tentacle of the Kraken lifting a group of Faunus into the air, their screams piercing the chaos.
With a powerful leap, Shirou closed the distance and slashed through the tentacle with a single, precise strike. The severed appendage crashed to the ground, releasing its captives. Shirou landed gracefully, already scanning for more threats. His eyes, hardened by countless battles, missed nothing.
A young boy's desperate cry pierced through the din. "Grandma! Someone help!"
Shirou spotted an elderly woman pinned under a heavy crate, her frail form struggling beneath the weight. The crate was part of a shipment that had been knocked over during the Kraken's attack. The woman's face was contorted in pain, her breaths shallow and rapid.
Without wasting a second, Shirou traced a spear, its length and leverage perfect for what he needed. He drove the spear's tip into the ground beside the crate and positioned the shaft under the edge. Using all his strength, he pushed down on the spear, leveraging it against the weight of the crate. His muscles strained, and the crate began to lift, inch by inch.
"Someone, help her!" Shirou shouted over his shoulder. Two male Faunus, their expressions a mix of fear and determination, rushed to his side. Together, they pulled the elderly woman out from under the crate as Shirou held it aloft.
The woman's grandson, tears streaming down his face, ran to her side. "Thank you," the boy sobbed, clinging to his grandmother, his eyes wide with relief and gratitude.
Shirou nodded, a fleeting smile crossing his face. But there was no time to linger. The Kraken's destruction continued unabated.
A woman's frantic scream drew his attention. "My daughter! The tentacle took her!"
Shirou's eyes followed the direction of her outstretched hand, spotting a small girl ensnared in the monstrous grip of a tentacle. His heart tightened, and without a second thought, he reinforced his legs, feeling the surge of power course through his muscles. He leapt, ascending in an arc that carried him up the length of the tentacle.
As he ran, his feet barely touched the slimy surface, his balance and speed perfectly controlled. He reached the girl, who was sobbing and struggling against the constricting grip of the tentacle. Her wide, terrified eyes met his, and for a moment, everything else faded away.
"Hold on!" Shirou shouted, his voice firm yet comforting.
He traced a short sword, its blade flashing with an ethereal glow. With precise timing, he swung the sword, severing the tentacle cleanly without harming the girl. The severed tentacle convulsed violently, but Shirou kept his balance, clutching the girl tightly to his chest.
As they began to fall, Shirou twisted his body to ensure they landed safely. He reinforced his legs further, absorbing the impact as they hit the dock. He cushioned the girl in his arms, protecting her from the fall. When they finally came to a stop, Shirou set her down gently, ensuring she was unharmed.
The girl's mother, having witnessed the entire ordeal, ran towards them, tears of relief streaming down her face. She scooped her daughter into her arms, holding her tightly.
"Thank you, thank you so much," she sobbed, looking at Shirou with profound gratitude.
Shirou gave a brief nod, a soft smile touching his lips. But there was no time to rest. The Kraken's rampage was far from over.
Shirou set the girl down gently, ensuring she was safe behind him. He turned to face the Grimm, his resolve unwavering. The massive Kraken, though wounded, still posed a significant threat. Several Faunus were trapped on the docks, their escape routes blocked by the creature's enormous tentacles.
"Get to safety!" Shirou shouted to the nearby Faunus, but the Kraken's thrashing limbs made it nearly impossible for them to move.
Teal circuit lines glowed on his skin as he traced dozens of swords, each blade shimmering into existence around him. With a determined shout, he launched the arsenal at the Kraken. The swords struck with deadly accuracy, severing multiple tentacles that blocked the escape paths.
The Kraken screeched in agony, its monstrous form writhing as the blades cut through its flesh. Despite its injuries, the beast remained relentless, its rage growing more intense. Shirou's eyes narrowed with focus, realizing that he needed to deliver a decisive blow.
Drawing upon his full strength, Shirou traced a final, enormous blade. It materialized above him, radiating power. With a mighty swing, he sent the colossal weapon hurtling towards the Kraken, striking it at its core. The impact was devastating, and the creature let out one last, earth-shaking roar before its body began to disintegrate.
As the dust settled, the Faunus emerged from their hiding places, eyes wide with awe and gratitude. An elderly woman approached Shirou, her voice trembling with emotion.
"Thank you, young man. You saved us."
Others joined her, their voices echoing the sentiment. "He's a hero!" they cried.
The crowd grew larger, and the murmur of voices swelled. Some Faunus were weeping with relief, while others wore expressions of sheer admiration. A group of children, their eyes wide with wonder, looked at Shirou as if he were a character from one of their bedtime stories. One young Faunus boy, his eyes still red from crying, tugged at Shirou's sleeve.
"Mister, you were amazing! Are you a Huntsman?" the boy asked, his voice filled with awe.
Before Shirou could respond, an elderly Faunus man stepped forward, his voice shaky but filled with gratitude. "You have the heart of a true hero, young man. We owe you our lives."
As more and more Faunus approached, their praises and thanks echoed in the air. A teenage girl, her eyes shining with tears, clasped her hands together. "Thank you for saving my brother," she said, her voice breaking with emotion.
Shirou, overwhelmed by the outpouring of gratitude, could only nod. His heart ached with a mixture of emotions—relief, sorrow, and a deep, unyielding pain. He struggled to accept their thanks, the weight of their words pressing heavily on him.
Ghira watched from a distance, a mixture of pride and concern etched on his face. He couldn't shake the fear that Shirou's path might mirror that of Adam Taurus, a once-heroic figure turned villainous. The image of Adam's descent into darkness haunted Ghira, and the similarities between Adam's initial heroism and Shirou's current actions were unsettling. Ghira knew that Adam had once been a symbol of hope and strength for the Faunus, but his quest for vengeance had twisted him into something unrecognizable.
As Ghira observed Shirou interacting with the grateful Faunus, he noticed the pain in Shirou's eyes, a deep-seated sorrow that resonated with his own experiences. Shirou's reluctance to accept their praise, his quiet declaration of not being a hero, only added to Ghira's concerns. He could see the burden that Shirou carried, the weight of past traumas and the fear of repeating history.
Ghira's thoughts raced as he considered the potential consequences. He feared that the pressure of being seen as a hero could push Shirou down a dangerous path, one where the lines between right and wrong blurred. The parallels to Adam's story were too close for comfort, and Ghira couldn't help but worry that Shirou might succumb to a similar fate.
Shirou, his expression pained, responded quietly, "I'm not a hero."
Ghira stepped forward, placing a reassuring hand on Shirou's shoulder. "You did what you had to do, Shirou. But remember, you don't have to carry this burden alone. We're here to help you."
Shirou looked up, meeting Ghira's gaze. There was gratitude in his eyes, but also a lingering uncertainty. "Thank you, Ghira. I'll try to remember that."
Ghira escorted Shirou back to the Belladonna household. As they walked through the town, the streets gradually calmed down from the earlier chaos. The Faunus people they passed whispered among themselves, their gazes filled with a mix of admiration and curiosity. Ghira remained silent for a while, allowing Shirou to collect his thoughts.
The journey back was longer than usual. The path took them past the remnants of the Kraken's attack: splintered docks, overturned boats, and scattered debris. Shirou's eyes lingered on the destruction, the weight of the day's events pressing heavily on his shoulders. Ghira noticed his somber expression and decided to break the silence.
"Today was unlike anything we've seen in a long time," Ghira said, his tone gentle. "Menagerie has been peaceful, but the Grimm reminded us of the dangers that still lurk."
Shirou nodded. "It's a harsh reminder of the world we live in. No place is truly safe."
As they neared the Belladonna residence, Ghira continued, "You acted with incredible bravery, Shirou. But you took a great risk. Why didn't you wait for help? You could have been killed."
Shirou's gaze was steady, but his voice was tinged with a hint of weariness. "It's never wrong to help people. I couldn't stand by and do nothing while others were in danger."
Ghira stopped walking and turned to face Shirou, his expression serious. "True, but you must be careful. Your life is valuable too. We've lost too many good people already."
They entered the main house, the familiar warmth and comfort of home contrasting with the chaos they had left behind. Shirou, feeling the need to contribute and possibly as a way to process the day's events, made his way to the kitchen to prepare dinner. The act of cooking was a calming routine for him, a way to find solace in the midst of turmoil.
Ghira watched him for a moment before heading to the seating area where Kali awaited them with concern etched on her face.
"Welcome back," Kali said softly, offering a reassuring smile. "Are you both alright?"
Ghira nodded, but his eyes remained on Shirou. "We are, thanks to Shirou. But we need to talk."
Ghira and Kali settled into the seating area, the weight of the day's events hanging heavy in the air. Ghira began to recount the battle with the Grimm Kraken, detailing Shirou's bravery and the Faunus' reaction. Kali listened intently, her expression shifting from concern to deep contemplation.
"I share your fears," she admitted, once Ghira had finished. "But his actions today show he's not like Adam. He's selfless, not seeking glory."
Ghira sighed, leaning back in his seat. "I hope you're right. But I see the same pain in his eyes that I once saw in Adam's. It's that haunted look, the burden of past traumas that weigh heavily on him. We need to guide him, to make sure he doesn't lose himself to that darkness."
Kali nodded, her gaze softening as she glanced towards the kitchen where Shirou was preparing dinner. "He's been through so much. It's clear that he's driven by a desire to protect and help others, but he also carries a heavy burden of guilt and sorrow. We need to help him find a balance, to show him that he doesn't have to shoulder everything alone."
Ghira ran a hand through his hair, his worry evident. "The last thing I want is for him to feel isolated or overwhelmed. We need to create an environment where he feels supported and understood. He's part of our community now, and we must make sure he knows that."
Kali reached out, placing her hand on Ghira's. "We will. We'll show him that he's not alone, that he has a place here with us. We'll be his family, and together, we can help him heal and find his way."
Ghira squeezed her hand gently, drawing strength from her words. "You're right, as always. We must be there for him, as we would for any of our own."
Kali's eyes sparkled with determination. "And we will. We'll be his anchor, his support system. He's shown incredible bravery and strength today, but even the strongest need a place to rest and recover."
Ghira nodded, a sense of resolve settling over him. "We'll make sure he knows he's not alone. We'll help him carry his burdens, and in time, perhaps he'll come to see that he truly is a hero, not just in the eyes of the Faunus he saved, but to himself as well."
They sat in companionable silence for a moment, the weight of their conversation lingering in the air. The sound of Shirou moving about in the kitchen, preparing dinner, was a comforting reminder that he was here, safe with them. They were determined to ensure it stayed that way.
Meanwhile, at Beacon Academy, Blake sat in her dorm, reflecting on the day's events. She had spent the afternoon recovering from the Breach of Vale, their first team mission. The battle had been intense, and the sight of so many Grimm pouring into the city was a chilling reminder of the constant danger they faced.
She sat on her bed, the familiar surroundings of her dorm room feeling strangely distant. Yang, Weiss, and Ruby were gathered around, chatting about their day, but Blake's mind was elsewhere. She replayed the recent events, trying to imagine the scene after reading the news about the Grimm attack at the Kuo Kuana docks.
Blake's thoughts turned inward, reflecting on the connection between her family and their community. She wondered about the people who had risked their lives to protect Kuo Kuana and the burdens they carried. The thought of the fight and the efforts to save lives intrigued her, hinting at a resilient and powerful community.
Yang noticed Blake's distraction and nudged her gently. "Hey, Blake, you okay? You've been pretty quiet."
Blake looked up, meeting Yang's concerned gaze. "Yeah, I'm just... thinking about home. My parents are safe, but there was a Grimm attack today. A giant Kraken."
Weiss and Ruby immediately gave her their full attention. "Oh no, is everyone alright?" Ruby asked, her voice filled with concern.
Blake nodded. "Yes, thanks to the bravery of our people. They fought off the Kraken and saved many lives."
Weiss raised an eyebrow. "That's a relief. It sounds like your community really came together."
Blake shook her head. "They did. It's moments like these that remind me how strong our people are, how much they're willing to fight to protect each other."
Yang gave her a reassuring smile. "Sounds like a real community. Maybe we'll get to visit Menagerie someday."
Blake smiled back, appreciating her friends' support. "Maybe. I have a feeling our paths might cross. There's something about Menagerie that feels important, like it's connected to our journey."
As Blake lay down that night, her thoughts remained on her family and the events in Menagerie. She felt a deep sense of connection to her community and a growing curiosity about the challenges they faced. The transition between Menagerie and Beacon felt less like a separation and more like a bridge, linking their destinies together in ways she couldn't yet fully understand.