Chapter 17: The Siege of Castle Hallow Part I

Several weeks ago-Castle Hallow

Sorren lay helpless within his cell, sprawled against a soft bed of hay that did little to cushion the agony coursing through his body. The cold autumn wind crept through the cracks in the stone walls, biting at his skin like icy needles. But the wind was nothing compared to the inferno raging inside him. His body trembled uncontrollably, convulsing as the serum burned through his veins like molten fire.

He could hardly move. Every attempt to shift even an inch sent fresh waves of excruciating pain rippling through him as if his muscles were tearing apart with each breath. It felt like his body was battling a sickness—yet this was far more sinister than any fever or infection he had ever known.

His breaths came in ragged, desperate gasps; each inhaled a struggle against the crushing weight pressing down on his chest. His lungs burned, pleading for relief, but no reprieve came. Instead, the pain grew worse, stabbing deeper into his core until it reached a level beyond anything he had ever endured.

Suddenly, a new sensation ripped through him—violent and unbearable. His body seized as a bone-deep crackling echoed from within, the sound reverberating through the confines of the cell. Sorren's eyes flew wide open, his vision swimming with tears as his bones seemed to splinter and shift beneath his skin.

He arched over the soft bed of hay, his back contorting as the pain overwhelmed him. His fingers clawed at the ground, hay slipping through his trembling hands. His nails dug into the dirt, splitting under the pressure, but he hardly noticed. All he could feel was the horrifying sensation of his body breaking itself apart and rebuilding, over and over again, like some grotesque transformation that had no end.

His veins pulsed visibly beneath his skin, dark and swollen as if they were fighting to contain the toxic flood of the serum. The muscles in his arms bulged unnaturally, straining as if something beneath the surface was trying to burst free. His fingers twitched, the tips of his nails beginning to harden and sharpen into claws. The sensation of skin stretching and bone shifting made him gag, but he had no strength to react beyond the spasms wracking his frame.

He let out a strangled cry through gritted teeth, the sound muffled by the unforgiving walls of the courtyard. He felt his ribs shift unnaturally, and a sharp, agonizing snap filled the air as one of them broke and reset itself. His body writhed as if possessed, caught in a torment that refused to end. His legs stiffened, the bones within them lengthening and cracking in irregular bursts as if they were preparing for something monstrous.

The world blurred around him, the dim torchlight from outside his cell casting flickering shadows across the stone floor. He could barely see, barely think—only feel the overwhelming fire in his veins and the crushing weight that held him hostage. His once-smooth skin was now prickled with patches of darkened, coarse texture along his arms and chest, resembling scales or fur beginning to take root.

As another wave of pain wracked his body, he slumped forward onto the hay, his breathing shallow and labored. His mind drifted in and out of coherence, barely able to hold onto reality.

His jaw tightened as his teeth sharpened, a dull ache that built until his canines extended into something predatory. A groan escaped him as his spine curved painfully, vertebrae grinding against one another as his form contorted. His shoulders widened as though forced to accommodate new muscle growth, tearing seams in the fabric of his clothing.

Deep within, beneath the haze of suffering, he wondered how long he could endure this. How long could his body withstand being torn apart and pieced back together like a broken machine?

But the serum wasn't finished with him yet.

Another violent crack echoed from within his chest, and Soren's scream tore through the night, a desperate cry that faded into the cold autumn wind. His fingers curled into the dirt, claws now fully extended, while his breath came in heavy bursts, each one more bestial than before. His human form was slipping away, piece by piece. And with it, Sorren Paulivic wondered if his humanity would ever return—or if he was doomed to remain the Beast of Castle Hallow forever.

The guards were jolted into action by a deafening boom that echoed through the castle grounds. The explosion rattled the stone walls, shaking dust from the ceilings and sending a shockwave through the corridors. Moments later, the blaring wail of the castle's alarms pierced the night, signifying an emergency.

Troopers rushed through the halls, their boots slamming against the stone floor as they stormed into the Courtyard. Weapons drawn, they moved with precision, inspecting each cell they passed. The dim torchlight flickered off their armor as their eyes darted toward any sign of disturbance.

Cell after cell appeared untouched, the iron bars undamaged, and the prisoners inside still shackled and dazed. Confusion rippled through the squad as they pressed forward.

"Clear," one of the troopers called, his voice tense as they continued down the row.

The lead officer gritted his teeth, scanning for any sign of the source of the explosion. "Keep moving. Someone tried to break out," he barked. "It could be the White Fang."

The mere mention of the name sent a ripple of caution through the troopers. They had dealt with Faunus insurgents before, but something about this felt different. They could sense it—something larger, something dangerous.

"Over here!" a voice shouted from the far end of the Courtyard.

The troopers sprinted toward the sound, weapons at the ready. When they arrived, they came to a halt, their breaths heavy as they processed the sight before them.

The cell door was twisted and mangled, its iron bars bent outward as if they had been torn apart by something monstrous. The thick stone walls surrounding the cell were cracked, chunks of rubble littering the floor like debris from a battlefield. The faint smell of scorched hay and burning stone hung in the air, further evidence of whatever destructive force had been unleashed.

One of the troopers knelt, running a gloved hand over the massive claw marks gouged into the stone floor. His fingers trembled slightly as he traced the deep grooves.

"Something broke out," he muttered, barely able to contain the fear in his voice. "Something big."

The commanding officer's gaze darkened as he inspected the destruction. His hand tightened around the grip of his weapon. "This wasn't the White Fang," he said grimly. "This was something else."

The wind howled through the open Courtyard, carrying the faint scent of blood and something primal—something predatory.

"Alert the Doctor. Fan out," the officer ordered, his voice cutting through the eerie stillness. "Find it. Now."

The troopers hesitated for a split second, their instincts warning them that whatever had escaped was far more dangerous than any prisoner they had dealt with before. But they had no choice. With weapons drawn and nerves stretched thin, they spread out, the sound of their boots fading into the night as they began their search.

The Courtyard fell eerily quiet once again, but the twisted metal and gouged stone served as a warning—whatever had broken free wasn't just trying to escape. It was on the hunt.

Here's the revised version of the chapter with an added moment where Pyrrha asks about a possible cure. I've smoothly integrated the new dialogue to flow naturally within the scene:

Present Day

Pyrrha's steel glare pierced through the shattered window as she gazed into the cold, unforgiving night. The Beast's tale of cruelty and despair echoed in her mind, igniting a fierce anger within her. Beyond the jagged horizon, Castle Hallow loomed like a fortress of nightmares, its towering silhouette casting a grim shadow over the land. Within those walls, Dr. Arthur Watts was undoubtedly continuing his horrific experiments—twisting, mutating, and torturing innocent Faunus with that cursed serum.

What purpose did the serum serve? Pyrrha didn't know. But she didn't care. Watts's motives were a mystery she had no desire to solve. What mattered was the Faunus trapped within those walls, waiting to suffer the same fate as Dr. Sorren Paulivic—a man who had once been a beacon of hope, now reduced to a tortured Beast.

She glanced over her shoulder into the dim, crumbling lab. The Beast of Asben Hallow crouched amid the debris, his monstrous form looming in the shadows. His claws twitched as though even resting caused him pain. His labored breathing filled the room, and his eyes—hollow and haunted—stared vacantly at the floor.

Seeing him like this, the horrifying result of Watts's serum, made her stomach churn. She couldn't bear the thought of others enduring the same fate.

"I know that look, Red," Qrow said, his voice low and gravelly. He leaned against the doorframe, arms folded across his chest. "You're not thinking what I think you are, are you?"

Pyrrha met his gaze briefly before turning back to the Beast. She shook her head, but her resolve only hardened.

"We can't just stand by and allow Arthur Watts to do this to the Faunus," she said, her voice firm. "You've seen what this serum did to him." She gestured toward the Beast, who shifted slightly, his claws scraping against the floor.

"Who knows how many other Faunus Watts has experimented on?" she continued. "How many are trapped in that castle, waiting for the same fate? We have to stop him."

Qrow narrowed his eyes, confirming his worst suspicion. He knew that the tone in Pyrrha's voice meant she wouldn't back down. No matter the danger ahead, she was ready to fight.

"Pyrrha," he said, stepping closer, his voice steady but tinged with worry. "I get it. Believe me, I do. What Watts has done is sick, and it needs to end. But this? Storming into Castle Hallow? That's suicide." He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. "The Grimm know we're here. They're probably already tracking us. We go charging in and won't pass the front gate."

Pyrrha clenched her fists, her knuckles turning white. She hated how right he was. The castle was undoubtedly crawling with guards, and the Empress's forces wouldn't hesitate to strike them down—especially if Cinder had already alerted the Empire. But Pyrrha couldn't ignore the burning need to act.

"We can't just leave and let Watts continue this," she said, quieter but no less determined. "There's no telling what else he'll do with this serum. How long before they start using it on every Faunus in town? Beyond it?" Her eyes flickered with emotion. "We can't let that happen, Qrow."

Across the room, the Beast stirred. Though silent, he listened to every word Pyrrha said. Her determination surprised him. He hadn't expected such passion from a human, especially not one as young as her. Even before the monster he had become, Sorren was no stranger to human prejudice. He had endured it for years as a Faunus doctor, facing rejection from human patients who refused to let him treat them. Most of those who sought his help had been other Faunus. But despite the bigotry he faced, he had never harbored resentment.

The well-being of the people of Asben Hallow had always been his priority.

Qrow exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck. "I'm not saying we do nothing. I'm just saying we can't be reckless." His gaze softened as he looked at her. "You don't know Watts like I do. We can't afford to underestimate him. That's a mistake my team and I made before. It's not one I'm willing to make again."

Pyrrha squinted her eyes. "You and your team?"

Qrow nodded, his tone shifting slightly as he recalled the past. "We were sent to capture Watts when the war broke out. The plan was to arrest him, drag him back to the Kingdoms, and have him tried for war crimes." He paused, the memory still bitter. "But Watts is as brilliant as he is ruthless. He had contingency plans for everything. No matter how close we got, he slipped away. And I guarantee you, he's got more traps and defenses waiting for us at that castle."

Pyrrha tightened her jaw. "Then we find a way around them."

"There has to be a way inside," Qrow admitted. "We just need to play this smart."

The room fell silent, save for the distant hum of the wind outside. The Beast let out a low growl, his gaze still fixed on the floor. Pyrrha knew Qrow was right—charging in recklessly was suicide. But waiting felt like a betrayal to the Faunus suffering inside that castle.

Then, an idea sparked within her. She turned back to the Beast. He was the only one who had escaped the castle. If anyone knew a way in, it would be him.

She approached him cautiously, her boots crunching softly over the debris-strewn floor. The Beast shifted his gaze away from her as if knowing what she was about to ask. His breathing grew heavier. He couldn't bear the thought of going back to that place. The memories of pain, fear, and betrayal were too great.

"Paulivic," she said softly.

A low, rumbling growl was his only response.

"No...I can't," he proclaimed.

"I know it's hard," Pyrrha continued, her voice gentle but resolute. "But you're the only one who's escaped. If there's a way into that castle, we need you to help us find it. Please."

The Beast let out a ragged breath, his claws flexing against the cold floor as if struggling to contain the turmoil within. The thought of returning to Castle Hallow filled him with dread, the memories of pain searing through his mind like fresh wounds. But another thought gnawed at him—leaving others to endure the same torment he had barely survived. His eyes closed briefly, the weight of the choice pressing down on him like chains.

When he opened them again, he met Pyrrha's gaze, his voice low and broken.

"I'm sorry... I'm not the one I once was. I am nothing more than a monster," the Beast murmured. His words carried the hollow weight of self-loathing, each syllable like a stone sinking into his chest.

Pyrrha's heart ached at his despair, but she refused to give in. She stepped closer, placing a firm but comforting hand on his shoulder.

"That's not true," she said, her voice steady. "You are not a monster, Sorren."

He flinched slightly at the sound of his name—an echo of the life he had lost.

"Dr. Watts is the only monster here," Pyrrha continued. "And right now, he's doing to other Faunus what he did to you."

The Beast's claws scraped against the floor as his muscles tensed, a low growl of anger escaping his throat. The thought of innocent Faunus enduring the same agony burned through him like wildfire.

"Please," Pyrrha pressed, her eyes pleading. "I know you still care about your people. Deep down, that part of you hasn't changed. They need you now more than ever."

The Beast lowered his gaze to the floor, then slowly shook his head. "Even if we stop him," he murmured, "this form—this curse—will stay with me. There's no cure for what I am now."

Pyrrha's breath hitched, her brow furrowing. "But there has to be a way. If Watts created this, maybe we can reverse it."

A pained silence hung between them before the Beast let out a heavy sigh. "Maybe," he said softly, the faintest shred of hope in his tone. "But I haven't found it."

"Then we'll find it together," Pyrrha insisted. "Once we stop Watts, we'll ensure you're free of this."

The Beast's claws stilled, the war within him momentarily quieted by her words. He nodded slowly, though doubt still lingered in his eyes.

Finally, he exhaled a deep, guttural sound that carried the weight of his decision. His gaze shifted back to Pyrrha, a faint ember of purpose struggling to reignite.

"There's a tunnel beneath the east wing," he growled. "It leads to the lower levels of the castle."

"Then that's our way in," Pyrrha said, determination blazing in her eyes. "And once we're inside, we'll finish this—for you and the others."

The Beast led Pyrrha and Qrow through the dense forest, where the shadows of night clung to the trees like a heavy fog. The only light guiding their way was the full moon, glistening high above, its silver glow unopposed by clouds. The trek through the thick brush was silent but tense, with only the rustling of leaves and the crunch of twigs beneath their feet breaking the stillness.

Qrow followed from behind, his gaze lingering warily on the Beast as they moved deeper into the forest. His hand hovered near the hilt of his weapon, ready for anything. The Beast had earned no trust from him—not yet. Even now, Qrow couldn't shake the thought that Sorren might betray them or lead them straight into Watts's hands.

Up ahead, the Beast brushed aside a tangle of bushes, his massive claws making short work of the foliage. He cocked his head back toward them, his voice low and guttural.

"This way," he growled, pushing forward without waiting for confirmation.

Pyrrha nodded silently, following close behind him, too trusting for Qrow's liking. His unease only grew as he watched her walk without hesitation. He knew Watts's brilliance all too well—how the doctor had manipulated situations in the past to his advantage. This could be no different. Watts was the type to exploit a weakness, even using one of his own victims to bait a trap.

Qrow quickened his pace, catching up to Pyrrha. His hand rested on her shoulder, halting her.

"Red, hold up," he said, his voice hushed but firm.

She glanced back at him, her brow furrowing in concern. "Qrow?"

He gestured toward the Beast ahead, who had already disappeared into the forest's shadows. "You sure about this, Red? I've got a feeling we might be walking into a trap here," Qrow said, lowering his voice as he leaned in.

"This whole thing could be a setup. Watts could already know we're coming. For all we know, he's got a trap waiting for us the second we step into that castle."

Pyrrha's gaze dropped momentarily, her mind weighing his words carefully. She knew Qrow wasn't wrong. Watts was cunning, and given what Qrow had said about him, the possibility that the doctor anticipated their arrival wasn't out of the question.

But then her mind turned to Akara, the wise Faunus elder who had guided them here. Akara had asked her to see beyond appearances, to trust the heart of the one who had once been Sorren Paulivic—the man who had been a healer before the monster had been forced upon him. If Akara believed in him, Pyrrha would give him that same trust.

She lifted her gaze back to Qrow.

"I won't pretend it's impossible," she admitted. "But I trust him, Qrow."

Qrow narrowed his eyes slightly, unconvinced.

"And I wouldn't—if Akara hadn't asked it of me," Pyrrha added, her voice steady. "She sees something in him. And if she's willing to trust him, so am I."

Qrow exhaled sharply, rubbing the back of his neck. "That's a lot of trust to put in someone who isn't exactly in the best place to prove it."

"I know," Pyrrha said, her gaze unwavering. "But sometimes, trust is what makes the difference."

Qrow fell silent for a moment, searching her face. Finally, he sighed and nodded, though his hand remained near his weapon. "Just stay alert. If this turns sideways, we'll need to act fast."

Pyrrha smiled faintly. "I know. And we will."

Without another word, they pressed on, following the Beast through the forest. The night seemed to grow darker as they neared the distant silhouette of Castle Hallow. But even as the shadows closed around them, Pyrrha's resolve didn't falter.

Trust was a risk. But so was standing by while innocent lives were at stake.

And Pyrrha had already made her choice.

It was not long after the group emerged from the forest, over a high cliff overlooking the horizon. It was there they came to bask upon the great castle itself. Its high towers and structures reach high into the heavens above, surrounded by great walls. Pyrrha paused, peering out toward the castle overhead.

"Is that...?" Pyrrha questioned.

Qrow nodded his head.

"That's Right, Red. Castle Hallow," Qrow proclaimed.

Qrow cocked his head, gazing out toward the castle. The years had undoubtedly come to change so much since the last time he saw it. A place that once belonged to the royals of the Realm, now bearing the flag of Salem's Empire. Despite its awe-inspiring appearance, there was a lingering dread at its looming presence. Knowing this was the place where Dr. Watts was conducting all these experiments.

"Although now, it's Dr. Watts's laboratory. The Grimm destroy everything they touch," he commented.

Pyrrha cocked her head, her gaze narrowing on what appeared to be a small settlement outside the walls of the castle. Much like the castle itself, it was surrounded by walls of flickering purple plasma bolts, casting an ominous glow against the night.

"Look," she said, pointing toward the distant compound. "It looks like there's some kind of settlement outside the castle."

Qrow and the Beast turned to follow her gesture. As they locked eyes on the settlement, the Beast's body tensed, and a low, guttural growl escaped from deep within him. His claws flexed at his sides, and his breathing grew heavier. It wasn't just a reaction of surprise—it was recognition.

Pyrrha and Qrow exchanged a glance, instantly noting the Beast's reaction. Whatever that settlement was, it meant something to him.

Without a word, Qrow reached into his side satchel and pulled out a small device—a sight enhancer. He flipped it open and pressed it against his eye, zooming in on the distant settlement beyond the plasma walls. His expression, initially one of concentration, froze in shock as the image came into focus.

Slowly, he lowered the device, his hand trembling slightly as he let it drop to his side. His eyes widened, his voice barely above a whisper.

"By the Gods," he murmured.

Pyrrha's stomach churned. "W-what is it?" she asked, stepping closer, her voice hesitant.

Qrow shook his head as if trying to process what he had just seen. "Well," he said grimly, "it looks like we found where they're keeping all the Faunus."

Without waiting, Pyrrha snatched the sight enhancer from his hand and raised it to her eyes. She adjusted the zoom, bringing the settlement into clearer view. What she saw made her breath hitch.

Behind the glowing plasma walls, hundreds of Faunus were packed into cramped, fenced enclosures like livestock. Rows of makeshift cells stretched across the settlement, each surrounded by barbed-wire fences. Grimm Troopers patrolled the narrow paths between the cells, their black armor glinting beneath the artificial lights. Guard towers loomed above the settlement, and armed troopers were stationed at each vantage point, scanning for any signs of unrest or escape.

Pyrrha slowly lowered the sight enhancer, her fingers tightening around it as a wave of shock and anger washed over her.

"Oh my..." she breathed, her voice shaking.

The Beast's gaze remained fixed on the settlement, his eyes dark with sorrow and rage. His shoulders slumped slightly as if the weight of what he had failed to do crushed him further.

"That is where they kept us," he growled softly. "Where they take all the Faunus from here and every nearby town." His voice cracked slightly, though he fought to keep his composure. "I've tried to save them before... but I could never get close enough."

The anguish in his voice was unmistakable, and for a moment, Pyrrha's heart ached. She couldn't imagine the torment of knowing others were suffering and being powerless to stop it.

She turned back to him, her gaze softening. "You've done everything you could. But this time, you're not alone."

The Beast briefly shifted his eyes to meet hers before glancing toward the forest's edge. His posture straightened as he steadied himself.

"Come this way," he said, his voice firmer now. "I know how to get closer without being seen."

Qrow stepped forward, nodding silently. Pyrrha followed without hesitation. The Beast led them toward the dark cover of the forest, and with each step, the tension in the air thickened. They didn't speak, but they all knew what was at stake.

This wasn't just a rescue. It was a chance to strike a blow against the horrors wrought by Castle Hallow. And none of them intended to leave until the Faunus behind those walls were free.

The Beast led them to the mouth of a small, narrow cavern hidden beneath the dense underbrush of the forest. The opening was barely noticeable, shrouded by twisted roots and overhanging branches. At the cavern's end, a large, weathered boulder blocked the passageway, seemingly impassable. Without hesitation, the Beast pressed his claws against the stone, muscles flexing as he pushed with all the strength he could muster. The sound of stone grinding against stone filled the air, echoing faintly within the cavern.

With a final, determined shove, the boulder rolled aside, revealing a dark tunnel beyond. The entrance yawned like the mouth of some ancient beast, the air that drifted out cold and stale. The scent of damp earth and moss clung to the walls, and faint droplets of water echoed somewhere deep within.

The Beast cocked his head back toward them, his voice low.

"Through here. It will take us down to the castle's catacombs," he proclaimed.

Qrow stepped up beside Pyrrha, who had been staring into the darkness. She lifted her gaze to meet his, the torchlight from the cavern flickering faintly between them.

"You ready, Red?" Qrow asked, his voice steady, though a note of concern lingered beneath it.

Pyrrha didn't answer immediately. She took a step forward, peering into the looming void of the tunnel. The shadows seemed endless, stretching into an unknown depth where light could not reach. But she wasn't afraid. Fear had no place in her heart right now. The only thing that filled her was resolve—a burning desire to stop Arthur Watts before any more innocent Faunus could be subjected to his cruel experiments. The images of those trapped behind the plasma walls haunted her mind, fueling her determination.

"I am," she said firmly, nodding her head.

She turned back toward the tunnel without hesitation, following the Beast inside. Her boots crunched softly against the dirt floor as she disappeared into the shadows.

Qrow lingered for a moment, standing at the edge of the tunnel. The walls seemed to close in as the darkness threatened to swallow them whole. His instincts warned him that this wasn't going to be easy—that danger waited for them in the depths below. But he trusted Pyrrha's resolve and knew she wouldn't back down. Neither could he.

He exhaled, pulling out his scroll and switching on the light. A small, bright beam illuminated the tunnel ahead, casting moving shadows along the rough walls.

"Here we go," he murmured to himself before stepping inside, the light from his scroll guiding his way as he followed the faint sounds of Pyrrha's footsteps ahead.

The boulder rumbled softly as the Beast rolled it back into place behind them, sealing the tunnel and cutting off any retreat. The air grew colder as they descended deeper, the oppressive silence broken only by the steady drip of water and the distant hum of something mechanical—an unsettling reminder of the castle's hidden horrors waiting to be uncovered.

But Pyrrha's thoughts remained focused. No matter what awaited them in the depths of Castle Hallow, she had made her choice. She wasn't turning back. Not until every Faunus was free and Arthur Watts was stopped for good.