"Berserker!" Cinder demanded. "Another!"
Berserker followed like a loyal dog. It was good enough for that at least. There wasn't enough Grimm around for her to burn. If it wasn't for recent revelations, she wouldn't be as liberal with her burning of the Grimm. Not like these ones would listen to her call, being so far away from Salem's direct influence. They were much closer to the typical Grimm everyone else was familiar with.
This was where Berserker really came in handy. It had the skill Grimm Kin. It was ranked B, indicating a level of connection with the Grimm almost to a point of commanding them, especially potent against more social Grimm with some kind of hierarchical structure. There wasn't any anecdote or story about the Jabberwalker commanding Grimm; it was more a by-product of its reputation as a sort of prototype of the Grimm. It also comes with the added benefit of having those Grimm traits like detecting negativity. Good. Berserker knew that its Master was furious and knew that it shouldn't do anything hasty.
The next scapegoat was brought to her and the Beowolf leapt straight for her, salivating at the negative feast that was Berserker's Master. It had been its mistake, like every other Grimm brought to her.
Why? What is about that blasted celebrity that made her worthier of the Rusted Knight than Cinder? That Pyrrha Nikos had a good background, a celebrity life, treated as perfect with that title of hers, and had everything she could have wanted on a silver platter. Cinder meanwhile, had been beaten, used, and abused by terrible family figures. Her hand traced the electric scars that ringed her neck. Why was Pyrrha even a Master?
Was it because Cinder killed that dumb one? Boo-hoo, so sad and so tragic. If anything, she was doing Pyrrha a favor with how terrible that what's-his-name was doing. Terrible in theory and even worse in practice, the only conceivable reason for his being in Beacon at all was his being a helpful pawn to Ozpin or that the Infinite Man has finally gone senile after all those lifetimes. She couldn't even remember the face of that nobody. He was hardly a threat and neither one worth her attention. Did Pyrrha really lower her standards just so she could gallivant about with those beneath her? Honestly, people like her make Cinder sick.
The next Grimm whimpered as it called out to Berserker. Cinder has some emotional connection to Berserker and she could feel hints of her Servant's sadness at the sight of its kin being mercilessly slaughtered at the whim of its Master. Cinder rolled her eyes. Berserker was called a Servant and she was called Master for a reason. She gave command and she had the power. It wasn't Berserker's place to question, only to obey.
Then, she took a breath. Exhaustion caught up to her eventually and gave her a clearer mind. So, Pyrrha Nikos was the Master of Rider was she? Cinder herself was a Maiden and that gift allowed her to retain much of her improved aura reserves while also being able to feed into Berserker's continued presence. She could handle another Servant.
It was because of that additional chant that she added. She was ignorant of it at the time. But without it, surely, the Rusted Knight would have come to her. After everything she went through, the Rusted Knight should have come to her. That was it. It was that specific chant that robbed her of the Servant that was rightfully hers. But with Rider's manifestation, she could remedy this situation. Let that Nikos girl get Berserker for all she cares. Jabberwalker is more fitting for someone like Pyrrha than it does Cinder anyway.
The rustling of tree leaves interrupted her thoughts. Right. She had sent Emerald and Mercury ahead to scout out their target. The two came out once the coast is clear, not like there was anything to check for. Any threat was minuscule and Berserker was at least useful in keeping any trespassers out. Berserker made a sound that signaled safety. Cinder quickly composed herself.
"We have returned, Cinder," Emerald said.
"The Branwen Tribe is just up ahead," Mercury added. "There wasn't any sign of any Servants nor Masters."
"None?" Cinder's teeth grind. That Nikos girl was stupid of not leveraging a Servant for allies. Ozpin had two on his side, not counting his own. No matter. It was in their favor and unlike them, Cinder wasn't about to make that mistake. She'll just have to bring them to her instead.
The four them walked their way towards their destination. It will take them days before they would arrive but that had been to their advantage. Berserker's skill was still useful as they managed to gather a small pack of Grimm to serve. Even the solitary ones had begun to join in as well.
Berserker commanded as though he were an alpha and leader. None would question its rule and they all followed like loyal dogs. Berserker sat in front of her. Her eyebrow raised at the sight of the tail wagging a little. She rolled her eyes and gave an apathetic pat on Berserker's head. A loyal dog, indeed. Nothing better than a mere mutt and it wasn't even a cute puppy. Can her Servant do anything right?
"What?" Cinder felt the stares of her minions.
"Nothing ma'am," Emerald answered. It was the wrong answer.
Her eyes glowed the fires of the Fall Maiden. Behind her, Berserker made himself appear taller. The Grimm they had gathered surrounded them and growled.
"Okay!" Mercury was the first to give in. "We're just wondering if you're still insistent on getting Rider."
Cinder raised a hand, commanding them all to stop. "Now, why would you think that?"
"It's just, you already have Berserker and its already really strong. Why get Rider?"
"Because, dear Mercury, just as Berserker here is one of the highest of Remnant's Heroic Spirits, the same can be said about Rider. We are simply acquiring a new addition to our ranks."
"And what if Rider doesn't want to? Look, my father didn't exactly read me fairy tales growing up but last I checked, Rusted Knight is devoted as hell. He strikes me as someone who would stick by his Master's side because it is what a knight should be."
"Mercury, poor Mercury," Cinder cooed. "If only you had some modicum of comfort during your harsh times. The Rusted Knight is also someone who isn't keen on letting hardships or pain befall others. He is a hero you see."
While a bit childish perhaps, but this was a Holy Grail War. It is a place where myths, legends, and fairy tales all come to life. Dreams can and do come true. For someone that had gone through hardships like Cinder, who else could be more deserving of that fairy tale knight if not her? No. Salem and Caster simply robbed her of her right. Pyrrha Nikos only stole that which should have been hers.
"And what happens if he doesn't?" Mercury kept asking. Emerald was elbowing him repeatedly.
"He will follow my lead, Mercury." Cinder was certain of it.
"And if the Master doesn't let him go?"
A glass arrow shattered to pieces just inches away from Mercury's prosthetic foot. He jumped back too late. Cinder's eyes burned the flames of the Fall Maiden.
"Good," Cinder answered. "Then it is in our right to liberate the Rusted Knight from the bondage of his terrible and undeserving Master."
"And Berserker?"
"Mercury!" Emerald's voice was leaking out. "Stop!"
"Berserker still has his uses." Cinder's voice grew duller. "Having at least two Servants is better than one."
The growing number of Grimm following them was proof enough of that. Shame that it was still too few for quantity to count and the few that were there weren't even of good enough quality as well. Leonardo was slacking in his actual job. The number of Grimm were decreasing and it seems as though huntsmen numbers, while lessened, are still enough to handle with the threat. Mistral is handling the increase in negativity relatively well.
"Berserker," Cinder commanded. "Make yourself useful by bringing what elders you can find."
Her Servant barked once, signaling its understanding of her command. It barked towards the others to follow it. The Grimm here were too young. They would be like wild animals without Berserker leading them, especially those solitary types. Bringing all those Grimm with it also kept their cover; it was too suspicious to see a group of people surrounded by Grimm without having much trouble.
Trees rustled further and further as Grimm were following their alpha, never really learning that said alpha was nothing more than a puppet to be used by her.
Temporary, she thought. In time, my dear Rider. You will be my side where you're supposed to be. She still had the catalyst that she had initially used before that addition to her chant. Many a night had that book been her comfort. When the electric shocks would cease and the training would end, she would have that book as the only means of comfort.
She always pictured it in those days. The Rusted Knight coming in to save her from her torment, delivering her step-mother and step-sisters to justice. Cinder always imagined the Rusted Knight making them grovel at her feet, making them perform every whim and fancy that Cinder has as retribution. It is only right, after all. An eye for an eye and all that.
For a time, she always believed that to be a mere fairy tale. Nothing more than some escape to that harsh and cruel building that she would never call home. But when the Holy Grail War happened? And with a wish as a reward at the end? What should Cinder get? There was too many choose from! Retribution for everything she went through, power so that it never happens to her again, an actual home where she would be treated as she deserves, all of that was a matter of winning the Grail War.
In that regard, she had Salem and Ozma to deal with. The others were mortal, those two are not. Cinder had bit off a nail when Berserker couldn't assert some control over Salem herself. It was Grimm Kin and not some kind of rule over them. Perhaps it was the non-Grimm half of Salem that allowed her to resist? No. Berserker just wasn't good enough.
Not like it matters, she pondered. Even if Berserker did, Caster isn't going to sit there and let it happen.
Caster still makes her hairs stand. She made sure that neither Mercury nor Emerald ever entered that deranged lunatic's room, especially Emerald. Never had she conceived a day where she might consider Tyrian to be preferable but that was a close matchup.
Then, there was Watts and Archer. Watts had been suspiciously more gracious ever since he had Archer. For a while, Cinder enjoyed the show of seeing that pompous prick being brought down a peg by his own Servant. Yet, none of that existed now. No. Watts had a more neutral expression to him. Cinder didn't miss the slight pride behind Archer's smile. It was fitting she supposed. Watts never had a catalyst to being with. Archer must be on the same wavelength as Watts. Great. Two people who care more about wanking their intelligence. At least Archer had some poise behind him.
The sun was beginning to set and there was still some distance before they would arrive at their destination. The Branwen Tribe knew how to keep themselves hidden. Those who ever find them rarely ever do so on accident. Anyone looking for that tribe of bandits had to be looking for them deliberately.
Berserker was near. Cinder was certain of that. The tree branches and bushes were visibly disturbed. More Grimm were gathering and Berserker's little herd was increasing. Occasionally the ruffles intensified; some Grimm were daring enough to challenge Berserker. If they were, then Berserker better keep them alive; they'll need more if they were to deal with the Spring Maiden.
The only information they had on her was that she was with the Branwen Tribe. Cinder had another Grimm parasite with her, ready to take those powers for herself. Combined that with her current powers and she was certain that she could have multiple Servants at her command. No matter how much of a drain they would be, having two Maiden's powers would no doubt be enough to keep them satisfied and allow them to perform at their highest levels, something that only Salem would be able to keep up with. Had Ozpin kept all the powers he had gifted, he would have been on that list as well.
For that night, Berserker had returned and with it came another group of Grimm. There were a few older ones among them, those who have had enough experience and longevity to be stronger and wiser than most Grimm but weren't enough to that of the elders who have quite the intelligence to them to learn when to avoid conflict. These ones have mild control over their fellow and were clearly the challengers to Berserker's rule. They still succumbed to Berserker at the end of it.
Cinder nodded, granting Berserker some modicum of approval. The numbers werent much that but it was workable. Besides, there was still tomorrow and the number of days that would follow. The Grimm all stood guard with Berserker staying awake. Good. Cinder had heard that Masters could get inside their Servant's head during their sleep. She would rather not know what her Servant dreams about; she cares for none of it. With how the Ever After was in Alyx's book, she would rather have a somewhat normal dream. Berserker's point of view might be stranger even by dream standards.
With the Grimm keeping watch, Mercury and Emerald felt comfortable enough to rest as well. There was little worry in the way of fire as Cinder already lit one with ease; Berserker and the Grimm can handle the feeding of that fire. During those times, Cinder could feel Berserker's light steps as it didn't wish to disturb its Master. It was almost admirable but it was a shame that Cinder would be disturbed by the lightest of actions; all that time spent in the Glass Unicorn had made her too jumpy in her sleep. At any time, either her step-mother or step-sisters would come in with something too demanding that needed to be accomplished in so short a time. It hadn't been for any sort of duty, just an excuse to shock her and put her through pain.
Even years after escaping that hellish place, Cinder still couldn't rest as easily as she could. But with the Rusted Knight? Perhaps she could have that decent rest as well. Her eyes lazily opened and she saw the back of Berserker. Its head scanned left and right and back, always jolted and focused on the smallest unnatural disturbance. Berserker will have to do. A monster like that should at least be able to do that much. Always hated by others and doomed to be this detestable creature, Cinder almost pitied it. Almost. Berserker wasn't the Rusted Knight, that is the singular point that would always be held against it.
Her fingers traced the scars on her neck. Never again. She would never return to that place again. More than that, she'll make sure that those who put her there will experience it themselves. For Pyrrha Nikos, she'll get the worse brunt of it all for the crime of taking from Cinder what is rightfully hers. The Rusted Knight belongs to Cinder. He should be there saving and serving her. After everything that she went through, everything that she had done just to escape, she deserves that fairytale ending of hers. She will get the Rusted Knight and she will win the Grail War with the Rusted Knight.
She soon drifted off to a light sleep. Cinder had a smile to her face as she imagined it. She was still a little girl at heart after all, dreaming of her enemies groveling before her. The Rusted Knight was beside her, a handsome figure loyal only to her, subject to her every whim. She had gone through so much hardship and suffering, she deserves the service that only the greatest of Remnant's Heroic Spirits could provide. She giggled to herself as she thought of the kind of services she would have the Rusted Knight do once he is by her side, his rightful place.
/-/
When one of the alpha Grimm dared to approach its Master, Berserker was quick to instill discipline among the pack. It was quick and swift, nothing more than a slash of its claws that cause a whining yelp from the would-be offender. It wouldn't be enough to kill it, Master needed all of the numbers that it could get. Berserker meanwhile was tasked to keeping its younger siblings in check and in line. If they were to serve the Master, it would need to know their place.
At least with these creatures, there was a natural evil to them that the Jabberwalker felt certain came from the same source as itself. Unlike that thing that walks like those creatures called humans and faunus. There was a stench to her that Berserker knew came from the same source but with an unnatural scent that felt putrid to the nose. That creature's control over its brethren baited an instinctive protective nature out of Berserker. The Grimm were and it were of the same source; these creatures are like its younger siblings. That womanly thing was taking control over them as though that she herself had rule. Even Berserker found itself bowing at times, only resisting by its own nature.
Never. That woman had another scent to her that was the antithesis to Berserker. That familiar scent could also be smelled from another, a feline most inquisitive. Master had that scent too but hers was contained, kept small and with a natural progression of progeny.
But that womanly thing? That thing that seemed ageless and unbound by time? There was something about her that drove Berserker's natural instincts and purpose to destroy. But since Master doesn't wish it, Berserker will continue to silence that cry. Berserker will keep bearing that hunger. It was a Servant now. It had a different purpose now. Still, that natural-born mechanisms that shaped Berserker's entire form was inside of it. Pour it out in this Grail War then hide it away, lest its Master be judged in its name.
The glowing fire dimmed. This time, it knew that its steps weren't nimble nor light. So it used the tail and long reach to keep that fire burning. The fires cracked and cackled on as the night cold threatened them all to freeze. But Berserker will not let it get to Master nor Master's possessions.
It felt the disturbance of its Master. The alphas among the recruits felt it too. They smelt it. Berserker snarled and it was enough to keep them at bay. Berserker will have to keep them in line. It wasn't just its own hunger that it would silence. There was the matter of keeping its brothers' own contained as well. They respect strength and power here. It was a law of his brethren that Berserker learned quickly.
Back home, it would have been much different. All that was there for Berserker was to pursue those Afterans and that they would run from it. Berserker had a particular itch against a particular cat but they weren't here at the moment. There was the armored one too but he never really bothered Berserker unless they cross paths. That bastard of a cat always had a knack for showing up when Berserker was performing its duties and purpose.
Moving back towards the present, Berserker could feel the presence of its makers all around it. They were faint, distant, and diluted. A product of many years of time. Berserker knew of the endless cycle of death and rebirth. But this one was different to the cycle of ascension in the Ever After. Here, nothing living was sent to the tree. They simply die with some being fortunate enough having offspring to continue their lineage.
Berserker plucked a wild flower when it gathered more branches to feed into the fire. It would die and wilt soon and yet there were no screams. No cries of pain nor was there any path opening to the tree. Like everything else that Berserker picked up it would wither and die.
But not all things did that. Berserker still recalled its earlier battles against the Companion Saber and the True Saber. Those still structures had no life to them. They were cold and only artificially warmed by the strange mechanisms that brought a false life to them. The screeching and thunder of those metal boxes on wheels was a deafening experience that Berserker was uncertain how its Master tolerated it.
Out here, while different from the Ever After was a natural setting. Much better in Berserker's eyes. The broken white crystal watched over them and sailed slowly across the sky. The slightest disturbance was felt and concluded to be nothing threatening. It was Berserker's brethren that posed the greatest threat here. Other than those other Servants.
Berserker snarled physically at nothing but mentally at the image of the other Servants. Caster in particular because that served that abominable womanly thing. Archer had that scent to it that spoke of mischief and reminded Berserker of a much more malicious variation of that feline. Saber's life would have ended back then had there been more time.
Claw marks imprinted on the ground. Berserker still had much to grasp about its new purpose here. It was learning of the frustrations and the pains that comes along with this newfound calling. It was armed only with the tools from its old life and Berserker was still learning on how to make use of its own skills and abilities.
In time, Berserker will face them all and the others. The only threat to it was Rider. Strangely, Berserker held no ill will towards it. There was a respect there that it had, an acknowledgement of one close to being its equal. But there was no affection nor fondness. Only a mutual understanding and a common distaste for that other party. Should Master ever obtain Rider, then that would be quite the addition to the fighting force. Berserker wasn't sure what to make of it. No. It was sure that it wouldn't get along with Rider.
The Master's possession stirred in its sleep, the silver-haired one. Like all the others of Master's kind, he too had a familiar scent of the makers. But this one only had half of it. The iron feet it had must have played a part to it. There was something missing in the boy too, like something from its own soul had been taken away from it. Still, that boy made up for it a strength of will and determination that would have made him absolutely welcome in the wild. It even stood up to Master for a mere possession. He did not wake and adjusted accordingly.
The other of Master's possession was much meeker. Always subservient and willing to serve Master. Fitting for a possession, but it wouldn't last long when out here. Still, Master had use for her and Berserker would comply. The Master's will be done and not Berserker's. She kept placing herself as close to Master as much as she could, snuggling as close as Master allows. Berserker shook its head. Not even it was allowed that closeness.
Another branch fed to the fire. Neither Master nor her possessions were disturbed. Berserker was learning. It was not the most nimble nor was it the most swift but it was learning. In time, it would be able to feed the fire as many time as it wished without disturbance. That branch was to be last for this night, though. The morning critters had begun making their presence known. Slow and slight, Berserker didn't need to bother with them too much, only those that got too close to Master.
Berserker's brethren were unbothered as well. None of them bothered to approach any of these creatures. That is only reserved for those of Master's kind. Occasionally, there may be some kind of conflict, such as when a lonely rodent got to close for the Grimm's preference. It was savagely mutilated and left there to rot. Its brethren didn't need to eat to survive. None of them had any desire to feast. Their sole purpose is for the destruction of Master's kind.
Birds flying overhead were unbothered or were intelligent enough to keep away. Even the most alluring of worms in the ground weren't enough to sway them to approach. They stuck to their nests and only flew towards the outermost ring of the Grimm horde. Berserker thought of hunting a few for Master and her possessions. Master's kind were fragile and lacked claws and fangs. They had to use fancy sticks and booming rocks to gain a meal. But, they were effective at what they do. None could have combated Berserker's brethren for this long and not have some kind of advantage.
There wasn't enough in the way of food for Master to eat on. The fire was already dying but the warmth of the approaching sun was enough to keep them from freezing. The light of it reached their eyes. The possessions' eyes tightened and their heads shook, asking for more minutes of rest. Master was unlike her possessions because she didn't resist. Once the light reached her own eyes, she opened them herself and took in the coming morning.
Master took in her surroundings. The Grimm were gathered around her, but they looked to Berserker for answers.
"Berserker," Master said. "Continue as you have. Once we get to our destination, spread them out and encircle the tribe."
"Understanding," Berserker said. To its brethren, it growled and snarled, commanding them to follow it.
Once more, like the day before, Berserker and the Grimm parted with the group and searched for more Grimm. Most of them were young, nothing more than mere pups. There were signs of battle and combat recently. Master's kind were here. But there was something else here as well. The scent was similar to Berserker's kind. There were other Servants here.
Berserker growled low as its claw marks investigated the damage done by the opposing Servant. It wasn't one of Master's allies but those of opposition. Another Servant had been here. Its brethren, the older and wiser ones, had been killed by this Servant. The large horse hooves spoke of conflict here, one where Berserker's brethren did not win.
Other battles were had; these ones were from Master's kind. Remains of their metallic shells and pointy sticks were scattered here. None of its brethren could be found here.
Looking above them, Berserker called for its more airborne siblings and while a few have descended to meet them. Most had either ignored them or did not hear them. Those that did hear the call were made to call for more. Eventually, a small flock of Grimm gathered around them. Much like those on the ground, most of them were comprised of younger and inexperienced Grimm. Those who challenged Berserker were swiftly made to comply. A short struggle was all that it took. They will be of use of the Master.
Communication was had between them. They spoke in a language that Master's kind would not understand. Berserker had them scout ahead and guide Master and her possessions towards their destination. They flew and kept close enough for them all to see. Nothing was strange nor out of place with these Grimm. They were only doing their duty.
Eventually, their flight slowed and have begun to circle for a while before they returned. Berserker soon returned to Master with the pleasant news. It had expected some kind of praise from Master.
Instead, Berserker got a lashing. "You absolute buffoon!" she shouted. "Do you want us to be detected? You're lucky if not one of them decided to look up when you had those Nevermore circle around them like vultures!"
Berserker cowered and bowed its head. Master's fires hurt less compared to the words that came out of her mouth. Berserker still had much to learn. It hadn't quite grasped the law in regards to Master and her wishes.
Master stormed on ahead. Berserker would have followed but it already knew the law concerning Master's anger: keep away and maintain distance.
It was the silver-haired possession that approached Berserker. He did not speak. He only shook his head. When the green-haired possession asked a question, the boy only shrugged his shoulders.
"Hey, I feel sorry for the guy," he said.
"You?" She raised an eyebrow. "Mercury Black, cold-blooded assassin, feels sorry for a literal monster."
"Berserker's only ever been doing what Cinder wants," he defended. "And I know a thing or two about trying to get someone's approval. Something that you clearly still don't get."
"We all have a job to do, Mercury. Once we're done here, we'll—"
"Get paid? Get the attention and care that we so rightfully deserve?" The boy's tone was sarcastic and cynical. "Or tossed aside once we're done."
"Maybe you will. We came for your father, remember?"
"And you're only here because of your semblance."
The girl possession rolled her eyes and followed behind Master. The boy possession stayed close and offered some kind of camaraderie.
"Honestly," the boy continued. "Cinder still hasn't gotten out of that hellhole of hers."
The two of them continued to walk side-by-side. The boy possession only neared Master when called. Otherwise, he kept his distance as far as Berserker was allowed.
AN: Bear with me as I tell you my thought process behind some skills. Generally, I have two areas to look at for skills: RWBY for the "lore" and Fate for the precedent. For Jabberwalker, that lore is in the form of it being a sort of prototype of the Grimm. When it comes to skills, I start with generic skills (relevant here is Monstrous Strength) that fit the Remnant-Servant in question as a placeholder if nothing else. From there, I look into other Servants with similar skills and look at their descriptions to get a better idea for my own take.
That led me to Sakata Kintoki's Animal Communication. Bounce back towards the RWBY side and we have Grimm Kin. Initially, I had thought about making it Rank "A" but chose against it due to other potential users of this skill. Namely, Salem as Witch in the Woods and Pseudo-Servant god of darkness (if I ever come down to it). I'm choosing to keep Grimm Kin instead of conceptualizing some kind of Grimm Charisma since both have similar effects in my head anyway.
It isn't always like this, mind you. Sometimes, skill conceptualizations are influenced by other Remnant-Servant skills with Rusted Knight serving as the vanilla/baseline due to the amount of stuff that could be worked with Jaune compared to the others, headcanons included.