Fangs of the Exiles
Rated M
Rwby
Summary:
Life is not about what happens to you, but what you make of it... At least that's what everyone says. Two faunus will answer whose way is right, carrying the will of a titanic kingdom while the other, the spirit of one who shouldn't exist. Forgotten, their paths will cross, for better or worse.
A/N:
Chapter 44: Checkmate-3
It had been a long day for Pyrrha and her adventurous companion. Agayu had been nothing but gracious since they arrived in the lush environment. She learned that his area was known as the Ancient Forest, a name appropriate for the time-honored pageantry of land. As expected, the monsters were both awe-inspiring and terrifying. From the formidable Ajanath to the brilliant but lethal Pukei-Pukei, the warrior was anything but bored.
Agayu was delighted to acquaint her with the flora as well, detailing the multifarious use of diverse herbs and even the fundamental materials, such as animal hides. Pyrrha, though, did not show any greater interest in the faunus. He was the most enigmatic of the monsters, in her opinion. She sensed a familiarity that brought with it an exhilaration she hadn't had in a long time as well as a knowing dread that she hoped would go away with each explanation he offered.
The latter emotion would be the driving force when they returned to camp. The sun was still rising, but Agayu insisted on leaving sooner rather than later. The nagging pressure became too much to bear when they approached the clearing.
"Are you... Can we not stay a little longer?" she whispered these words, each one drifting off like the gentle breeze. "I know we've covered a lot of ground, but I feel as if there's so much more for us to explore."
"There's indeed a lot that even I haven't seen here, but it would be wise if we returned. The last thing I want to do is cause strife between our allies, especially..."
"If you're worried about him...! I mean, you have nothing to worry about with... um... Jaune. He's... Not..."
Agayu tilted his head at the young woman with a curious frown. Ever since they met on the continent, she had never hesitated to mention the blond. A part of his mind cursed knowing the truth as it summoned that damnable hope he'd been pushing back ever since their eyes met. He always knew her from a crowd, especially when she tried apologizing.
He understood that this world was nothing more than the product of someone's fantasy, and they needed to leave if they were ever to return home to their friends and family. No improvised paradise could ever replace them. Even the experiences here that prompted him to return to Pyrrha paled in comparison to the times they had spent in the real world. But nothing would change if he continued to play it safe.
"I'm sorry!" he couldn't resist the smirk that twitched on his lips. "I should've considered how this would look on you. You're a prince and I..."
"Was a princess?"
Pyrrha turned to face him, her eyes overflowing with sorrow. His expression shifted into a guilty grin as a wide gaze was cast upon him. His tail waved gently, and his ears were sprawled wide. His eyes seemed even more brilliant, like mismatched jewels gleaming brilliantly through a misty night. The want that filled her chest was only equaled by her conscious mind's determination to squash whatever hope she could summon.
"Aganju?"
"Hey, Princess."
The fox wasn't certain how far her realization had come to this point, but he would settle for any progress. This didn't halt the butterflies fluttering in his stomach though. His hands shivered as lifted them to her wet cheeks. His stare never broke from hers; A silent conversation ensued between the pair.
How long has it been?
I'm sorry!
I don't blame you...
You should!
I won't!
But...!
The couple held each other tightly as if they were afraid to let go. Pyrrha, who always appeared to be strong, finally let down her guard and clung to him with a silent weep that somehow pierced his ears more than any scream she could muster at this point. Aganju allowed her to stay like this for as long as she needed. As he whispered comforting words to her, a few stray tears trailed down his face. He was just grateful that, to some extent, she remembered him.
As her convulsions subsided, he tried to gently detach himself from her. Despite her puffy, swollen eyes, he couldn't help but be entranced by the beauty of her emerald gaze. To him, she was a paragon of perfection, and he made a vow to himself that he would always remind her of this fact. He knew that their journey out of this illusion would be challenging, but he was determined to be there for her every step of the way.
"Do you feel a little better?"
"A little..." she bit her lip, her gaze suddenly pointed elsewhere.
"Is something still troubling you? If you're worried about... Jaune, I'll take accountability for this so that you don't get in trouble."
Pyrrha shook her head, this time giggling softly before cupping her hands on either side of his face. She could feel the heat flowing up his neck as he failed to push back his trembling. Since coming to this land, Aganju had rarely felt fear, but something about this moment held him frozen in terror. This wasn't helped when he caught Pyrrha drawing him into a peck.
However, this tiny act sent a rush through him that he melted into almost instantly. His eyes had closed in anticipation, no... a need for more. Kissing Pyrrha was like a drug that he couldn't resist. Little did he know, Pyrrha had felt the same thing. Memories came flooding back as if a dam had finally been opened.
"Anima..." she muttered.
"Wha..?"
"I haven't cried like that since we were separated at Anima," she simpered, nervously twiddling her fingers in his hair. "Not to mention when we almost split up after my stupid act at the academy."
"I wouldn't call your actions stupid. You thought I was dead and..."
"I meant when you saved me, Agan..."
"Oh, you mean Beacon..." Aganju's ears suddenly shot up when she used her nickname for him. "Wait! You remember Beacon?"
A deep breath passed Pyrrha's lips...
A hand rested on Aganju's inducing goosebumps on his arms.
With unwavering focus, Pyrrha silently pieced together the fragments of her mind. Memories flooded back, evoking powerful emotions with each one. Pyrrha felt a sense of fulfillment from their initial meeting to the battle for Haven Academy. But it was one particular memory that solidified her once-fragmented self.
"I should've died..."
"What?" Aganju questioned, tilting his head in confusion.
"If... If you hadn't shown up that night, I would've died against Cinder."
As Pyrrha's daunting statement sank in, Aganju felt a sudden understanding wash over him. He tightened his grip on her hand, silently conveying his support. Instead of dwelling on the sorrow, Pyrrha flashed him a smile, and they started walking back towards the campsite. The once chaotic and dangerous area now seemed eerily quiet, except for a few small rabbit-like creatures that scurried away upon their approach.
The two companions walked together without speaking as a sudden burst of rain started to pour down on the land. They picked up their pace, laughing to their tent. Despite the raging storm outside, they felt secure and content inside the warmth and safety of their shelter. They shared a moment of peaceful happiness, enjoying each other's company and the comfort they found in it.
"Damn."
"Is something wrong?"
Aganju peeked out of the tent, scanning the campground as best he could through the torrent. To his dismay, there wasn't much to be found and he knew what this meant. Pyrrha looked worried, but her concern was put to rest when he laughed painfully.
"We shouldn't get comfortable..." he rubbed his head in frustration. "There's a storm coming and we're at the wrong camp. We need to head back to the heart of the forest to find the proper camp where we can cook and eat unless you enjoy sleep for dinner."
Pyrrha was on the verge of opposing the idea presented to her, as the discomfort she had experienced during their previous venture was finally catching up with her. Coupled with the flood of memories that had come back to her, she yearned for nothing more than to find a cozy corner in the cramped tent to unwind. Nonetheless, when her stomach grumbled in protest, she swiftly reconsidered her options.
"It's not too far is it?"
"Not at all! If we move now, we can make it there with minimal conflict. Plus, the shelter is larger and there is a designated place for us to cook something!"
Despite her body yearning for rest, Pyrrha nodded her head. Aganju smiled brightly before taking her hand. As if he had read her mind, he knelt and allowed her to ride on his back. Once she was secured, the pair set off into the storm, not caring about the pelting rain. The many monsters that once grazed on the lush greenery were nowhere in sight.
They didn't mind, rather, they were silently pondering about the strange world they had found themselves in. Their memories had been restored, yet they were certain that this land had no connection to the real Remnant - the one they knew.
If this wasn't a part of their world, then where were they? More importantly, how did they get here? Little did they know, the one responsible was preparing to end this game.
Nestled beyond the outskirts of Astera lies a sprawling land known as the Ancient Forest. This picturesque expanse boasts a stunning coastline, framed by verdant foliage and a riot of vibrant flora. Yet, amidst this idyllic facade lies a sinister underbelly, shrouded in the veils of danger and uncertainty, lurking in the shadows of the exotic landscape.
To the one walking toward the shore, this mattered little.
Esu took a moment to survey the results of his hard work. However, he quickly refocused his attention and glared sharply ahead. Despite the heavy rainfall, he spotted two figures approaching the center of his creation, and his expression twisted into a snarl. He marched forward with purpose, each step embodying his unwavering determination.
"Tonight, I end this."
Despite the relentless rain, Pyrrha and Aganju made good on their word and reached the heart of the forest in no time. As they trudged through the muddy terrain, they noticed that most of the land's inhabitants were nowhere to be seen, most likely seeking refuge from the inclement weather. This worked in their favor, as it made their journey relatively hassle-free, and they arrived at their destination in good spirits.
The campsite they encountered was much larger and more welcoming than the previous one. Surprisingly, it was warm and dry, thanks to the thick canopy of trees that provided ample protection from the relentless downpour. Pyrrha and Aganju were delighted to find that their shelter was far more spacious and comfortable than they had anticipated. The campsite was a true haven amidst the harsh conditions of the forest, and they felt grateful for the opportunity to rest and recuperate in such a cozy and safe space.
"Why don't you head inside, there's plenty of things here to cook with."
Pyrrha smiled and nodded before climbing down from his back and entering the tent. Aganju quickly started working on preparing a meal, and he was surprised to find that the meat and vegetables they had were still fresh. He briefly wondered why he hadn't just taken her to Astera, which was nearby, but he knew that it was better to stay away from there.
The fox had an eerie realization that the world around him was not what it seemed. It was as if everything was a fabrication. After coming to this conclusion, he couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. He knew that he had to be cautious and take all necessary precautions to ensure his safety.
He couldn't risk them being put in conflicting positions with the force that seemed to be pulling the strings behind the scenes. He needed to maintain a level of vigilance and awareness to navigate through this uncertain time.
How long have we been here? What's the point of trapping us in this fake world?
As the aroma of sizzling food filled the air, his mind wandered away to a far-off place, lost in thoughts. The steam and heat emanating from the dish were so tempting that it made his mouth water uncontrollably. Realizing that he was still wearing his drenched clothes, he decided to change and placed them by the fire pit nearby to dry.
"Am I the only one getting Deja Vu?"
Aganju turned and found the redhead had mirrored his actions. She stood semi-nude before him with a shy smile. Even he couldn't deny the sense of intimacy this moment brought, even with the obvious differences on display. Upon further inspection, Pyrrha appeared more muscular, solidifying her Amazonian appearance.
The more things change... he stared with a sparkle in his eye. "The only difference is that Ciel isn't here haha!"
"I agree! Although I do miss her and the others."
"Same here. I missed you most of all, Pyrrha."
Pyrrha felt a sudden chill run down her spine as she noticed the abrupt change in Aganju's demeanor. Although she had always appreciated and enjoyed his loving gestures, there was something distinct about it this time. She sensed a gravity that hadn't been there before, a sobriety that she suspected was connected to their recent adventures in this place. Aganju's gaze had shifted towards the flickering flames, and his once-charming smile was now absent.
"I missed you too. I..." she placed her fists on her lap, tightening them more by the second. "I never expected something like this would happen between us. We were separated in more ways than one only to meet again and..."
"You would be with Jaune?"
"Mhmm... Is it weird that we'd end up with those whom we've had differing relationships with back home?"
"Not at all!" Aganju finally turned toward her, the flickering reflection of embers revealed the spectrum of emotions that had previously been concealed. "From the moment we were brought here, nearly every major connection for us affected us. My conflict with Cardin. Meeting you. Running into Cinder. Raven. Even Ciel and Velvet are playing their role to some extent."
"What are you saying? Do you believe that whoever is responsible knows of us?"
Aganju took a moment and tapped his chin with a finger.
"What if the person knows us personally?"
Pyrrha contemplated this and found very little flaw. Between their respective paths, how farfetched could his assertion be?
"That's a bold claim, but not out of the question. We've been separated more times than I'd like to recall, but that would mean someone with a semblance or magical ability would have to be on a scale beyond what we're accustomed to. Maybe it was Salem who orchestrated this?"
"I doubt it. If it wasn't for her, I don't think I would've been able to break out of this illusion. Maybe it was someone from Atlas hoping to trap us?"
Pyrrha shook her head, frowning softly at the allegation. Something about all of this reminded her of their time back at the cave leading to Mistral. For once she was going to get a leg up on the situation.
"Is that why you brought us here?"
"You catch on quick, princess," Aganju winked at his girlfriend. "It's partially about getting a hold of the one responsible for this mess so we can get out of here."
"...and what's the other reason?" Pyrrha added with a giggle.
Aganju's hand gently caressed the back of his neck as he felt a sudden heat rising on his neck and settling on his face. His eyes met hers, and he saw her rubbing her arm and lightly biting her lip. At that moment, he realized that he had fallen deeply in love with her all over again. The thought of cursing himself for it never crossed his mind because his heart was filled with the warmth of love. He was determined to make this known; Pyrrha deserved that much.
He was a warrior, no matter the reality and that would never change. Still, if there was one thing from his time in this faux world he was proud of, it was a better understanding of balance in life, even if it was by a small margin. Life was about more than just survival and Pyrrha was proof of that.
"Pyrrha?" he shuffled close to her, his voice gentle and sweet.
As she sensed where things were heading, she boldly leaned closer to him. Though her emotions were in turmoil, she refused to let them hold her back. Shyness and desire were no match for her strong will. With confidence, she lifted her arms and wrapped them around his neck, taking the lead unlike in the cave. She drew him in close, and with determination, she brushed her lips against his ear.
"Promise me something?"
"A-Anything..." his voice shook with a mix of shock and pent-up desire.
Pyrrha pulled away and rested her forehead on his, staring deeply into his eyes. He could feel the last shudders of inhibition passing her lips. It was intoxicating. He wanted nothing more than to unleash all that'd been held back on her, but he would fight it, at least until he heard her plea.
"I want you..."
"Huh? What are you saying, Pyrrha?"
"After everything we've been through, I want us, Agan. I don't want to lose you again! I want you to... to..."
Before she could finish, Aganju encircled his limbs around her waist, pressing her body against his. The urgency in his embrace was felt, matching her own. The brief surge of frigid skin gave way to the burning need of one another. The last time they felt this close was when she was a prisoner and he was presumed perished.
Oh, how they grew exhausted of that chapter reprising...
Between the previous academies and this world, nothing would bring them greater happiness like a little peace. A life filled with purpose gripped them both as they hugged one another, but their hearts showed such a life was oxymoronic without each other. Starting a family was just as important as becoming a huntsmen and huntress now.
"We're going to get through this, Pyrrha. No matter what we face, we will have that promised life! When we get back, we can have a life away from the fighting and war if you wish it."
Pyrrha felt a sense of relief when Aganju offered her some words of assurance. However, this situation had taken a toll on her. Ever since their days at Sanctum Academy, Pyrrha was always admired by others despite her obvious limitations, while Aganju's strategic mind and physical prowess were unmatched even without the use of a semblance. As Aganju stroked the back of her hand, Pyrrha couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed at how easily she succumbed to mental attacks.
Unlike her, he managed to fight through the assault of enemies, no matter the form. She wasn't jealous but, for once she wished that she could be the saving grace that everyone hailed her to be.
How many times have you saved me?
Pyrrha had always wanted to be the hero people celebrated her as, but every time she tried, things ended badly. Despite being known as the Invincible Girl, she knew she was anything but that. The constant failure took a toll on her, but she had to be strong for someone. However, all she could do was bury her face in his chest, allowing his hastening heartbeat to soothe her.
"While that sounds lovely, I don't want us to lose sight of what's important. A place free of fighting and conflict would be a wonderful dream. Sadly, such a dream could never be for us," Her grip on him tightened a little, halting any objection that might come. "We were trained at Beacon Academy for a time such as this and every battle we've faced since then was to prepare us for the dangers that life would throw at us. I couldn't sit with myself if I just ran away simply because things got rough, and I know that you wouldn't either."
He sighed. "I hate it when you're right..."
"A victory is a victory."
"Then, how about this? If you'd like, we could spend the rest of our lives together destroying Grimm and keeping others safe. I promise to be yours no matter the dangers that await us. I'll have your back so long as you have mine. Whether it's protecting the innocents or protecting your heart, I will do it until my last breath, Pyrrha."
Aganju's declaration didn't fall on deaf ears. Her hands soon rested on her cheeks, the rugged traces of hair tickling her palms. She eyes the damaged flesh around his eye, a living testament to his affirmation. The scar across his face was another. She noticed the stab wound on his chest that came from Raven. The burn markings on his lower torso. Each one reminded her of his courage and willingness to protect.
Pyrrha never had to doubt his words.
"I'll hold you to that, Agan. But, don't you dare think that I'll sit back and let you pull all the weight by yourself? We are a team and that'll never change, no matter who or what comes our way."
"Are you sure?" he asked with a laugh that matched the rumbling above them. "I wouldn't mind if you wanted to take a cozy position at one of the academies instead. I hear they have some good benefits."
"Tease me all you want! I'm a fighter at heart and... you know that I look just as good in my battle attire as I do in a dress."
Pyrrha couldn't help but notice that the foxes' cheeks had turned a dark shade of pink. She felt a sudden rush of joy knowing that he was getting flustered with her advances, even though these moments were rare. Without hesitation, she leaned in to kiss him on the cheek before slowly moving to his lips, and Aganju couldn't help but let out a moan. Pyrrha felt a sense of pride and satisfaction as she giggled at his reaction. However, their moment was soon interrupted by their joint laughter, as they both finally began to shed the traces of trauma that had been afflicting them.
"Sweet words..."
The couple had been lost in their world, lost in the embrace of a passionate kiss when they were rudely interrupted by the sound of a third voice. Startled, they pulled apart and quickly looked towards the entrance. Their jaws nearly fell to the floor when they realized the person sitting before them. He was a Faunus, a being with animal-like features. His legs were crossed, and the visual of two wooden horns protruding from his forehead confirmed his identity. The horns were long and twisted, making him appear like a creature of myth.
Regardless of his appearance, it was the sharp and focused glare from the Faunus that told them all they needed to know. The intensity of his gaze made it clear that he was not a being to be trifled with.
"Esu?! What the hell are you doing here?! We thought you died!"
"The rumors of my death were greatly exaggerated," he countered with an eerily tranquil tone. "Though, given my mission, I guess you all would be forgiven for thinking I was killed. I would apologize for deceiving you, but, after all you've done..."
A sudden gust of wind sent Aganju flying into the inner trunk of the tree. Landing with a sickening crunch, he managed to roll out of the way of another whirlwind. This one ripped apart the very spot where the fox landed, matching the ferocity of his assailant.
"...I need you to die..."
"What are you doing?!" This time, an irate Pyrrha's voice caught the dragon's attention. He casually cut his gaze to her only to ignore her once more. Esu cared little for her, sensing the spartan as nothing more than a minor nuisance. Any attacks against him were deflected by an unseen force that surrounded him.
"Mosquito. Why don't you buzz off?"
This only motivated Pyrrha to continue her assault as she bashed her shield into the invisible dome. Little good it did as each attack did nothing to the force field.
Aganju struggled to remain standing, his body wracked with pain. He surveyed his surroundings with a sense of dread, his eyes landing on his girlfriend who was locked in a fierce battle with one of his former teammates - someone he had presumed dead until now. His mind raced to make sense of the situation, but all he knew was that he needed answers and he needed them fast. With a heavy heart, Aganju braced himself for the worst, prepared to do whatever it took to uncover the truth.
Scouting the area, he noticed his glaive and rushed to claim it.
Little did he know, the draconic boy anticipated this and, with a wicked roar bellowing from his belly, he fired a shockwave that sent Pyrrha crashing into the shelter, leaving her in a heap of tarp and scattered weaponry. On cue, the fox paused his attempt to rush to her aid.
"Pyrrha!"
"Got you!"
Aganju's advancement ceased his movements to clutch at his head. There was no pain, but he knew something was off, especially when a weird energy throbbed inside his head, almost like a creature crawling inside. What the fuck's going on...? He growled, wishing to claw into his skull and end this affliction. Thankfully, it would begin to fade away, allowing him to realize what had happened.
"Where...? Where am I?"
"A paradise for some..." Aganju spun on his heels, his tail pointing straight. "...and a prison for others."
"What the fuck is going on, Esu?! Where have you been all of this time?"
The vulpine was met with infuriating silence for a moment. He scanned the area and noticed that it resembled a combat arena, rather than a haven for hunters. This realization answered one of his many questions, but it left him with numerous more. Despite the throbbing pain in his skull, Aganju knew he couldn't afford to worry about these questions right now.
"Pyrrha? Are you here?"
"Why do you worry about her so much?" the cold tone of his estranged ally rang in his ears, drawing his concentration. "I never understood how matters of the heart can overshadow the truth of logic. Sure, passion has its usefulness, but I still find it odd that we allow our feelings to distort what is before our eyes. Take you for example..."
Aganju glared fiercely at the poised male standing opposite him, his canines bared in an attempt to intimidate him. Despite his best efforts to remain composed, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of surprise when he noticed a small grin forming on Esu's lips.
"While I commend you for resisting the urge to attack, your facade does nothing to hide what's in your heart, leader. It's something I both admired and detested from you during our time as a team. If it's any consolation, you were far more tolerable than the other two."
Tolerable? Aganju pondered these words only to be met with two ethereal constructs.
As he looked at the scene before him, the fox couldn't help but feel a sense of foreboding. On the left stood Roxanne Octane, his brash and eager partner, flexing with an air of confidence. However, it was the image on the right that caught his attention. It seemed to be more than just a static image, almost as if it could move on its own. The fox couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that crept up on him. He couldn't help but wonder what Esu was trying to accomplish, but he was certain he wouldn't like this.
"Scylla?! What are you trying to pull, Esu?"
"Proving a point..." the dragon sneered and placed a hand on top of the serpent's shoulders, making Aganju's mouth drop as it flinched under his touch. "...even though your eyes are seeing her, your mind won't accept that this is my beloved Scylla. Even though she responds to my touch like the good pet she is, your emotions won't allow you to see the truth."
"How do I know this isn't all an illusion?"
With a subtle grin, Esu mockingly clutched the girl's face, forcing a sharp cry from her lips and tears from her eyes. Whatever confidence Aganju thought he possessed swiftly disappeared as his now-former friend took the initiative and forced a kiss on her lips. While she resisted, it was evident that Esu was in full control of the situation.
"STOP IT!"
"Or what?!" the dragon fired back, dropping his stoic demeanor in favor of a more overtly arrogant tone. "You're still not getting it! This... This is my world and I can do whatever I please! You're no longer in charge, Aganju! Scylla was my partner and I can do with her as I please!"
"SCYLLA'S DEAD!"
Their voices clashed in a fierce battle for dominance, echoing around them until they both dissipated into nothingness. Esu and Aganju remained motionless, their gazes burning deep into each other's soul, unyielding in their pursuit of the truth. It was common knowledge that Scylla had fallen in a fierce battle, and the procession honoring her and others was a moment in time that the fox wished he never had to witness, but he did.
"I watched them bury her... Esu," Aganju clenched his fists. "I watched as our classmates and allies were either put in the ground or sent in coffins to be buried by their families! I saw the gaping wound in her chest when Roxie and I had to identify her, so don't you dare spew this 'emotional philosophy' bullshit to me! I don't know if you're trying to piss me off, or if you've seriously lost every cell in that brain of yours, but Pyrrha and I are getting out of this fucked up world! No illusion or construct will change that!"
"Please don't make him angry..." This time, Esu wasn't the one to speak; Scylla gently turned away from the much taller reptilian. The image of his deceased friend and teammate spared a glance to the dragon who nodded permission before she could step toward her ex-leader. "...If you'd just listen, perhaps we could be a team again... in... in another life?"
Aganju's eyes narrowed in suspicion until she tentatively reached out and placed her cold hand on his cheek. To his surprise, her touch summoned a flood of warm memories that soothed his troubled soul. As if in a dream, his mind floated away on a cloud of joy and success, and he felt his negative emotions melt away like snow in the sun. Tears streamed down his face, but he welcomed the wave of positivity that washed over him. He saw vivid images of them laughing and joking together in study hall or detention, and while the memories made his heart ache a bit, he didn't resist the healing power of their shared history.
The world around him began to morph into their old dorm where most of their lives were spent outside of classes and training. The bragging of Roxie. The silent amusement of Esu. The timid joy from Scylla. It was all there as he looked at each of the smiling faces. Oh, how his heart longed for the old times before the cruel reality of life crashed around them.
"Just relax, Aganju..." he heard Scylla's soft voice; She was the quiet one of the group, but she was the motherly figure among them. "...It'll be over soon."
Over...? What'll be...?
"Aganju!"
The vulpine blinked several times before snapping back to his senses, thanks to a familiar voice. Gone was the fantasy construct as quickly as it had been cast, revealing, not the forest region from earlier, but a hollow chamber surrounding a circular platform. Its regal appearance was offset by twisted and barbed vines and concrete sculptures.
Aganju took a closer look and noticed that each figure had the appearance of someone who had fallen. Some he recognized, such as members of Team BRNZ and Cardin, while others were surprising. Even headmasters like General Ironwood and Lionheart made him flinch, revealing another problem.
He lowered his head and realized that his inflexibility was not a figment of his imagination, but a physical manifestation. The transformation was still incomplete, yet he could still move his upper body and one of his arms. However, there was no denying the culprit deep within the faunus. As he fought to break free, he felt those icy hands close around his face, compelling him to look into Scylla's eyes once more.
This time the gentleness was replaced by shining desperation and frustration as he labored to escape her grip.
"Please! This is the only way..." she lamented and hissed at him. "...He'll hurt you if I don't..."
"Let me... Gaah!"
Despite having a free hand, Aganju found himself trapped in the serpent's stare. His stony prison resumed its ascension, quickly reaching his chest in a matter of seconds.
"Scylla! Stop!" he winced as her nails dug into his flesh. "Please, I have to save..."
"You must rest..." she interrupted, flashing a somber smile to her friend. Gazing deep into his damaged stare, that jilting ruby gem, she sighed and stepped away once it was sealed within the stone. "...this is best for everyone! It was... nice to see you again, Aganju, even with such a steep price."
Scylla heard footsteps as she rubbed her irritated eyes. Her vision had become severely blurred by this point from using so much of her semblance, but she could tell who was approaching due to the vibrancy. Trepidation squeezed her core, making breathing difficult, but she persisted. She stood up and noticed a fuzzy shade of red accompanying him as he came to a stop.
"Let me go!" Pyrrha screamed while trying to get loose to no avail. "Where is he?!"
"Is it done?"
"See for yourself..." She stepped aside with an outstretched arm, unveiling the newly formed sculpture of a panicked Aganju Umbrae. "He put up a little fight but, I handled it."
"I expected nothing less. You did well, Scylla."
Esu smiled from his heart for the first time since he brought the pair into this realm. Though the task had been a nightmare and took longer than he had hoped, he was relieved that it was accomplished. Despite the delay, he was determined to claim his reward, which was all that mattered to him. to claim his reward, which was all that mattered to him.
On the other hand, Pyrrha looked as if she had been trapped in an infinite loop of a horror scene. She let out the loudest shriek she could muster, falling to her knees. A combination of rage and loss ate away at her like maggots feasting on the remains of a fallen soul. While Scylla's stomach was wretched at the effusive ugliness, Esu felt no such sympathy for the girl.
"YOU MONSTER!"
"Scylla?" the dragon's deep voice tore her from her empathic stupor. "Take Pyrrha and add her to the collection. Her screaming is giving me a headache..."
"Wait! You told me if I captured him, you'd release me..."
"...And I intend to keep my end of the bargain, dear. As soon as you silence her, you'll have what you seek."
"That's not what we agreed to!" she stood up, seeing him a little clearer. A fire appeared to ignite in her belly at the prospect of being slighted. "You can't just change the terms of...!"
"I CAN DO WHATEVER I DAMN WELL PLEASE!"
As quickly as Scylla's passion was ignited, it was extinguished, leaving behind a few dwindling embers. She knew better than to resist Esu, even if it felt like the right thing to do. Esu was in charge of everything in this realm, including its inhabitants, and she was no exception. The only chance of survival was to comply with his laws, no matter how repulsive they seemed. Defiance was punished with extinction or, even worse, something unimaginable.
The reptilian faunus begrudgingly reached for the distraught girl. However, before taking her away, she peered over her shoulder with a sympathetic gaze in Esu's direction. He turned away without another word, missing the apologetic scoff she gave him.
I can't believe I thought you loved me...
Her cool hands contrasted with the heat of Pyrrha's cheeks, guiding her until their features were locked upon each other. Scylla's eerie stare began to glow, signaling the redhead's fate. Whether it was due to exhaustion or simply defeat, she didn't resist.
"Do you believe in destiny?" Scylla smiled a broken smile at the broken girl. She waited until Pyrrha bowed her head dejectedly, leaning into the snake girl's chest. "Then tell him I'm sorry... for everything."
Before Pyrrha could react, Scylla's eyes now had a bright pink hue. Her body slithered and shifted past the alleged master before clamping onto the granite form of her friend and former leader.
"What are you doing, Scylla?!"
She ignored his outrage, focusing instead on the blank stare of her cherished comrade. The granite exoskeleton began to crack and soon, pieces of this grotesque masterpiece began to chip away, most notably around his eye. The strain this caused made her want to vomit, but she wouldn't stop, even if it meant losing her sight completely. Even Esu's grasp, heavy and painful as it was, did little to tear her away.
She finally tore her gaze away when a bloodcurdling growl sounded, finding herself flung aside by the dragon faunus.
"What did you think you were accomplishing with that little stunt?! Are you so blinded by your selfish wants that you'd put us all in jeopardy?!"
"You're one to talk, hypocrite..." Scylla spat toward the fuzzy image. "Look at all you've done to make this happen. How many souls did you steal to make this fake world? You sided with Salem. You refused to let the spirits of the dead rest. You murdered me in cold blood just to warm up to Adam!"
"I did what I had to!"
"You used us to further your agenda, Esu! What would trapping Aganju here achieve?"
Esu's face contorted into a snarl as flames flickered between his teeth. The scales on his arms transformed from their usual emerald green hue into a deep purple, shimmering and blazing with matching flames that rose in conjunction with his breath. His eyes shone with an unbridled rage that Pyrrha and the other witness had never seen before. It was as if any semblance of control had vanished, and all that remained was a beast giving in to its most primal instincts.
"I WAS PROTECTING US!"
"From what?" This time a weary Pyrrha stepped in.
The draconic faunus ground his teeth while a growl rumbled deep in his belly. That cursed defiant stare, despite all that she had endured, never dropped. He'd seen this look countless times in many versions of her life.
"You're the last person who should dare to challenge me, Nikos..." he seethed. "You should know better than anyone what it means to defy fate! Have you forgotten your role at Beacon?"
"Role?"
"The great Pyrrha; The Invincible Girl, unmatched on the battlefield, challenges Cinder Fall after the defeat of Ozpin. You kissed your crush before sending him off in a locker aimed for Beacon. Valiantly she fights the big bad maiden until her strategy is overwhelmed by the pure might of her opponent. An arrow to the heel. Then, an arrow to the chest. Finally, your suffering ends in a blaze, scattering the ashes to the winds, leaving only your crown and memories of your existence."
As Pyrrha listened attentively, a sudden wave of shock and disbelief washed over her, causing her to instinctively take a step back.
"That was your fate, Pyrrha..." Esu pointed with a snicker.
"You're wrong! None of that happened or I wouldn't be standing here!"
"Oh?" he tilted his head with a deep scowl. "I recall hearing about your injury after the battle. I'm also aware that most of what I've told did happen, albeit with some major differences. That's where he comes in..."
"Aganju?"
"Because of him, the strings of fate have all been twisted."
"It can't be that superficial."
"If you hadn't met at Beacon, none of this would've happened. Your destiny was to show the world that even the strongest soul can fall while also showing that strength can come from the least likely of mortals. You would be an inspiration to all who'd come after you, including Jaune Arc. You would be honored by your hometown, venerated as a beacon of hope, and immortalized forever. If only you hadn't met..."
"That sounds boring as hell..."
The group's attention was abruptly drawn to a sudden voice that seemed to come out of nowhere. They turned to see Aganju, who stood before them, visibly struggling to draw breath as his body hunched over. However, what caught their eye was the eerie dark aura that seemed to surround him. Although all three of them recognized it, only Pyrrha knew what it truly meant. She remembered the time they had spent together at Atlas, where she had barely managed to persuade him not to unleash his wrath upon the world.
Last time, he was a feral beast incapable of communication.
This was an entirely new creature standing before them, one with a bloodthirsty stare that left no doors open for negotiations. He straightened himself up and eyed the one responsible for this. Though it was only found in the most minuscule details of his body language, both faunus were aware that the roles had reversed themselves now.
"Don't stop on my account. Please, continue." when Esu didn't bother to utter a word, Aganju's lips contorted into a maniacal smirk. "Nothing to say now? I have to say, I'm disappointed. I was just getting into this little fairytale too!"
"What the hell are you?!"
Aganju cracked his neck and stepped off the pedestal, causing his former brother-in-arms to flinch.
"I'm the one who's ready to end this story..."