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 45: Checkmate-4
"I'm the one who's ready to end this story..."
Two individuals stood facing each other, their eyes fixed firmly on the other. Esu, a desperate figure, shivered in the presence of his opponent. Aganju watched intently as his former friend fidgeted, unsure of what would happen next. Behind Aganju, Pyrrha and Scylla huddled together for support, their eyes glued to the tense scene unfolding before them. The world around them was a strange and eerie place, a sanctuary of sorts, but one that was filled with an overwhelming sense of dread.
The vulpine noticed the fear and distress on the faces of the people around him, but he couldn't focus on that at the moment. He had a clear goal in mind and knew he needed to act on it quickly. Esu, sensing the urgency, finally managed to speak up after the lump in his throat subsided.
"You're serious about this?"
Aganju said nothing, his callous glower saying more than his words could ever hope to. This didn't sit well with the dragon faunus as he seethed once more in an attempt to regain dominance. This realm was of his design; He was the master of all who resided here and no one would sway him.
"Be careful, Aganju," he coughed, feigning jest. "If you decide to fight me, you know who'll win."
To his surprise, a confident smile rested on the foxes' lips as his gaze locked in on his target. "I'm glad you know when to accept defeat, Esu."
"Big talk! But don't you forget, I'm the one in control of this world. I could wipe out your entire existence with the snap of a finger and...!"
"...yet you haven't..."
"What?"
"As long as we've been under your twisted control, you could've had me killed or eliminated so many times. You had me enslaved. You had me fight in a coliseum as a death match gladiator. Fighting constructs of Cardin and forgeries of Pyrrha's father! Imprisoned on some remote island! Hell, I was surrounded by vicious beasts that tower over me!"
Esu bit his bottom lip so hard that blood began to trail down his chin, no longer able to conceal the truth. It was true that every instant named by Aganju was a perfect opportunity to rid the world of his existence but such a fate never came to fruition.
"Despite all of these things, I stand before you! I'm a little banged up, but nothing out of place."
"He told me you were powerful, capable of destroying or saving Remnant. I never imagined the damage you would cause just by existing."
"Because of her?"
The girls had no idea whom he was referring to, but the faunus duo knew exactly who he meant. As the illusion of the dragon vanished, they stood face to face, neither willing to yield. Aganju realized his true role - a mere pawn in Ozpin's game of chess. However, unlike Esu who was breaking down mentally, the fox felt nothing for the old man. If even Ruby wasn't exempt from the secretive headmaster, why would he expect to be treated differently?
However, there was Salem...
Despite her responsibility for controlling the Grimm and other threats, Aganju was convinced that something was off about the witch. She had shared her knowledge of the fabricated realm with him, but he couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to her than met the eye. He vividly remembered the times when she had treated him as a caring mother, a stark contrast to the monster she portrayed herself to be. Aganju couldn't ignore this unsettling feeling and was determined to uncover the truth about her intentions and who she was.
"You don't get it, do you?!"
"I do actually..." Aganju replied bluntly. "...and I'm choosing to be at peace with my place in life. You see me as nothing more than what Ozpin once saw me; A weapon and potential pawn to be used in his war game. Unlike you, I don't care about any of that. Do you know why? For as long as I've lived, I've had to make tough decisions for my life! Nobody could tell me who I was or wasn't. Not the people of Argus. Not Ozpin. Not Ironwood. Not Salem. If some of the most powerful people couldn't tell me who I am, what made you think that you could?!"
Esu froze, his mouth quivering at his former ally.
"That's why those fantasies had the same theme, isn't it?" Aganju crossed his arm. "Even with your attempts to make Salem appear like the worst mother ever, her role in my life can never be diminished! If it wasn't for her, I wouldn't be standing here! I can acknowledge this truth without defecting to her side, idiot! I choose my destiny, and if someone doesn't like it, they can take it up with my fists!"
Before he could reply, Esu watched his former leader put his hands up with a look of determination that told him no lies.
"You can't expect me to believe that you are okay with being the child of that... that... witch! She is the reason we fight the Grimm in the first place! She's contributed to the deaths of our friends and... and loved ones!"
"Like you did with Scylla?"
Esu's roared with rage, his eyes widening as embers poured from his mouth with each breath. How dare Aganju compare him to the wicked sorceress?! He was a beacon of morality while she was the epitome of evil. Every action committed was to protect Remnant!
Who cares...! he growled, rushing at the fox with a rage matched only by a select few. "ENOUGH!"
With a swift movement, the crafty vulpine dodged the attack and slid away. Esu was quick to grab his jacket but lost his balance, causing them both to trip and fall onto the polished porcelain floor. Throwing a punch, Esu aimed for the fox, but the sly creature managed to evade it. They both got up and charged at each other, engaging in a fierce test of strength. However, it was no match for the mighty dragon who emerged victorious once again, proving that he was the more powerful of the two.
He ambushed his old pal, landing a powerful punch to Aganju's side. Though it knocked the wind out of him, Aganju remained on his feet, refusing to give in. Not content with just one blow, Esu followed up with another punch, aiming for the jaw, but only managing to smash one of the decayed statue's heads. Without hesitation, Aganju spun around and pushed Esu hard into the statue.
Whatever he needed... He would do whatever he could to weather the storm. Pyrrha and Scylla watched the spectacle of combat.
Aganju was quick to dodge the flurry of punches aimed at him, but he soon realized that it was taking a toll on him. He was not used to being on the defensive, and with each passing moment, the situation was getting worse. Scylla, who was watching the fight, knew this all too well. She felt a familiar sense of dread creeping up inside her as she saw Esu relentlessly stalking the fox. Meanwhile, Pyrrha, who was outside the loop, sensed that something was off as the destruction around them grew more intense.
"What's going on?" she coughed, trying to get her bearings. "Aganju isn't usually this slow! What's happening?"
"Snowball..."
"Huh?"
"Esu's semblance; He can create a wave of hyper-sensitivity around him and his opponent," Scylla spat, her internal turmoil finally boiling over. "That was how he managed to get the jump on me back at Beacon. By channeling his aura, he can make either himself or his enemy experience sensations to overwhelming degrees, causing them to lose focus on whatever advantages they possess. It's like aura manipulation taken to an excessive degree!"
Pyrrha stared at the snake faunus, brows knit tight as she continued.
"Even worse, he's awakened his semblance to new heights, managing to use his true weapon, Paragon, to capture the souls of anyone he defeats..."
"...like yours?"
Scylla bowed her head and turned away in disgust before a howl ripped through the air.
As their attention turned towards the source, they both saw Aganju crash into a nearby pillar, sending chunks of granite post crashing down onto the floor around him. Aganju struggled to find something to lean his body against as he retched up sanguine globs, his cheek slightly swollen and a small trail of plasma falling from his lip. Esu, on the other hand, appeared to be unscathed by the impact. The only visible damage was to his jacket, which was now covered in dust from the debris.
"Had enough?" his deep voice contrasted his menacing posture. "We both know that you can't take much more punishment."
"It's... only a scratch at worst."
Esu shook his head, brandishing a melancholy grin. "You were never one to accept defeat. I don't know if it was because you were too proud or too stupid to realize when you've been bested. It doesn't matter now."
True to the dragon's words, Aganju scrambled to his feet, clutching at his sore ribs. His lips curled upward in defiance as his eyes blazed rebelliously. To Esu, this was a mockery, one that made him lament what he was about to do.
"Ozpin never wanted this..."
"But, I do..."
Hearing this, Esu bore his fangs and charged at his former friend, driving his fist into his stomach. The force was enough to obliterate even the largest of Grimm if need be, let alone the fox. The agony of cracking bones was deafening as Aganju's eyes threatened to pop out of his head. More blood sprang out, splattering on the reptilian's face.
Trapped between a fist and a hard place.
The sharp pain coursing through his body left him unable to find humor in the irony of the situation. His muscles were spasming uncontrollably, causing his knees to buckle and his vision to blur. Despite being well-acquainted with the sensation, he couldn't help but feel a sense of dread as he noticed Pyrrha's panicked expression and her attempts to reach out to him. However, his efforts to fight back were futile as his strength waned and he began to hang limply in his opponent's grasp. He couldn't help but wonder how many more times he could risk everything like this, especially when there was so much at stake.
I was never supposed to exist... was I?
This was a question that haunted him ever since he could remember. From the moment he could form coherent thoughts, the more intrusive ideas would come to roost. Countless nights he sat with this one specifically, sometimes allowing it to drive him into a pit of despair.
Alone.
Cinder didn't care for him.
Salem never looked for him.
Ozpin only saw him as a tool.
Ironwood and Sango were always willing to oppose him at every turn.
That familiar darkness brought with it a warmth he hadn't realized he craved at one point. Loneliness was an empty place, but it was consistent and familiar. It allowed him to live... to fight! He defied fate more times than he would admit.
"Including your childhood...?"
His eyes shot open at the unfamiliar voice. Gone was the ancient ruin that surrounded him before. What stood now was a dark and cold environment, one that he recognized from his earliest time in the false reality.
Where am I?
"You've finally returned!"
Who's there?
"She asked you if you were willing to survive. Did I rescue you for nothing?"
Who are you?
"You needn't worry about that. Right now, you're on the cusp of something far more important. Your life isn't for others to use at their whim, Aganju. I knew you were special when I found you here, though I must apologize. If it weren't for me, you might've had a better advantage in life. Sadly, what I had hoped would be a saving grace turned into a nightmare for you..."
"What are you-?" he finally spoke up, wandering around the pools of iccur. As if resuming the long-forgotten act, the creatures of Grimm began to emerge from the viscous ooze. "No... not again!"
Though fear gripped his heart, Aganju felt a rush of energy course through his body. The malicious power surged through him, forcing his violet orb to match the crimson as he stared at the multiplying ranks of the beasts. His mind returned to his battle at Atlas and how he lost control. Now was no different as his desperate need for self-preservation kicked in. A bloody gaze scanned the area before a demented smile broke through the last of his resistance.
Thick elongated claws manifested as a demonic shroud began to form around him.
Why should I fight this...?! This power is all I have!
A vicious roar rocked the battlefield, sending shockwaves at the snarling monsters. Whatever he was becoming was taking hold once again, plunging his consciousness into the depths. Aganju felt like he was drowning, but there was nowhere to reach for aid. Meanwhile, he could only watch from within himself as his body finally acted.
The battle was fierce, yet he stood tall amidst the chaos. His claws slashed through the air, tearing through the horde of Grimm that threatened to engulf him. With no regard for strategy or safety, he fought on with sheer determination and skill. One by one, the creatures fell to his blade, leaving nothing but a trail of black dust in their wake. But the Grimm kept coming, relentless in their assault. Yet, he showed no signs of backing down, ready to face whatever came his way. It was a battle for survival, and he was determined to emerge victorious.
This didn't satisfy the warped version of Aganju who bellowed again for more!
"Is this all you got?! IS THIS WHAT I WAS AFRAID OF?!"
"Is this what you wanted?" the voice spoke again. This time, the faunus froze in his tracks as did the Grimm that surrounded him. "Why are you doing this, Aganju?"
"You don't understand! I won't be weak again! I... I can't be..."
"Breathe..." the voice soothingly instructed. "You just need to relax. It's going to be alright."
"Stronger! I won't be weak again!"
"When were you ever weak, Aganju?" he stared at a glowing ball of light descending before him. Interestingly, the Grimm shuffled away from it as if pained by its presence. "Think back. What such weakness exists in you?"
"I..." the shrouded version of him began to quiver. "Cinder... I lost control during my fight with her."
"Yet, you saved Pyrrha, and Ruby, and helped to keep Beacon Academy from falling, did you not?"
"But, Raven!" he looked at his chest, finding the mark of his loss on full display.
"Just because she was more cunning that day doesn't mean you were weak. She has years of experience and prowess to her name that you hadn't acquired. Still, she couldn't kill you."
Aganju contemplated her words, finding little flaw in them. By now, it seemed that maybe his woes were nothing more than mere fabrications of his insecurities. The wounds of his past were indeed deep, but whoever this person was, they wouldn't allow him to dwell in the abyss.
"What about Ozpin? Or Ironwood?"
"They both saw you as a weapon and yet, you've proven yourself to be much more."
"...and Salem?"
The spirit paused for a moment, allowing the shroud to crumble a bit more before answering.
"Have you considered Tyrian's assault on you?" when he said nothing, it resumed. "Tyrian, an agent for Salem, could've killed you like he'd done with so many victims before. However, he only poisoned you. If Cinder hadn't shown up when she did, you would've been brought to her long ago. That's why Esu trapped you here. If you were weak, there wouldn't have been a need to keep you bound to his realm. Would it?"
"But... I..."
"Yes?" the voice asked patiently.
"I don't have a semblance. How can I be strong when I don't have one?"
"You've finally realized it. It took you long enough."
The aura shield that had been surrounding the faunus dissipated, revealing a vulnerable and distressed version of himself. He appeared childlike, with wide, tear-filled eyes fixated on the glowing ball of light before him. Despite his emotional state, the entity continued to gaze upon him with an affectionate warmth that he had not felt in a long time. It almost seemed as if the ball of light was grinning at him, radiating an aura of comfort and reassurance.
"What do you mean?" he sniffled, wiping away the stray tears that began to fall.
"You've been relying on Salem's blood in you; The power of the Grimm. While you have an aura, your desire to survive distorted it. During your time at Beacon, you were forced to manifest her power to survive. However, this doesn't mean that you were without a semblance... at least not entirely."
The sphere soon shined brighter than anything he'd ever witnessed, leaving him to shield himself. A warm hand resting on his cheek assured him that he was safe, causing his ears to splay down softly. He felt a wave of tranquility entering him, and while it didn't eliminate the malevolent blood, Aganju could tell that he was feeling a bit better.
"Your semblance has been growing with you from the moment you unlocked your aura. It's a beautiful one if I say so myself."
"Do you mean it?" the fear in his voice gave way to wonder.
"All you have to do is breathe and answer this single question." the spirit lifted his chin gently, flashing a grin that was both encouraging and familiar. "Who do you want to be, Aganju?"
Doing as he was told, Aganju closed his eyes. With each breath, he failed to notice the Grimm had begun to vanish around him. His mind started to clear and the pain that sent him into this state had all but faded. He remembered what he was about to return to, but he needed to focus on the question at hand. Sure, he had a fight to finish, but the results would be the same if he put his thoughts on that right now.
Instead, Aganju let his mind drift while the fog lifted.
Ozpin needed a weapon.
Ironwood saw him as a threat.
Raven, though forgiven now, treated him like a mistake that needed correcting.
Cinder viewed him as a blight.
Sienna, Ciel, Scylla, Ruby, Yang, and Roxanne were family to him.
To some, he was a hero, and to others, a villain.
Pyrrha found him to be much more than even he considered.
Despite everything, the vulpine contemplated his life and his purpose with a fierce determination. In a moment of clarity, he arrived at a unique perspective that shook him to his core. Suddenly, he let out a laugh, one that started innocently but quickly turned into a mature one. Aganju knew that he could never go back to his old ways, nor did he want to. He understood that his life was never meant to be defined by a single purpose. It was a powerful realization that made him feel like a force to be reckoned with.
"I want to be..."
Esu watched as the still body of his adversary dropped on the floor with a sickening thud. His eyes glared at the unmoving form of the fox, expecting some kind of trick or trap to spring at any moment. To his dismay, it seemed that nothing like that would occur as he huffed at the still carcass.
"You fool..." he growled, his words almost pointing to himself as well as his fallen foe. "If you had just gone with the program, none of this would've happened."
Turning his focus back to the pair behind him, he noticed the dirty look that Pyrrha gave him. It wasn't surprising at all; He expected such a gaze from the one who blindly fell in love with an anomaly. Esu wouldn't care about such a pitiful display, not when he had other matters to attend to.
"I thought I told you to seal her, Scylla?"
"I... I..."
"Are you still trying to play hero? Or would you prefer I break our contract and lock your soul here for eternity?"
Pyrrha felt the cold hands of the viper trembling on her shoulders. She couldn't understand what kind of grip he had on her, but it was stronger than she could ever imagine. She could only stare at the person who had created this hellish paradise, with their eyes locked in a venomous glare, each silently waging their own war.y?"
"It brought me no joy to..."
"Tell the truth!" she spat, no longer presenting herself with a stable reaction. "You think you've accomplished whatever goal you set out to achieve. I assume you'll happily tell the Professor that his biggest obstacle is no longer a threat?"
"DON'T YOU PRETEND TO KNOW ME!" he roared in her face. The heat of his breath did little to break her will, but his point was made as he grabbed her neck. "If you knew the damage you two have caused just by being alive, you wouldn't stand there judging me! I did what was needed to protect Remnant from Salem."
"Is that what you keep telling yourself?"
The question was met with a gasp as the trio witnessed Aganju staggering to his feet. While he was still struggling to get his footing, there was no denying that something was different about him. Gone was the dark energy that encompassed him. In its place, there was a glowing rainbow aura that captivated Scylla and Pyrrha while perplexing Esu.
"You can still stand?! What the hell are you?!"
Aganju fiercely spat out the specks of blood that had pooled in his mouth, took a deep breath, and flexed his fingers. His tail began to sway excitedly, creating a stunning refraction of colors. Gradually, his limb turned into a fiery shade of orange that covered his entire body. The most significant transformation, however, was in his eyes. They were no longer pools of gloom but blazing orbs that radiated power and readiness for round two.
"I'm whatever I choose to be, buddy."
"What are you- UGH!"
Esu's inquiry was halted when Aganju's knee crashed into his gut, doubling him over. He followed up with another knee to the nose, causing the draconic blood to ooze out like a leaky faucet. The fox then switched gears, shifting his aura to a green and brown hue before pummeling Esu with various punches. The level of brutality was felt, but the call for bloodlust was dwindling. Pyrrha and Scylla weren't sure what this was, but there was one sign that caught their eyes as the assault continued.
His tails?
Aganju had undergone a remarkable transformation, evidenced by the addition of a second ethereal tail that swayed behind him, now colored a vibrant shade of green. As Esu lunged forward with a punch, it landed on nothing but a shimmering cerulean watery shield, causing Aganju to sprout a third tail. A fourth tail emerged as Aganju's aura radiated with a blinding purple hue that seemed to smack his bewildered opponent in the face. These changes seemed to have a profound effect on Aganju, who was now reveling in his newfound power and playfully laughing at his flailing adversary.
"Come on, Esu!" he taunted, shifting back to the orange color. "Where's that bravado?"
"You clown!"
Aganju dodged a sloppy haymaker before driving his elbow into the dragon's solar plex. This, coupled with a palm strike to the chin knocked Esu to the ground writhing and choking on what little air he could muster, his aura fizzling out. The sudden shift in dynamic was alarming, but neither of the young women would question things if it meant the vulpine's victory.
"That was for putting your hands on Pyrrha!"
Aganju didn't care about the groan he received from Esu. All he wanted was to ensure the safety of his comrades. As he reached them, his semblance and aura started to fade, leaving him weak and tired. Scylla and Pyrrha were nearby, and they caught him just in time, with each of them supporting him by the shoulder. His breath was ragged, but he felt relieved as he let out a chuckle.
"Good to see you two again..."
"Brothers know I've missed you, Aganju," Scylla giggled, biting back tears. "I'm sorry I couldn't do much to help you."
However, Aganju hushed her with a playful nudge of his head. In his eyes, seeing another of her family was more than enough for him. In his heart, there was no need for apologies, at least not from her.
"All that matters is if we can get the hell out of this place. We can catch up on things after that."
"No!" their progress slowed as the anguished cry of the puppetmaster rang in their ears. Matching his tone was the frantic look of horror in his eyes. "You can't! I can't let you... If you leave, Salem wins!"
"What the fuck are you talking about?"
"You! Aganju, you're the key to her victory!" Esu cried before hacking up more blood. "Ozpin said that you were to be kept here until Salem's defeat! I can't fail him!"
Rather than bite back, Aganju gingerly pulled away from the girls, limping with every last ounce of energy he could muster. He ignored their protests, kneeling beside the person he once considered to be his brother. No longer was there any sign of vengeance as only pity remained.
"How about a deal?"
"..."
"If I stay, will you break your hold on Scylla?"
Esu scrutinized his friend, searching for any signs of deceit, but found none. With a firm nod, the draconic faunus summoned his tome, disregarding Scylla's immediate protests. He silenced her objections with an outstretched arm, confident in his decision.
"Pyrrha, you can't be serious...!"
"I... I trust Aganju's decision."
As Esu listened to the words being spoken, he couldn't help but feel a deep sense of compassion for the situation at hand. Despite the pain he felt as he turned each page of the book, Esu was determined to find the page where Scylla's name was printed. Before he read any further, he took a moment to look up at Aganju, silently acknowledging the weight of the moment they were sharing.
"How... how do I know you're not lying? What proof can you give me as collateral?"
"I swear on the name of my father..."
"You're serious..." Aganju bowed his head in compliance. "...then the exchange is agreed upon."
As Scylla watched her essence return to her, she felt a mix of relief and anger. Relief because she was finally whole again after being attacked at Beacon, but anger towards Pyrrha. She wanted to lash out and say something, but the odd grin on her ally's face stopped her. It was clear there was more to this story than what she knew, and Scylla was determined to find out what happened.
"I'm... I'm sorry, brother" Esu whispered amidst tears, smiling sadly at his compatriot. "I wish that there was another way."
Aganju and his friend mirrored each other's gestures, and touching foreheads, they shared a moment of deep emotional connection. As Aganju shed a silent tear, his thoughts were filled with unexpected sadness. Little did his friend Esu know that he would soon be impaled by something sharp, causing him to gasp in pain. The sight of his friend's agony left Aganju with a heavy heart. With eyes as wide as dinner plates, Esu watched as Aganju's gaze turned towards the inky abyss, surrounded by crimson islands. It was a moment filled with intense empathy and sorrow.
"I'm sorry too..."
"But... But...!" he quivered, trembling fingers aiming to grasp at the fox. "You swore on your father's name!"
Aganju averted his gaze for a moment. When he returned to face him, the fox simpered at the once mighty draconic faunus. How quickly the tables had turned. Once, he'd been in control only to lose it so easily. As the dark tendril slowly removed itself from Esu's bloody stomach, his conqueror finally sighed.
"I did. But, we both know I never knew my father..."
Aganju grabbed the book from Esu's weakening grasp and rushed back to the girls. Esu's screams of "betrayal" and "liar" were drowned out by his choking. Scylla and Pyrrha could tell that Aganju did not enjoy deceiving Esu, but he had no other choice. He was determined to be the master of his destiny. Neither Ozpin, Salem nor any book would dictate his future.
Thanks to Scylla, it didn't take long to find the page that would grant them freedom from this false reality. One quick recitation and a gateway was finally opened.
"Home..." Scylla smiled, eager to step through.
"Are you ready?"
Aganju spared a moment to see the writhing Esu, his eyes ignited with fury and suffering. It pained him to do this, but there was no allowing for any chance at revenge. However, he wouldn't leave him without one last inquiry.
"Will he die here?"
Scylla looked upon her former lover with disgust as her scowl deepened. "If he stays here, he unfortunately will survive as long as the book wielder allows him to."
"Okay..."
Without another word, Aganju ushered them to pass through, following close behind. Once again, his impulse made him hesitate and spare one final glance at the dragon. A whirlwind of emotions came flooding out before he stepped through the doorway, leaving the scrambling Esu to whatever hubris befell him.
Aganju was taken aback by the sudden changes that greeted him as he entered the world of Remnant. The expected chill of Atlas/Mantle was replaced by intense heat, and he noticed that he had a more muscular build and appeared a few inches taller than he was before being trapped, now standing at an impressive 6'5". Pyrrha had also undergone some changes, but in her figure rather than height, and Aganju had no complaints about it.
The one with the most changes was Scylla.
She was gone for what felt like an eternity, but when she came back, she couldn't believe my eyes. Her hair was now navy blue with a white streak, and her skin had transformed into a healthy olive color while still retaining its scales in certain areas. But that's not all, she had also become more top-heavy than she'd like. No doubt, this would make her the center of attention wherever she went, conflicting with her typically reserved nature.
"How long were we in there?" Pyrrha gawked at her appearance.
"Time moves differently in that realm, whatever Esu set it to was the rule of law."
Aganju grinned smugly, triggering his semblance for a swift burst of heat that set the book on fire. Watching it closely, he and the others refused to tear their eyes away until it was nothing but burnt ash that soon meshed with the burning sand.
"Now it's nothing more than a distant memory" he quipped, wiping his brow. "The bigger concern is, where are we?"
"You're in trouble."
Despite being exhausted and yearning for rest, the trio refused to give up without a struggle. They were determined to embody Vacuo's survivalist spirit as much as possible. And what they stumbled upon next left them utterly stunned. They couldn't believe their eyes when they saw a figure with hair and ears that resembled Scylla's but with slightly lighter shades and matching eyes. The stranger stared back at them, equally taken aback, with her mouth agape.
While the serpent was oblivious to her identity, Aganju and Pyrrha were more than happy to see her.
"Big brother?" she whispered, almost afraid of her own voice breaking. "Pyrrha?"
"Ciel? Is that you?"
Like them, Ciel had grown a bit as did her hair which was tied in a messy bun of teal. She was a little taller than when they were together, but all of that paled in comparison as she rushed toward them, leaping and crashing into the couple with a tearful laugh and nuzzle. Aganju did his best to ignore the pain as he comforted his adopted sibling, rubbing her back soothingly.
"You're alive!"
"Was there any doubt?" he jokingly poked her, moreso to get her off of his injured torso. "We weren't gone for that long, I'm sure."
His statement accomplished the goal, prompting Ciel to stand with a quizzical look while he helped Pyrrha to her feet.
"How long do you think you've been gone?"
"I don't know..." he shrugged lazily. "Maybe a week or so? Where we came from, time is... weird."
"A WEEK?" she stomped her foot, accidentally kicking up some bits of sand. "You've been gone for nearly a year! We all thought you were dead when Ruby and the others came out of some magic portal but you were nowhere in sight!"
Scylla was the least affected by this news and, surprisingly, Pyrrha wasn't one to freak out either. It was Aganju who blinked at his sibling as if she'd morphed into some off-the-wall creature from the deepest depths. Surely, he hadn't heard her correctly, right?"
"I'm sorry, did you say a year?"
"Yes. After we got news of the fall of Atlas, there were so many things that happened. The most important is that we've all convened between Vacuo and Vale, though most of the battles are here due to the relics and whatnot."
"You make it sound so normal..." Scylla giggled while her teammate was busy trying to piece together the puzzle pieces in his head. Noticing Ciel's confused expression, she carefully held out her hand. "Sorry! I'm Scylla, Aganju's teammate and... somewhat of a sister figure too. A pleasure to meet you."
Ciel took her hand with a smile before the sound of sand shifting caught her sensitive ears. Trouble was afoot and, ever the strategist, she could tell that wherever they came from, neither of them were in any condition for combat.
"Uh-oh! Looks like another sandstorm is about to pick up! We should head back to Shade Academy so that you three can rest and then we can catch up."
As the group gathered around the rusty old dune buggy, the excitement and anticipation in the air was palpable. Despite the vehicle's worn-down appearance, Aganju and the others were eager to embark on their journey with Ciel. The car's sleek coloring and sturdy material hinted at a glorious past, and they couldn't wait to see where it would take them. Once inside, Scylla, Aganju, and Pyrrha snuggled up to each other, grateful for the cool respite from the scorching sun. Ciell, the ever-watchful guide, couldn't help but grin at the sight of his companions, finally able to relax after a long journey.
A beep on the comms ripped her away from things.
"Soleil! How many times have I told you about taking Atlas vehicles without authorization?" an astute feminine voice chastised.
"Apologies, ma'am. I noticed something odd in the distance and it was urgent to scout it out urgently. I'm glad I did as I found some... interesting refugees in the desert and we're returning now."
"Are you sure that's the right idea, kid?" Another, more gruff voice, chimed in. "If this was a simple rescue mission, you could've waited for some backup."
"For once, I agree with Qrow. It isn't wise to use resources haphazardly," the woman regained control. "With the risk of Salem's forces returning, such capricious actions could prove detrimental."
"Again, I apologize, Miss Schnee," Ciel's ears drooped. "I'll gladly accept whatever punishment is appropriate AFTER you see who I picked up."
"...and just who did you pick up?"
"Does a missing fox faunus ring a bell?"
The pause that followed brought with it a smug grin from the feline faunus as she turned over a dune toward the academy. By now, the sun was setting, bathing the land in a beautiful see of refreshing orange. If it weren't for the threat of Grimm, one would take the scene as a prelude to paradise. However, Ciel wasn't so easily fooled.
"Hurry back, Ciel," the voice of Winter Schnee finally clicked in. "Don't bother checking in either. I'll inform the soldiers that you're cleared to return. Just enter through the back and, for Brother's sake, don't let any see him. The last thing we need is everyone losing their minds and breaking protocol."
"Them, ma'am."
"Oho! Gotcha there, Ice Queen!" Qrow snickered before the line clicked off.
Ciel was nearing the walls of the warrior city, sparing one more glance at the slumbering trio. She pondered what hell did they endure before arriving here, but, if it was anything like Team RWBY and Jaune's time in the ever-after realm, it was going to be an interesting tale. For now, she moved through the gate, carefully navigating to the school through the backroads until she arrived at her destination. As expected, Qrow and Winter were there waiting, along with a certain farm boy.
"Welcome back, guys."