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:
Oh my gosh! I can't believe how long it's been since I updated this!
I sincerely apologize to everyone who's been enjoying this story. I had most of this chapter finished back in June and took an impromptu hiatus. Then I ended up working on a past story and now, I'm two chapters in on my Avatar: The Last Airbender fiction. Feel free to check that out by the way.
Anyway, I want to announce that I'm going to finish this story soon as I'm not waiting for Vol. 10 (though I'm eager for the return of RWBY) to conclude things. This chapter will essentially be my continuation of the series in my alternate universe. There will be an ending and epilogue coming.
While this chapter will be shorter than most in the past, but I'm excited to get back to this story and I hope you all enjoy the chapter. I'll be looking to update the next chapter very soon.
Chapter 46: The Fox, The Witch, and The Serpent
When it comes to the kingdom of Vacuo, tales of ruthless bandits and the most ferocious of Grimm come to mind.
Explorers who have ventured into this land have recounted how challenging it can be to survive in such an unforgiving environment. With its arid air and scorching sun, even the most resilient of souls can find it overwhelming. However, despite its harshness, Vacuo is a place of immense value, a true gem in the rough. Its abundant resources are highly coveted, which makes it a land full of both peril and possibility.
As the sun emerges from behind the dunes, it unleashes an intense and scorching heat penetrating every inch of the land. When its rays depart, they leave behind a brutal and chilly wind that cuts through the air. To some, this terrain appears to be a barren wasteland, posing as a kingdom. However, to others, it is a valuable treasure, accessible only to those willing to confront and overcome the harsh challenges of the treacherous terrain.
As for the certain trio?
Vacuo was an oasis.
As the sun began to rise, painting the sky with a breathtaking hue of magenta, Pyrrha walked a lone pathway, flanked by familiar companions. Although the gentle morning breeze whispered a soothing melody and kissed the faces of those awake to enjoy it, Pyrrha was too consumed by the need for rest. Her exhausted mind and tired body were craving much-needed peace, and the desert's gentle lullaby wasn't enough to calm her.
As they made their way through the doors of the renowned Shade Academy, they couldn't help but pause and stare in wonder at the breathtaking view before them. The first rays of dawn were slowly creeping in, mingling with the flickering torches that lined the walls. The sand-colored barriers surrounding them perfectly mirrored the terrain of the surrounding landscapes, creating a sense of order amidst the chaotic realm. Looking up, they saw three levels of space swirling around the imposing pyramid that towered above them, inviting them to embark on a journey upward. It was a sight to behold, and they felt a sense of awe wash over them as they prepared to explore the wonders of the academy.
Pyrrha was acutely aware of every subtle shift in the fox's body, doing her best to ignore the overall ambiance of the building as they pushed forward.
"They just couldn't give us more time to rest, huh?"
Aganju looked to the young woman, smirking at her impatience. Whether together or separate, he agreed that their exploits were more than deserving of time to relax. Like her, he hid his discomfort behind a calm face. After learning what he considered his true semblance, the vulpine wouldn't allow himself to lose control, if he could help things.
"The sooner we finish this meeting, the sooner we can get back to resting."
"I know I could use some more sleep!" Scylla hissed while cracking her neck. "Do you know how long it's been since I've had a decent nap?!"
"I thought spirits didn't have to sleep?"
Scylla took a deep breath as she walked down the hallway, trying to shake off the remnants of her drowsiness. She glanced nervously at the serpent by her side, who seemed to be rolling her eyes at the poor attempt at humor Aganju had just made.
As they passed by the many rooms and faculty members, Scylla couldn't help but feel envious of those who were still nestled under their soft blankets. But she knew that she had an important appointment to keep, and couldn't afford to back out now. As much as she wanted to forget about her recent disappearance, this meeting was necessary to move on.
Aganju raised his fist to the door yet slowly dropped it, much to the girl's worry.
"Agan?"
He turned to the pair, bandages scattered about his body underneath his tank top. Shadow and light meshed perfectly around them, a cool air crashing through the otherwise gentle breeze.
"Sorry. I lost my nerve," he chuckled softly though the joy behind this gesture was absent. This was the mark of a rebellious clash of personalities as his eye flashed with that inky darkness surrounding a crimson gem. "I'm just..."
Pyrrha and Scylla immediately rushed to embrace him, giving him a silent grace that he'd been desperately needing. They felt his rapid pulse and tightened their hold until he finally reciprocated the hug.
"It's alright," Pyrrha whispered.
"After everything we've been through, you're not alone..." Scylla added. "Just breathe..."
Leaning his head back, Aganju inhaled deeply, drawing in the scent of desert blossoms. This helped enough for him to regain his senses. The emotions spilled out in the form of tears before he wiped them away with a grin.
"I can't thank you both enough! I guess... we're in this together, huh?"
The girls flashed him a scowl that said "Do you have to ask?" that made him grit his teeth before swiftly pivoting back to the door. Once more, he raised his fist and pounded against the door. His mind raced with intrusive thoughts, each one growing louder with the passing seconds until finally, they watched the door open.
"Glad to see you made it safely. Let's begin..."
As they stepped inside, they were welcomed by several familiar faces. Winter Schnee greeted them with a gentle smile and a nod. Raven Branwen and her brother stood near a desk where a man with spiky fauxhawk hair sat. On the other side of the room, Oscar Pine was flanked by two of their peers. At this moment, the emotional atmosphere hit the trio the hardest.
Nora Valkyrie and Roxanne Octane slowly rose to their feet, eyes immediately brimming with tears.
"Pyrrha?!" the hammer-wielder rushed to her friend and former teammate and nearly tackled her into an emotional embrace. "Oh my gosh! You're alive! When did you get here? How did you get here?! Do you have any idea how worried we were about you?"
Pyrrha didn't bother to fight the tight hold, instead rubbing her friend's back before realizing something different. Several streaks that resembled lightning bolts ran down the hammer wielder's arms. Meanwhile, Roxanne was busy embracing her long-lost teammates. The shock of seeing not only Aganju but also Scylla was more than enough to make even the tough ram faunus tear up.
"Nora! What happened to you?!"
"Oh! This is nothing..." the firecracker giggled, rubbing her scars sheepishly. "Besides, I could ask you the same thing, Miss Missington!"
Pyrrha appeared slightly uncomfortable as she cleared her throat, and Nora seemed to have some resentment toward her after her mysterious disappearance following her detainment at Atlas. Pyrrha couldn't help but feel guilty for causing Nora any worry, even though it was not entirely her fault. Despite being removed from Team JNPR, she knew that Nora was the one who had the most difficulty accepting the decision.
With tears threatening to spill, Pyrrha tried to apologize but was halted by a now-smiling Nora, revealing that it was unnecessary.
As Roxanne gazed at her chosen family, a warm feeling spread through her heart. Despite the challenges they had faced, they still managed to embrace each other with open arms. The joy on their faces was infectious, and everyone around them couldn't help but smile. However, even during this heartwarming reunion, the reason they had all come together lingered in the background, a constant reminder of the trials they had yet to face.
"I hate to break up this touching scene, but there is a bit of business we must discuss!"
"Agreed..." Oscar/Ozpin stood astutely, cane in hand, in agreement with his colleague, Professor Theodore. "While your safe return is a priority, we would be remiss to ignore your absence for such an extended period, especially when such an occurrence has transpired."
"Before?" Aganju raised a brow with suspicion.
"Yes... Team RWBY and Mr. Arc went missing sometime after the departure of Miss Nikos and Mr. Umbrae. However, while their absence within the Ever-After was only for a few months, yours was far longer. This isn't taking into account the return of Miss Scylla, whom many thought was dead, myself included. With the unified forces of Remnant pondering our next move against Salem, we're in an interesting position now that you're here."
"Meaning?"
"We'd like you all to explain what happened during the year you were away..." Raven placed a hand on the fox's shoulder, brandishing a proud grin.
"I... I guess we can do that," he crossed his arms with concession, his ear twitching. "I don't know where to start... There was this battle with some of the... wait...! A YEAR?!"
Ozpin, watching through the eyes of his younger incarnation, sighed within himself as amusement clashed with guilt. Such a predictable reaction was... expected, yet he would have some explaining himself, but for now, the crafty wizard would wait until hearing the tales of his former students.
There's no need to share more than necessary... right?
[Outside Shade Academy]
"How long do you think Winter's going to be?"
"Knowing her? I doubt we'll get any time with her until sunset!" a feminine yet burly voice huffed to her deflated companion. "She's the official representative of Atlas and we both know that she takes her job seriously."
Sango Bagheera slumped forward, drawing a back rub from an empathetic Elm. Once he recovered and straightened up, the pair pressed onward to the north wall where they had a perfect view of the warm morning. Unlike the dawn, the heat swiftly settled in, though they were grateful for the rare breeze that soothed their faces.
With a little privacy, they stood close to each other, observing the intimate scenery of the desert. They welcomed the ease with a brief silence that accompanied
"By the way, did Winter say what that meeting was supposed to be about?"
"You know her..." Elm exhaled sharply. "Still as stiff as rigid as she was back at Atlas. Her lips are sealed, so good luck getting anything out of her."
The panther faunus grumbled something, earning a giggle from his partner. Elm was more than aware of his desire to be in the loop of things, especially with news of the three survivors bound to circulate at any second. But, ever since the fall of Atlas the muscular woman could tell something was eating away at him.
"Hey, you're not still beating yourself up, are you?"
"Wouldn't you?" he leaned against the ledge, carefully watching the searing sun announce its presence. "How long has it been since they disappeared? I... I know that we were given orders, but... They were still children!"
"You weren't the cause of their disappearance, Sango!"
"You were knocked unconscious! We were only following orders..."
"Following orders..." the feline spat at the phrase like a bitter fruit tainting his tongue. "That's our greatest sin, Elm—army brats, bred to do nothing without approval or desire of a higher-ranking officer! Ironwood always taught us that his word was right. We blindly followed his every command, regardless of what our instincts might tell us, and where did that get us?"
Elm didn't try to stop him, not this time. After everything they'd gone through together, especially with the destruction of their home, what right did she have to halt his pain? His silver eyes glistened with shame and regret while glaring daggers at the sandy terrain below. Even though his silence left her with curious and worrying inquiries, she wouldn't dare force him. Instead, she placed her hand atop his, softly rubbing her thumb over the callous flesh.
"I... should have stayed, Elm..." Sango's soft but weakened tone finally returned. "Maybe things would've been..."
"As I said, you were ambushed. Nobody blames you for..."
"Not that, Elm!" he shook his head, smiling sadly at his friend. "I meant after the battle at Beacon."
"Oh."
"Can I confess something?" this time Elm bowed her head. "Before we tried to collect Ciel, I was thinking of sticking around and aiding the restoration efforts. I figured that I could do more good protecting and training those kids during their recovery. It sure beat walking around the same hallways every day haha..."
Elm laughed in agreement resting her head against his shoulder.
"I hate to say it, but that kid, Aganju...? He made the right call by protecting her. Though she may hate me, she's grown into a capable fighter since then. Hell, she's the one who found the three in the desert. I can't imagine what Atlas might've done if we took her."
"That wouldn't have been your fault!"
"But..."
"Be proud and leave it at that! There's no need for you to get all mopey about what-ifs and junk. The past happened and, while we should strive to do better and earn forgiveness, pity is no longer an option! We may not be Atlas soldiers anymore, but dammit! We are still warriors; That much we've proven since we arrived! With Team RWBY and friends returned and more allies joining, we have one goal and that's to defeat the Grimm and their master by any means! You are Sango Bagheera, one of the strongest and most reliable people I've ever had the joy of meeting; You've been there for me through thick and thin and I'll be damned if I let the guy I love wallow around in some pit of despair just because he made some mistakes!"
The dark-skinned faunus could only observe as the fiery woman huffed at him. Her brown eyes glowed a honey gold under the kiss of the sun's rays despite her heaving form. Such determination was a common trait for her, but this? Something about this moment was different, and, whether she knew it or not, Sango understood it.
He slowly reached out, wrapping her in his muscular embrace. This shocked Elm though she'd return the gesture as she felt his heartbeat against her chest. With a warm smile that rivaled the morning heat, she swore to soak up this moment for as long as she could.
"Thank you, Elm..." he chuckled softly. "You don't know how much I needed that."
"Well, just make sure you talk more often," while he couldn't see her, Sango was certain that her face was flushed. "Any time suffering in silence is too long. We've known each other far too long to shut each other out. Honesty is the first step back to integrity, right?"
"I guess...!" he rolled his eyes playfully. "Although..."
"Hmm?"
"Since we're on the subject of honesty," the panther's eyes slit like a predatory cat, pointing directly at her. "What's this about 'the guy I love', huh?"
On cue, Elm attempted to recoil only to find that impossible. Thanks to Sango's tail wrapped firmly around her waist, her escape was reduced to nothing more than a flinch as her face grew redder by the second. Her trembling told him all he needed to know as his smile grew larger.
"I... I was..."
"Mhmm?"
"I was just trying to pump you up, that's all! After suffering so many losses, it's important to remind each other of the positives."
"And me being someone you would use the L-word for counts?"
"Don't get smug, alright? Maybe... Maybe it does."
Sango Bagheera chuckled softly at her 'confession' and loosened his grip around her waist. At first, Elm felt empty without this firm hold but was soon gifted something far better when his lips pressed against hers. She'd never kissed another guy (or anyone) before, yet somehow there were no jitters. She felt like that little girl during the Atlas ball so long ago. Had she'd gone with Sango instead of that other boy, maybe this could've happened sooner.
She leaned in, deepening the kiss while her arms rested comfortably on his shoulders. He'd respond by snaking his arms around her, sealing their connection as the dawn finally presented itself to the kingdom once again.
There were still some questions to be had, but nothing mattered so long as they remained like this.
At least until they needed to come up for air.
[Professor Theodore's office]
Aganju sat quietly throughout the proceedings, carefully listening to the news with the patience of only one man. Oscar, or Ozpin in this case, gave him an infuriatingly serene look. The faunus was well aware of this, but remained calm, appearing to follow along with the others' testimonies since their departure. With news of different fights outside the kingdom's borders, Nora becoming the Winter Maiden, the search for Mercury and Tyrian, and Emerald's defection to their side, it was all so much to handle.
This was nothing compared to the most troubling news that finally broke the stalemate of silence between him and the headmaster-turned-farmhand.
"Let me get this straight, you don't know where the Summer Maiden is?" he cocked a brow.
As expected, the body of Oscar Pine stood up, drawing all eyes upon his astute posture. "It is unfortunate... Before your arrival, we sought to utilize the power she possessed in our favor, but her..."
"You can say it, Ozzie..." Theodore sighed bitterly.
"The wounds of this loss are still fresh to many. To say that she was a capable warrior doesn't do her justice. Her contributions to the battlefield were invaluable as was her semblance." His gaze fell upon the young women before him, their faces beaming with a thirst for the knowledge he held. "She was gifted with foresight, albeit in short bursts. With it, she was usually able to provide the perfect counter against her enemies."
"So, what happened? How does someone with such a powerful gift find herself defeated?"
"Well, Mr. Umbrae..."
"Umbrae-Branwen-Khan..." the fox corrected.
"Apologies," Ozpin bowed in respect, careful to avoid the powder keg for as long as possible. "Unfortunately, I believe the impact of her loss matters more than the details."
"More secrets?"
Oscar flinched at the innuendo. The young man's stress had been boiling since their first glance, and he was powerless to ignore it. Even though he wasn't sure why exactly, his spirit sensed that Aganju wasn't just having a typical teenage tantrum. He recalled the loner yearning to settle, he was once an outcast looking for somewhere to call home. But a vengeful force now overshadowed such nobility.
Pyrrha and Scylla, who were cognizant of his agitation, were also monitoring their ally.
If they were to get anywhere in this conversation, Ozpin knew that he needed to handle the situation now. Nuance would only light the fuse at this point, a notion he considered when he noticed the slightest hint of darkness forming on the sclera of his former ward. A delicate approach would have to suffice if they were to avoid bigger problems down the road.
"If you have something you'd like to say, the floor is yours, Aganju..."
The vulpine faunus reached into a bag only to pull out a book. Pyrrha recognized it immediately, as did the serpent faunus who flinched into Roxanne's shoulder at the mere sight of it. As expected, the spirit of their former headmaster stared at the tome with a knowing look.
"I assume that you know what this is, right?" he watched the man silently nod, flashing an annoyed grin. "Then you know who the wielder of this was too, correct?"
The Branwen siblings exchanged perplexing looks while Nora chewed her lip. Winter did her best to keep her stoic facade intact. Even Professor Theodore was intrigued by where things were heading.
"Why ask what you already know? I could play this game if you'd prefer, but we both know it would be best to get to the point, Mr. Umbrae..."
"You're right," Aganju ignored the misuse of his surname for now, setting the book back in the bag. "Ever since I was trapped in this damned book, I've had to deal with question after infuriating question. What was real? Who could I trust? Who or what am I? But, during our imprisonment, several events occurred that left me with one that would explain so much."
"Agan?" Pyrrha placed a hand on his shoulder.
She could feel the fear raging through his heart like a hurricane. At the thought of going farther down the rabbit hole, his muscles trembled and his blood burned. Was he prepared for the response, given everything that had happened? And how would he respond? She didn't try to stop it, nor would she be able to, regardless of his response. Pyrrha could only hope that the storm would not bring with it too much destruction.
"What do you know about my past?"
"According to Professor..."
"Not that," Aganju's eyes narrowed. "We're both long past the lies at this point."
The room grew silent and time stood still in Theo's professional chamber. Raven closed her eyes in deep thought, realizing the truth of this. It was no different than when she found out the extent of Ozpin's desire to use her and her brother as his spies, only after 'gracing' them with his magic. It was no different than finding out that Summer Rose had vanished completely after going on a mission at Ozpin's behest.
That mission... she cursed internally at the spirit of the man.
While she was more than happy to hear Aganju take their family name, it came at a price. Knowing his understanding of Salem's connection to him, at least to some extent, she made sure to keep an eye on him to avoid any unnecessary escalation. Needless to say, the stage had been set.
Aganju stood, his ears twitching with agitation, tail swishing behind him. Across from him, Oscar's body language betrayed Ozpin's presence within. Pyrrha and Scylla flanked the vulpine, concern etched on their faces.
Aganju's voice trembled with barely contained fury. "No more secrets, Ozpin. I want the truth. What's my connection to Salem? Am I... am I her son?"
Oscar's eyes flickered, showing Ozpin's internal struggle. "Aganju, please understand-"
"No!" the fox slammed his fish on the table between them. "I'm done with half-truths and cryptic answers!"
Pyrrha placed a gentle hand on her boyfriend's shoulder. "Agan, please calm down. We can discuss this rationally."
Scylla nodded, her serpentine eyes darting between the two opposing forces. "She's right. Let's not lose our heads here."
But their words seemed to fall on deaf ears. Aganju's eyes began to morph, irises flaring with a crimson glow while the sclerae turned an inky black - a chilling mirror of the witches' eyes.
Ozpin, seeing this transformation up close, sighed heavily. "Very well. You deserve to know the truth."
Silence filled the room again as the immortal began his tale. "You were found as an infant, Aganju. You were surrounded by Grimm eager to rip you apart. It was... it was Summer who found you. Summer Rose, Ruby's mother."
Aganju's eyes widened, the anger momentarily replaced by surprise.
"She was originally sent to spy on Salem's fortress but deserted the mission when you were spotted. She brought you to Raven Branwen, who took you in. I believe it was an attempt to assuage her guilt for leaving her family behind." He carefully cut his eyes, noticing the Bandit Queen rubbing her arm guiltily rubbing her arm.
Pyrrha gasped softly while Scylla's forked tongue flicked out, tasting the tension in the air.
Ozpin continued, "However, there was an attack. In the chaos, Raven lost track of you. You were later found by Cormier and taken to Argus where you were raised. The plan from there was to retrieve you and bring you to Vale, but after some time, Sanctum's esteemed headmaster thought it best to keep you there as he learned that Salem thought you'd died."
"...and you?"
"Our initial introduction was our first," Ozpin nodded, a ghost of a smile beginning to form on his face. "Originally, you were supposed to attend Haven Academy after your graduation, but... I don't need to remind you of the event, do I?" Aganju shook his head, eyes downcast. "Whether or not you believe me, my offer to bring you to Beacon was purely on your merit as a potential Huntsman."
Aganju's voice was barely a whisper. "But Salem...?"
Ozpin's gaze met his transformed stare. "Yes, Aganju. After running some tests, particularly after your capture at the hands of Merlot, we found that Salem's blood runs through your veins. What you believe to be your semblance... it's not. It's linked to her control over magic."
The revelation hit Aganju like a punch to the gut, driving the air from his lungs. He staggered back, caught by Pyrrha and Raven as Qrow, Winter, Theodore, Scylla, and Nora all watched closely.
"So I'm... I'm a monster?" Aganju's voice cracked.
Ozpin/Oscar stood, approaching the stunned faunus. "No. You're not a monster, Aganju. You're a person who was chosen to fight for what's right, despite the circumstances of your birth. That's what defines you, not your lineage."
Aganju looked at his hands, then at his friend's and allies' supportive faces, and finally back to Ozpin. The crimson in his eyes flickered back to emerald, uncertainty replacing his rage.
"What does this mean for me? For us?"
Oscar's voice returned, gentle but firm. "It means we have an advantage. But, more importantly, it means you have a choice to make, Aganju. A choice that could change everything."
As the weight of Ozpin's revelation settled over them, Scylla excused herself, sensing the need for privacy. Oscar gave a knowing nod before following suit, trailed by the others. It was clear that any sort of strategy meeting would have to wait as they left Aganju and Pyrrha alone.
Aganju slumped against the wall, sliding down to sit on the floor. His ears drooped, and his tail curled around his protectively. Pyrrha knelt beside him, her eyes filled with unease.
"Agan," she spoke softly, reaching out to take his hand. "Talk to me."
He met her gaze, his eyes still flickering between their normal state and the unsettling crimson and black. "How can you even look at me, Pyrrha? I'm... I'm part of her. I'm a monster."
Pyrrha's free hand cupped his cheek, her touch comforting his trembling features. "You are not a monster! You're the man I fell for from the day we met. You never cared about showing your rougher side before and... honestly, I accepted this part of you long ago. Whether it was at the Vytal Festival, saving me from Cinder, or protecting me from Atlas soldiers, you've shown more humanity than many I've known."
Aganju instinctively leaned into her touch, closing his eyes. "But Salem's blood-"
"Doesn't define you," She interrupted. "Your actions do. Your choices do." She smiled softly. "The family you've made throughout your journey - that's what matters."
He opened his eyes, a glimmer of hope breaking through the despair. "Family?"
Pyrrha nodded, shifting to sit beside him. She leaned her head on his shoulder, her scarlet hair cascading over them both. "Yes, family. Scylla, Roxanne, Team RWBY, Jaune, Ren, Nora... Even Qrow and Raven, not to mention Ciel and Sienna Khan. We're your family, Aganju. And we love you, no matter who your parents are."
Aganju's tail wrapped around Pyrrha, pulling her closer. "Even with everything? This... magic?"
"Especially with them," she added, a hint of playfulness in her tone. "Just like you told me before, it's you I care about, not your abilities."
For the first time since Ozpin's disclosure, Aganju smiled. He turned to face Pyrrha, their foreheads touching. "I don't know what I'd do without you," he whispered.
Pyrrha's hand found its way to the back of his neck, fingers threading through the coils of hair. "You'll never have to find out," she promised, before closing the distance with a soft, reassuring kiss.
As they parted, Aganju's eyes fully returned to normal. Pyrrha stood, offering her hand to help him up. "We should go check on the others, make sure they're not worrying too much. I'm sure they've heard we're back by now."
Aganju nodded, squeezing her hand before letting go. "I'll join you soon. I just... need a moment to process."
Pyrrha understood. With a final, loving glance, she left the room.
Aganju walked to the window, staring out at the vast desert beyond. His mind raced with possibilities, with questions. And chief among them: should he seek out Salem? Could he use this connection to their advantage?
The answer was far from clear, but as he considered Pyrrha, of his friends - his family - Aganju knew that whatever choice he made, he wouldn't be facing it alone.
The sun beat down on the sandy streets of Vacuo. Its heat was a stark contrast to the cool shadows Scylla was accustomed to. She slipped through the bustling market, her sensitive eyes drawing glances from passersby.
As she observed the vibrant life around her, Scylla's thoughts drifted to Esu. The pain of betrayal still cut deep, a persistent reminder of the time he had trapped her soul. So much time was lost while caged in that accursed book, yet she wanted nothing more than to savor the relief of freedom. She shook her head, trying to dispel the memories.
"It's time to move on," she murmured to herself, her forked tongue flicking out to taste the dry air.
"First time in Vacuo?" a melodic voice inquired.
Scyll turned to see a tall elegant faunus with impressive antlers, a curvy feminine body, and kind eyes.
"Is it that obvious?" she replied with a shy smile.
The stag chuckled. "I'm Nava," she said, extending a hand. "And yes, you have that 'overwhelmed newcomer' look."
As Scylla took Nava's hand, she noticed the pin on the deer's lapel - a light blue, light pink, and white striped flag. Something Nava's confident stance and warm smile made her feel instantly at ease.
"I'm... I'm Scylla. And yes, I could use a guide if you're offering."
Nava's face lit up. "I'd be delighted! Let me show you the real Vacuo."
As they wandered through the winding streets and hidden courtyards, Nava pointed out local landmarks and shared colorful stories. Scylla found herself relaxing, the weight of recent events lifting from her shoulders.
They paused at a small oasis in the heart of the city. Nava turned to Scylla, her antlers catching the golden light of the setting sun.
"You know, Vacuo has a saying," Nava spoke freely. "'The past is a mirage, the future a sandstorm. All we truly have is the present.'"
Scylla's breath caught in her throat. She hadn't realized how much she needed to hear those words.
Nava continued, unaware of the impact of her words. "So, what do you say we enjoy this moment? There's a great little cafe just around the corner."
As Nava spoke, Scylla found herself drawn to the warmth in her eyes, the gentle curve of her smile. For the first time in a long while, she felt a flutter of something new - possibility.
"I'd like that," Scylla replied, a genuine smile spreading across her face. As they set together Scylla realized that perhaps Vacuo held more promise than she'd initially thought. The future, once clouded by Esu's treachery, now seemed to shimmer with new potential.