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Fire Rose (RWBY/Dark Souls)
- Thread starter GentlemanMad
- Start date
GasperVladi0
(Confirmed Nurgle Cultist)
- Joined
- Apr 24, 2021
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- 2,034
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- 29,592
Holy shit one of my favorite stories has returned, fuck I love this story so much I'm glad to see it and you have not gone hollow!
Chapter 15: The first steps forward
New
GentlemanMad
Lord of Ashes
- Joined
- Jan 27, 2018
- Messages
- 546
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AN: I was going to drop this earlier, but as I went back over it I realized I could redo a scene I had overcomplicated and added a bit more detail to flesh out a section. Either way, I hope you enjoy. Glad this didn't take 2 years.
Ruby could barely contain her excitement. It had become such a routine for her to go visit him that it felt odd to not see him for so long. Hopefully Ashen felt a bit better after everything. He seemed so strong and invincible that it was still hard for her to reconcile the broken form she found him in. That day she caught a glimpse of the trauma Ashen carried with him and just how great it was. She learned just how great the price of being a hero could be and she couldn't lie to herself; it was imposing. Despite that, Ruby had no intention of giving up on her dream. She would make her mother proud.
She would make Ashen proud.
The cliffs came into view and Ruby gave a quick greeting to her mother's tombstone before zipping down the cliff side. Ashen was waiting for her at his campsite. It would be difficult for someone unfamiliar to notice, but Ruby could tell that Ashen was a bit more relaxed. He sat upright, but now there was a slight relaxedness to his posture. A small, but significant change as the weight Ashen carried, eased its burden. It looked like his venting had been good for him. Ruby smiled.
"Morning Ashen," she greeted as she approached.
"Good morning." Ashen nodded. "I trust that things have finally settled down if you are able to come here."
"Yep. My dad and uncle have said that all the other Huntsmen have been called back. Technically the teachers from Signal are supposed to keep an eye out for you, but dad says they all know how you don't want to be bothered so you don't have to worry about them."
"That is fortunate to hear." Ashen hummed in thought. "I was considering whether I should go out for a walk around the island. See the state of things after the… mess I caused. Would you like to join me?" He asked.
Ruby's eyes sparkled as she nodded vigorously. "Yes."
"Shall we?" Ashen gestured for Ruby to follow as he headed into the forest.
Ruby zipped over so she was walking beside him. She practically bounced with each step she took. Ruby couldn't resist a glance towards his hand. Her own itched, but she resisted. She was older and would soon become a huntress, so she had to start acting more grownup. The sounds of the forest surrounded them as they walked in silence.
"Have you ventured into the forests before?" Ashen asked, breaking the silence.
"Only around home. This is the furthest I've ever been out here," Ruby replied "Usually the Grimm makes it too dangerous for dad to bring me or my sister this far out. My dad told me that Signal sometimes sends classes out here for training."
"I have encountered a few during my strolls," he commented. "Your father has led a few of them himself."
"Well he is a teacher. One of the best at Signal." Ruby couldn't keep the pride out of her voice as she puffed out her chest.
"He is skilled from what I have observed though I do not believe he will have much to teach in the forest for some time."
Ruby giggled, her eyes twinkling like stars as she stared at Ashen. "I still can't believe you cleared the Grimm out of patch. It's like something out of a legend." She squealed and hopped in place. "That makes you a legend. I can't believe I'm going to learn from a legend. This is so cool."
Ashen chuckled at her exuberance. He wouldn't deny that she was adorable. It was a much needed breath of fresh air.
"While there may not be a threat of Grimm, there are still many things to be aware of in the forest."
"Like what?" Ruby asked.
Ashen put his hand in front of her to stop her while his other came up to his face in the sign of silence. He pointed forward to some bushes. At first there was nothing. When Ruby was about to ask what they were waiting for, the bushes started to rustle. A small brown rabbit hopped out.
Ruby couldn't suppress her "aw" at the cute sight. It stood up on its hind legs as its nose twitched nervously. She waved at the cute bunny before it bolted back into the bushes, much to her disappointment.
"Not all things are threats to be wary of," Ashen commented before leading Ruby further into the forest.
He pointed out various signs and tracks of wildlife. It wasn't all for show. Ashen taught her many things about the forest. Things she would have to study if she wanted to survive in a forest on her own. Huntsman and Huntresses spent a lot of time in the wilds outside the kingdoms' walls so it made sense that they would have to know how to survive in the wilds. Ruby absorbed every word of his like a sponge. He laid down the groundwork for future lessons and skills he would train her in. Skills that she would carry with her and help her as a huntress.
Tracking was her favorite. She couldn't wait for the day she could look at a spot of land like Ashen and be able to read a story of the animals that passed through. Even the Grimm were no exception to this so she would be able to track down packs of dangerous or unique ones.
Hunting on the other hand, she was not looking forward to. All Ruby could think about was that cute little rabbit. Regardless, she listened to every bit of knowledge Ashen gave out even though she knew she wouldn't remember half of it by day's end. She was enjoying herself too much to care.
Never before had she been so deep in the forests despite living her whole life on the island. Even on a small island like Patch, the threat of the Grimm could not be underestimated. The most desolate areas of the world still had Grimm living there. For Patch to be Grimm free, even if it was temporary, was an event only dream of. A true miracle or better yet, a future legend crafted in real time. The thought that she was currently experiencing Vale's, no, Remnant's next legend filled Ruby with excitement.
Even with the growing protests of her legs from the passing hours, Ruby felt undaunted with their exploration. Rather her exploration as Ashen had already experienced all of this, but it was still nice to have someone to share the experience with. Ruby smelled the ocean before she saw it. The trace of salt in the air tickled her nose. The forest ended suddenly, giving way to the shoreline. Ruby found that they were standing on a bluff, almost the height of her home, that led down to the sandy beach. Maybe sandy wasn't the right word. It was a lot more chunky and full of gravel compared to the soft sand of the beaches by the port.
Her eyes widened when she spotted a wide furrow not far from their position that dug inland from the shore. Something had tried to carve a path inland and in the process uprooted the soil and trees. Trees were shattered and knocked over in a cone of devastation. Ruby approached the ruined landscape as Ashen followed behind her.
"Watch your step," Ashen warned as he put a hand on her shoulder to stop her. "The soil here is still unstable and prone to shifting. There are many patches of unstable land along the coast now."
She nodded before she followed the trail of destruction. To her surprise the trail of damage didn't go very far inland before it abruptly ended.
"It was some sort of large serpent from the sea," Ashen explained. "Like many other Grimm from the sea, it beached itself in its efforts to join its brethren inland. Much of the distance it managed was more due to its size than anything else. I found it stranded here, before I put it out of its misery."
Ruby struggled to imagine a Grimm so big. Even the largest Beowolves and Ursas seemed tiny in comparison. She knew there were much larger Grimm than them in the world, but to see the evidence of one really put it into perspective. It gave her an even greater appreciation for the enemies Huntsmen and Huntresses had to fight to defend humanity.
Ashen helped her as they crossed the furrow. As Ashen warned, the ground was soft and shifted underfoot, but she managed to avoid falling. Once on the other side, the two walked by the edge of the forest and followed the coastline. While they could see the coastline of Vale across the channel, the city itself was still out of view. Ruby wanted to see the city before they journeyed back. After a short bit of walking Vale came into view. In her excitement Ruby ran ahead of Ashen.
"There's the city!" she cried. She stood along the ledge as she gazed at the sight. "Finally. My feet were starting to hurt. It's so big."
Even in the distance across the channel, the city of Vale dominated the coastline. Standing tall behind exceedingly high walls were skyscrapers and standing even taller than them was Beacon Academy. It sat on raised elevation, overlooking the city as a watchful protector. The home of Vale's Huntsmen and Huntresses which included her own parents and with Ashen's training, would soon include herself.
"Ruby, what did I say about staying away from ledges?" Ashen interrupted her thoughts.
"Don't worry. The ground here is stable." Ruby tapped the ground with her foot.
As if nature itself was responding, her statement was immediately followed by the sound of shifting earth.
Crumbles.
Ruby shrieked as the dirt collapsed under her.
"Ruby!"
She tumbled down the slope before she slammed onto the ground back-first. The wind was knocked out of her and choked off a cry of pain. Ruby's eyes watered as she felt the forming of bruises and the stings from small cuts and scrapes. There was a heavy thump as Ashen landed beside her.
"This is why I warned you to be careful," Ashen scolded as he knelt beside her. He scooped her up into his arms.
"Owie."
"Nothing too severe," he commented. "Hold still for a moment longer." Ashen pulled out a familiar talisman and held it in front of her.
Ashen read a short prayer aloud before the talisman began to glow. It bathed them in golden light. The same golden light she had experienced all those years ago. Only now she could truly bask in its warmth. For a moment she wasn't in Ashen's grasp, rather she felt herself being held in a loving embrace while the faintest sound of humming tickled the edge of her hearing. She felt loved. The same love that she felt when her mom held her on her lap. Fading memories and feelings sharpen to the point they felt recent again. It was wonderful.
All too soon, the sensation faded and the light went away. All that remained was a lingering warmth that was swept away by the coastal air. Ruby opened her eyes and had to blink away tears. As she rubbed away the tears she could feel how fresh her body felt. It was like waking up late after having gone to bed with a belly full of warm milk and cookies. All the pain was gone, taken away as if it had never happened. Even the soreness that had been building from their walk was gone.
"What was that?" she asked as she stared at the talisman Ashen held. It was a humble cloth piece, wrapped around itself with a gold band that held a faded, red ribbon. On the gold band was a faded drawing of a pair of eyes. Eyes that felt familiar to her.
"That was a Miracle," Ashen answered as he stowed away the talisman. "A blessing of the old gods to their faithful."
He helped her to her feet. Ruby flexed and stretched, still in awe over how great she felt. She couldn't help but hop in place. Ashen had told her before about Miracles, but he had never demonstrated any of them so she hadn't made the connection. Miracle was an excellent way to describe how they made her feel.
"It really is. I feel great," she gushed as her enthusiasm threatened to overwhelm her.
Ashen put a hand on her head, stopping her bouncing. "I'm glad that you are feeling so rejuvenated, but I require that you answer some questions for me."
Ruby's mood dampened. She recognized that tone, the same her dad used whenever he lectured her about her schoolwork.
"Why did you ignore my warning about the ledge?" he asked.
Ruby averted her gaze. "The ground here didn't look as messed up as that other area," she mumbled.
Ashen glanced over his shoulder and Ruby followed his gaze. Running along the base of the ledge where furrows of various depths dug along the base of the ledge. It looked like a huge group had tried to dig through the dirt rather than try to climb.
"Not everything is immediately obvious," Ashen explained. "Much of the coastline is like this from the sea Grimm that came ashore. Lacking the proper limbs, they did the only thing they could and tried to burrow their way to me."
"Doesn't look like they made it," Ruby quipped
"Doesn't change the fact that they left a mess of the shoreline all around Patch." He turned back to Ruby. "Now for my next question; why didn't you use your Aura to protect yourself from the fall?"
Her face flushed red as she shuffled in place from embarrassment. "I…uh…I was surprised and froze."
"So I can assume that would also answer as to why you did not use your semblance to move away from the ledge in time."
Ruby was certain her face matched her cloak right now. Ashen reached out and flicked her forehead.
"Ow! What was that for?" Ruby rubbed the spot he hit. It was performative as it didn't actually hurt, but it was the principle of the matter.
"A lesson to embed in your head early; surprise is no excuse," he lectured. "If you wish to become a hero, then even when you are caught-off guard you must be ready to act at all times. A split second of hesitation will be the difference between life and death. For you, that moment was an instant; for me, it would have been an eternity for me to plan and react. Do you understand?"
"I got it." She nodded.
"Good. That will be one of the instincts we will hone with your training." Ashen gestured for her to follow. They continued their walk along the water line. Ruby was tempted to splash in the lapping waves, but didn't want to get her socks wet. "There is something I need to have a better understanding of. How exactly does your Aura work?"
"I'm not really sure," Ruby admitted. "I know it's made up of our souls and gives us power and super strength and protects us, but I don't know all the details."
"I am more curious about how the shield works. How easily can you call upon it?"
"I kinda have to think about it. Like I can ready it if I focus or think I might get hurt. My dad says that Signal will help me better use it. Huntsmen have their auras up almost all the time. Dad said Signal will train me to use it…sub…subdon…subduniously?"
"Subconsciously?"
"Yeah! Subconsciously. I'll have my aura up all the time. It'll be like breathing. At least that's what my dad said."
"Hmm. Not an absolute shield, but one that is most advantageous. The soul art's capabilities are forever remarkable," Ashen commented.
"Do you have aura?" Ruby asked.
"I have many abilities and shields I can manifest, but nothing like yours. I may need to experiment and see if I can uncover the secret your ancestors developed. It would be an interesting experiment to practice with."
"So there are skills even you don't know," Ruby teased. "If you want, once I get aura down, I can train you on how to use your own." She stood up straight, raising herself on her toes, as she mimicked the tone of a serious educator based on one of the teachers she's had.
Ashen reached over and ruffled her hair. Ruby giggled. "I will make sure to inform you if I require the aid." He turned his focus to the city across the water. "It is a marvelous city."
"Yep. It's home to the best Huntsman academy in the world and it's better than the other Kingdoms."
"Truly? Pray, tell me what makes Vale the pinnacle of the four kingdoms."
"Well, first off it's not as cold as Atlas. And it's not as hot as Vacuo."
"What about Mistrial?" Ashen couldn't keep the smile from his voice.
"Well, they're boring so they don't really count."
Ashen chuckled. "Truly, Vale's claims allow it to stand above all others."
"Yep. Aren't we lucky to be living in the bestest of all the Kingdoms?" Ruby's smile was full of mischief as she added a bounce to her steps.
"That I am," Ashen said quietly. He stopped and stared across the channel at the city. What he could see of the buildings that peaked above the defenses, their architecture foreign to him, but the large walls felt familiar. Despite everything, humanity endured. A reminder he needed more than once to validate that it was worth it in the end.
"Well then. I believe we have explored long enough. Are you ready to begin the journey home?" Ruby blinked at him in surprise. She opened her mouth, but froze. He watched in amusement as it dawned on her that now she had to repeat the walk back. He chuckled. "What is the matter? I thought you said you felt refreshed."
Ruby pouted. "Fine. Let's head back." She couldn't stop her pout from turning into a smile. Despite her complaint, her exuberance was still strong.
It almost made him reconsider his next course of action.
Almost.
Ashen led Ruby toward the bluff she rolled down. The dirt had filled in the furrow underneath. She turned and looked at him in confusion.
"It is not so steep here. You should have no issue climbing back up."
Ruby stared at him in confusion. "You want me to climb? Why?"
"It would be much quicker to scale this face back up than if we continued until the land leveled off. We would not have to if someone had heeded my warning," he responded, dryly.
She flushed. "Couldn't you carry me?"
"No." He could, but that would defeat the lesson. "Thanks to the healing power of Goddess' Miracle you feel refreshed. All your aches from journeying here are gone, therefore it should be a simple matter for you to climb back up."
Ruby glared at him in annoyance. "But my clothes will get dirty."
Ashen gave her a slow look up and down. For the first time Ruby took a look at herself and realized the point was mute. Her clothes were already filthy from her tumble.
"Oh."
"You want to get home before dark, right? We are still far off from where the bluff drops to meet the shore." Technically they could use the furrow the sea serpent Grimm carved through the bluff, but if it didn't occur to Ruby, he wasn't going to remind her. "The quickest path is not always the easiest. It is something you will learn quickly when you travel on your own as a Huntress."
"Fine," she conceded. Ruby's expression morphed into determination as she approached the bluff. She was going to be the best Huntress she could be and she was going to prove it. Something like this was easy to climb. It was steep, but it wasn't a cliff wall. She could walk up this. She'll just have to lean close to the ground.
"Don't forget about your aura this time. It will help you if you fall again," Ashen reminded her.
"I won't. Now watch me." Ruby began her climb up, practically crawling along the surface. The dirt was a mix of soft soil and jagged rocks. It made things surprisingly tricky as she would grab or step onto a rock, only for it to sink under her. Usually this caused her to slide back down and have to restart her climb. If Ruby failed to notice Ashen occasionally sticking his hand into the dirt below her and pushing it down, causing an avalanche effect that pulled her back down, he would consider it punishment for failing to be aware of her surroundings.
Ruby, in her exuberance, could develop the most severe case of tunnel vision at times. It was something he was going to need to train her to control. While useful when she was engrossed in a topic she enjoyed like weapons or his stories about the old world, it was an exploitable vulnerability that could harm her, not just in combat, but also in settings where people would try to manipulate her.
It wasn't obvious at first, even to him, as she would be so engaged. Ruby was the opposite of the usual person, who in their thoughts would shut out the rest of the world as they withdrew inward. Ruby didn't shut out the outside world, rather she filtered it. Whatever didn't apply to her current focus, she disregarded which created a false sense of alertness.
After causing her to slide down once again Ashen asked, "Would you like me to-"
"I can do it!" Ruby snapped before trying again. Once more she completely missed his sabotage.
So he let her keep at it. Eventually her repeated efforts took as long as if they had taken the long way around. With a mighty heave Ruby managed to pull herself over the top. She let out a groan of victory.
"Now you do it," she called back down with a tired breath.
Ashen snorted in amusement before he approached a different spot along the bluff and made his climb. He has had to navigate a variety of difficult surfaces, many more volatile and unstable than this small cliff face. After a brief moment he pulled himself up top. To the side he could see Ruby still laying on the ground, panting for breath with her eyes closed. His shadow casted shade on her as he stood over her. Ruby opened her eyes and glared at him.
"You suck," she gasped between breaths.
"Come now. Have you already used up all the energy the miracle gifted you?" Ashen asked as he plucked Ruby from the ground. As soon as her feet touched the ground, she swayed back and forth in a blatant, exaggerated manner.
"Can't you carry me?" she pleaded. Ashen, once more, reached out and flicked her. Ruby was knocked out of her swaying before she burst out into giggles at her own silliness.
"Your legs seem to be just fine. Also, who do you plan to have to carry you when you are out traveling on your own as a huntress, hm?" Ashen gestured for her to follow as he headed into the forest. Ruby fell into step beside him.
Much like the start of their journey to the coast, Ashen pointed out little details and subtle shifts that happened in the forest during the sun's descent. The forest was bathed in golden light as evening fell upon them. Half way through Ruby asked him again to carry her though this time she was serious. He encouraged her to keep going. Ashen had made her walk quite a fair distance in his roundabout way to the coast and even with the restoration he gave her, Ruby was starting to feel the toll on her young body.
She started to slow down as she complained about her aching legs and feet. Next her spirit took a hit after her scroll chimed with a message. Suddenly, she wasn't in as much of a hurry to return home. Ruby didn't tell Ashen what it said, but he could easily assume it had to do with her father and how it was becoming dark. No doubt upset over how late he kept her. She asked him if she could spend the night with him, to both avoid her upset father and to rest. Ashen encouraged her to keep going.
"When the path is long and our task, great, there is no time to catch your breath. To eek out a moment of respite. Seldom, it is a luxury one is granted. If it helps, consider this your first little test for the dream you pursue. To endure and continue, despite the difficulties of doing so."
Ruby nodded in understanding. It didn't make her feet ache any less, but she did as she was told and endured. Didn't stop her from complaining, as she still felt she was entitled to at least that. Ashen couldn't really disagree on that point.
Soon the last rays of golden sunlight vanished and the pale glow of the moon fell on them. With a flick of his wrist, Ashen used his pyromancy to ignite his hand as he held it up to act like a torch. Ruby stared, captivated, by his flame. Unconsciously, she reached out and took a hold of his free hand. He helped guide her step as she was unable to navigate through the night like himself. They were like a little beacon traveling through the forest. The night sky slowly filled with stars that watched them from above. Traveling in the dark was not always pleasant, but it was nights like this that gave the starlight ocean an almost mystical feeling.
Outside his light, the forest was not swallowed by shadow, rather it was bathed in dark blue with the faintest traces of white. It was like a midnight wonderland, born by the starry sky. Ruby was enraptured by it all as she clung to Ashen. She could even put aside the complaints from her feet. The forest around her came alive around her in a way she had never experienced before. The faint and occasional glow of fireflies, the sounds of nighttime animals like the hooting of the owls that soared through the trees above them. Every now and again she would catch a glimpse of a near glowing set of eyes watching her from under some bushes or around a tree. The moment she makes eye contact they would dart away, back into the night.
Ruby was usually scared of the forest at night, though she would deny it whenever anyone asked. She struggled ever since that night she fell on top of Ashen. Even in the early mornings where she would meet with Ashen, she would still sprint as fast as she could to spend as little time alone as possible. Tonight, though, felt different. The shadows didn't feel alive as if they were Grimm themselves, ready to eat her. Everything felt like the forest she grew up around, different, but still familiar. Ruby felt comfortable enough to step away from Ashen, not knowing when she had first huddled up so close to him. For tonight, even if it was just for tonight, she wasn't afraid.
She didn't let go of Ashen's hand though. He was very warm.
Soon her home came into view, the lights from inside casting its glow into the night. Unfortunately for her, she could see her dad standing, silhouetted, in the doorway, waiting for her. She could already feel the scolding he was going to give her for coming back so late. Ashen released her and let her travel the short distance remaining on her own. Ruby turned around and waved good-bye to him one last time.
Ashen returned the wave, standing tall, her beacon in the night.
AN: I'm still so sorry about the wait. I really don't have any excuse or reason to give. Time just got away from me and before I know it, its been 2 years now. Unbelievable. I have to thank all the people who had reached out over that time to check in on me. Means a lot.
I will say this, unless I suddenly die, I will still be working on this or I'll post a final chapter announcing my end of writing and give the general outline I have planned to provide at least some closure. So unless you see that, do feel free to check on me and prod me about the next chapter. They do help those days I'm tired from work but after reading one of yours, I get the energy to sit down and at least get a few lines down. So never feel like a bother messaging me. Again, thanks for all the messages, old and new, and the reviews that have flooded in.
Anyways, please leave a review and I'll see you next time.
Chapter 15: The first steps forward
The day was bright, the sky clear, and the sun still climbing into the sky. Ruby was a blur of red as she zoomed between trees. She felt thrilled about today. It had been two weeks since Ashen's "episode". Despite the best efforts of countless Huntsmen and Huntresses, no one was able to find Ashen or his hiding place. Unfortunately, due to all their searching, she wasn't able to spend any time with him in order to avoid accidentally exposing him. Then the news came in from her Uncle Qrow. The search was officially called off and the last of the huntsmen were redeployed back in Vale. With the forests now clear from nosey searchers she could finally go back to visiting Ashen again.Ruby could barely contain her excitement. It had become such a routine for her to go visit him that it felt odd to not see him for so long. Hopefully Ashen felt a bit better after everything. He seemed so strong and invincible that it was still hard for her to reconcile the broken form she found him in. That day she caught a glimpse of the trauma Ashen carried with him and just how great it was. She learned just how great the price of being a hero could be and she couldn't lie to herself; it was imposing. Despite that, Ruby had no intention of giving up on her dream. She would make her mother proud.
She would make Ashen proud.
The cliffs came into view and Ruby gave a quick greeting to her mother's tombstone before zipping down the cliff side. Ashen was waiting for her at his campsite. It would be difficult for someone unfamiliar to notice, but Ruby could tell that Ashen was a bit more relaxed. He sat upright, but now there was a slight relaxedness to his posture. A small, but significant change as the weight Ashen carried, eased its burden. It looked like his venting had been good for him. Ruby smiled.
"Morning Ashen," she greeted as she approached.
"Good morning." Ashen nodded. "I trust that things have finally settled down if you are able to come here."
"Yep. My dad and uncle have said that all the other Huntsmen have been called back. Technically the teachers from Signal are supposed to keep an eye out for you, but dad says they all know how you don't want to be bothered so you don't have to worry about them."
"That is fortunate to hear." Ashen hummed in thought. "I was considering whether I should go out for a walk around the island. See the state of things after the… mess I caused. Would you like to join me?" He asked.
Ruby's eyes sparkled as she nodded vigorously. "Yes."
"Shall we?" Ashen gestured for Ruby to follow as he headed into the forest.
Ruby zipped over so she was walking beside him. She practically bounced with each step she took. Ruby couldn't resist a glance towards his hand. Her own itched, but she resisted. She was older and would soon become a huntress, so she had to start acting more grownup. The sounds of the forest surrounded them as they walked in silence.
"Have you ventured into the forests before?" Ashen asked, breaking the silence.
"Only around home. This is the furthest I've ever been out here," Ruby replied "Usually the Grimm makes it too dangerous for dad to bring me or my sister this far out. My dad told me that Signal sometimes sends classes out here for training."
"I have encountered a few during my strolls," he commented. "Your father has led a few of them himself."
"Well he is a teacher. One of the best at Signal." Ruby couldn't keep the pride out of her voice as she puffed out her chest.
"He is skilled from what I have observed though I do not believe he will have much to teach in the forest for some time."
Ruby giggled, her eyes twinkling like stars as she stared at Ashen. "I still can't believe you cleared the Grimm out of patch. It's like something out of a legend." She squealed and hopped in place. "That makes you a legend. I can't believe I'm going to learn from a legend. This is so cool."
Ashen chuckled at her exuberance. He wouldn't deny that she was adorable. It was a much needed breath of fresh air.
"While there may not be a threat of Grimm, there are still many things to be aware of in the forest."
"Like what?" Ruby asked.
Ashen put his hand in front of her to stop her while his other came up to his face in the sign of silence. He pointed forward to some bushes. At first there was nothing. When Ruby was about to ask what they were waiting for, the bushes started to rustle. A small brown rabbit hopped out.
Ruby couldn't suppress her "aw" at the cute sight. It stood up on its hind legs as its nose twitched nervously. She waved at the cute bunny before it bolted back into the bushes, much to her disappointment.
"Not all things are threats to be wary of," Ashen commented before leading Ruby further into the forest.
He pointed out various signs and tracks of wildlife. It wasn't all for show. Ashen taught her many things about the forest. Things she would have to study if she wanted to survive in a forest on her own. Huntsman and Huntresses spent a lot of time in the wilds outside the kingdoms' walls so it made sense that they would have to know how to survive in the wilds. Ruby absorbed every word of his like a sponge. He laid down the groundwork for future lessons and skills he would train her in. Skills that she would carry with her and help her as a huntress.
Tracking was her favorite. She couldn't wait for the day she could look at a spot of land like Ashen and be able to read a story of the animals that passed through. Even the Grimm were no exception to this so she would be able to track down packs of dangerous or unique ones.
Hunting on the other hand, she was not looking forward to. All Ruby could think about was that cute little rabbit. Regardless, she listened to every bit of knowledge Ashen gave out even though she knew she wouldn't remember half of it by day's end. She was enjoying herself too much to care.
Never before had she been so deep in the forests despite living her whole life on the island. Even on a small island like Patch, the threat of the Grimm could not be underestimated. The most desolate areas of the world still had Grimm living there. For Patch to be Grimm free, even if it was temporary, was an event only dream of. A true miracle or better yet, a future legend crafted in real time. The thought that she was currently experiencing Vale's, no, Remnant's next legend filled Ruby with excitement.
Even with the growing protests of her legs from the passing hours, Ruby felt undaunted with their exploration. Rather her exploration as Ashen had already experienced all of this, but it was still nice to have someone to share the experience with. Ruby smelled the ocean before she saw it. The trace of salt in the air tickled her nose. The forest ended suddenly, giving way to the shoreline. Ruby found that they were standing on a bluff, almost the height of her home, that led down to the sandy beach. Maybe sandy wasn't the right word. It was a lot more chunky and full of gravel compared to the soft sand of the beaches by the port.
Her eyes widened when she spotted a wide furrow not far from their position that dug inland from the shore. Something had tried to carve a path inland and in the process uprooted the soil and trees. Trees were shattered and knocked over in a cone of devastation. Ruby approached the ruined landscape as Ashen followed behind her.
"Watch your step," Ashen warned as he put a hand on her shoulder to stop her. "The soil here is still unstable and prone to shifting. There are many patches of unstable land along the coast now."
She nodded before she followed the trail of destruction. To her surprise the trail of damage didn't go very far inland before it abruptly ended.
"It was some sort of large serpent from the sea," Ashen explained. "Like many other Grimm from the sea, it beached itself in its efforts to join its brethren inland. Much of the distance it managed was more due to its size than anything else. I found it stranded here, before I put it out of its misery."
Ruby struggled to imagine a Grimm so big. Even the largest Beowolves and Ursas seemed tiny in comparison. She knew there were much larger Grimm than them in the world, but to see the evidence of one really put it into perspective. It gave her an even greater appreciation for the enemies Huntsmen and Huntresses had to fight to defend humanity.
Ashen helped her as they crossed the furrow. As Ashen warned, the ground was soft and shifted underfoot, but she managed to avoid falling. Once on the other side, the two walked by the edge of the forest and followed the coastline. While they could see the coastline of Vale across the channel, the city itself was still out of view. Ruby wanted to see the city before they journeyed back. After a short bit of walking Vale came into view. In her excitement Ruby ran ahead of Ashen.
"There's the city!" she cried. She stood along the ledge as she gazed at the sight. "Finally. My feet were starting to hurt. It's so big."
Even in the distance across the channel, the city of Vale dominated the coastline. Standing tall behind exceedingly high walls were skyscrapers and standing even taller than them was Beacon Academy. It sat on raised elevation, overlooking the city as a watchful protector. The home of Vale's Huntsmen and Huntresses which included her own parents and with Ashen's training, would soon include herself.
"Ruby, what did I say about staying away from ledges?" Ashen interrupted her thoughts.
"Don't worry. The ground here is stable." Ruby tapped the ground with her foot.
As if nature itself was responding, her statement was immediately followed by the sound of shifting earth.
Crumbles.
Ruby shrieked as the dirt collapsed under her.
"Ruby!"
She tumbled down the slope before she slammed onto the ground back-first. The wind was knocked out of her and choked off a cry of pain. Ruby's eyes watered as she felt the forming of bruises and the stings from small cuts and scrapes. There was a heavy thump as Ashen landed beside her.
"This is why I warned you to be careful," Ashen scolded as he knelt beside her. He scooped her up into his arms.
"Owie."
"Nothing too severe," he commented. "Hold still for a moment longer." Ashen pulled out a familiar talisman and held it in front of her.
Ashen read a short prayer aloud before the talisman began to glow. It bathed them in golden light. The same golden light she had experienced all those years ago. Only now she could truly bask in its warmth. For a moment she wasn't in Ashen's grasp, rather she felt herself being held in a loving embrace while the faintest sound of humming tickled the edge of her hearing. She felt loved. The same love that she felt when her mom held her on her lap. Fading memories and feelings sharpen to the point they felt recent again. It was wonderful.
All too soon, the sensation faded and the light went away. All that remained was a lingering warmth that was swept away by the coastal air. Ruby opened her eyes and had to blink away tears. As she rubbed away the tears she could feel how fresh her body felt. It was like waking up late after having gone to bed with a belly full of warm milk and cookies. All the pain was gone, taken away as if it had never happened. Even the soreness that had been building from their walk was gone.
"What was that?" she asked as she stared at the talisman Ashen held. It was a humble cloth piece, wrapped around itself with a gold band that held a faded, red ribbon. On the gold band was a faded drawing of a pair of eyes. Eyes that felt familiar to her.
"That was a Miracle," Ashen answered as he stowed away the talisman. "A blessing of the old gods to their faithful."
He helped her to her feet. Ruby flexed and stretched, still in awe over how great she felt. She couldn't help but hop in place. Ashen had told her before about Miracles, but he had never demonstrated any of them so she hadn't made the connection. Miracle was an excellent way to describe how they made her feel.
"It really is. I feel great," she gushed as her enthusiasm threatened to overwhelm her.
Ashen put a hand on her head, stopping her bouncing. "I'm glad that you are feeling so rejuvenated, but I require that you answer some questions for me."
Ruby's mood dampened. She recognized that tone, the same her dad used whenever he lectured her about her schoolwork.
"Why did you ignore my warning about the ledge?" he asked.
Ruby averted her gaze. "The ground here didn't look as messed up as that other area," she mumbled.
Ashen glanced over his shoulder and Ruby followed his gaze. Running along the base of the ledge where furrows of various depths dug along the base of the ledge. It looked like a huge group had tried to dig through the dirt rather than try to climb.
"Not everything is immediately obvious," Ashen explained. "Much of the coastline is like this from the sea Grimm that came ashore. Lacking the proper limbs, they did the only thing they could and tried to burrow their way to me."
"Doesn't look like they made it," Ruby quipped
"Doesn't change the fact that they left a mess of the shoreline all around Patch." He turned back to Ruby. "Now for my next question; why didn't you use your Aura to protect yourself from the fall?"
Her face flushed red as she shuffled in place from embarrassment. "I…uh…I was surprised and froze."
"So I can assume that would also answer as to why you did not use your semblance to move away from the ledge in time."
Ruby was certain her face matched her cloak right now. Ashen reached out and flicked her forehead.
"Ow! What was that for?" Ruby rubbed the spot he hit. It was performative as it didn't actually hurt, but it was the principle of the matter.
"A lesson to embed in your head early; surprise is no excuse," he lectured. "If you wish to become a hero, then even when you are caught-off guard you must be ready to act at all times. A split second of hesitation will be the difference between life and death. For you, that moment was an instant; for me, it would have been an eternity for me to plan and react. Do you understand?"
"I got it." She nodded.
"Good. That will be one of the instincts we will hone with your training." Ashen gestured for her to follow. They continued their walk along the water line. Ruby was tempted to splash in the lapping waves, but didn't want to get her socks wet. "There is something I need to have a better understanding of. How exactly does your Aura work?"
"I'm not really sure," Ruby admitted. "I know it's made up of our souls and gives us power and super strength and protects us, but I don't know all the details."
"I am more curious about how the shield works. How easily can you call upon it?"
"I kinda have to think about it. Like I can ready it if I focus or think I might get hurt. My dad says that Signal will help me better use it. Huntsmen have their auras up almost all the time. Dad said Signal will train me to use it…sub…subdon…subduniously?"
"Subconsciously?"
"Yeah! Subconsciously. I'll have my aura up all the time. It'll be like breathing. At least that's what my dad said."
"Hmm. Not an absolute shield, but one that is most advantageous. The soul art's capabilities are forever remarkable," Ashen commented.
"Do you have aura?" Ruby asked.
"I have many abilities and shields I can manifest, but nothing like yours. I may need to experiment and see if I can uncover the secret your ancestors developed. It would be an interesting experiment to practice with."
"So there are skills even you don't know," Ruby teased. "If you want, once I get aura down, I can train you on how to use your own." She stood up straight, raising herself on her toes, as she mimicked the tone of a serious educator based on one of the teachers she's had.
Ashen reached over and ruffled her hair. Ruby giggled. "I will make sure to inform you if I require the aid." He turned his focus to the city across the water. "It is a marvelous city."
"Yep. It's home to the best Huntsman academy in the world and it's better than the other Kingdoms."
"Truly? Pray, tell me what makes Vale the pinnacle of the four kingdoms."
"Well, first off it's not as cold as Atlas. And it's not as hot as Vacuo."
"What about Mistrial?" Ashen couldn't keep the smile from his voice.
"Well, they're boring so they don't really count."
Ashen chuckled. "Truly, Vale's claims allow it to stand above all others."
"Yep. Aren't we lucky to be living in the bestest of all the Kingdoms?" Ruby's smile was full of mischief as she added a bounce to her steps.
"That I am," Ashen said quietly. He stopped and stared across the channel at the city. What he could see of the buildings that peaked above the defenses, their architecture foreign to him, but the large walls felt familiar. Despite everything, humanity endured. A reminder he needed more than once to validate that it was worth it in the end.
"Well then. I believe we have explored long enough. Are you ready to begin the journey home?" Ruby blinked at him in surprise. She opened her mouth, but froze. He watched in amusement as it dawned on her that now she had to repeat the walk back. He chuckled. "What is the matter? I thought you said you felt refreshed."
Ruby pouted. "Fine. Let's head back." She couldn't stop her pout from turning into a smile. Despite her complaint, her exuberance was still strong.
It almost made him reconsider his next course of action.
Almost.
Ashen led Ruby toward the bluff she rolled down. The dirt had filled in the furrow underneath. She turned and looked at him in confusion.
"It is not so steep here. You should have no issue climbing back up."
Ruby stared at him in confusion. "You want me to climb? Why?"
"It would be much quicker to scale this face back up than if we continued until the land leveled off. We would not have to if someone had heeded my warning," he responded, dryly.
She flushed. "Couldn't you carry me?"
"No." He could, but that would defeat the lesson. "Thanks to the healing power of Goddess' Miracle you feel refreshed. All your aches from journeying here are gone, therefore it should be a simple matter for you to climb back up."
Ruby glared at him in annoyance. "But my clothes will get dirty."
Ashen gave her a slow look up and down. For the first time Ruby took a look at herself and realized the point was mute. Her clothes were already filthy from her tumble.
"Oh."
"You want to get home before dark, right? We are still far off from where the bluff drops to meet the shore." Technically they could use the furrow the sea serpent Grimm carved through the bluff, but if it didn't occur to Ruby, he wasn't going to remind her. "The quickest path is not always the easiest. It is something you will learn quickly when you travel on your own as a Huntress."
"Fine," she conceded. Ruby's expression morphed into determination as she approached the bluff. She was going to be the best Huntress she could be and she was going to prove it. Something like this was easy to climb. It was steep, but it wasn't a cliff wall. She could walk up this. She'll just have to lean close to the ground.
"Don't forget about your aura this time. It will help you if you fall again," Ashen reminded her.
"I won't. Now watch me." Ruby began her climb up, practically crawling along the surface. The dirt was a mix of soft soil and jagged rocks. It made things surprisingly tricky as she would grab or step onto a rock, only for it to sink under her. Usually this caused her to slide back down and have to restart her climb. If Ruby failed to notice Ashen occasionally sticking his hand into the dirt below her and pushing it down, causing an avalanche effect that pulled her back down, he would consider it punishment for failing to be aware of her surroundings.
Ruby, in her exuberance, could develop the most severe case of tunnel vision at times. It was something he was going to need to train her to control. While useful when she was engrossed in a topic she enjoyed like weapons or his stories about the old world, it was an exploitable vulnerability that could harm her, not just in combat, but also in settings where people would try to manipulate her.
It wasn't obvious at first, even to him, as she would be so engaged. Ruby was the opposite of the usual person, who in their thoughts would shut out the rest of the world as they withdrew inward. Ruby didn't shut out the outside world, rather she filtered it. Whatever didn't apply to her current focus, she disregarded which created a false sense of alertness.
After causing her to slide down once again Ashen asked, "Would you like me to-"
"I can do it!" Ruby snapped before trying again. Once more she completely missed his sabotage.
So he let her keep at it. Eventually her repeated efforts took as long as if they had taken the long way around. With a mighty heave Ruby managed to pull herself over the top. She let out a groan of victory.
"Now you do it," she called back down with a tired breath.
Ashen snorted in amusement before he approached a different spot along the bluff and made his climb. He has had to navigate a variety of difficult surfaces, many more volatile and unstable than this small cliff face. After a brief moment he pulled himself up top. To the side he could see Ruby still laying on the ground, panting for breath with her eyes closed. His shadow casted shade on her as he stood over her. Ruby opened her eyes and glared at him.
"You suck," she gasped between breaths.
"Come now. Have you already used up all the energy the miracle gifted you?" Ashen asked as he plucked Ruby from the ground. As soon as her feet touched the ground, she swayed back and forth in a blatant, exaggerated manner.
"Can't you carry me?" she pleaded. Ashen, once more, reached out and flicked her. Ruby was knocked out of her swaying before she burst out into giggles at her own silliness.
"Your legs seem to be just fine. Also, who do you plan to have to carry you when you are out traveling on your own as a huntress, hm?" Ashen gestured for her to follow as he headed into the forest. Ruby fell into step beside him.
Much like the start of their journey to the coast, Ashen pointed out little details and subtle shifts that happened in the forest during the sun's descent. The forest was bathed in golden light as evening fell upon them. Half way through Ruby asked him again to carry her though this time she was serious. He encouraged her to keep going. Ashen had made her walk quite a fair distance in his roundabout way to the coast and even with the restoration he gave her, Ruby was starting to feel the toll on her young body.
She started to slow down as she complained about her aching legs and feet. Next her spirit took a hit after her scroll chimed with a message. Suddenly, she wasn't in as much of a hurry to return home. Ruby didn't tell Ashen what it said, but he could easily assume it had to do with her father and how it was becoming dark. No doubt upset over how late he kept her. She asked him if she could spend the night with him, to both avoid her upset father and to rest. Ashen encouraged her to keep going.
"When the path is long and our task, great, there is no time to catch your breath. To eek out a moment of respite. Seldom, it is a luxury one is granted. If it helps, consider this your first little test for the dream you pursue. To endure and continue, despite the difficulties of doing so."
Ruby nodded in understanding. It didn't make her feet ache any less, but she did as she was told and endured. Didn't stop her from complaining, as she still felt she was entitled to at least that. Ashen couldn't really disagree on that point.
Soon the last rays of golden sunlight vanished and the pale glow of the moon fell on them. With a flick of his wrist, Ashen used his pyromancy to ignite his hand as he held it up to act like a torch. Ruby stared, captivated, by his flame. Unconsciously, she reached out and took a hold of his free hand. He helped guide her step as she was unable to navigate through the night like himself. They were like a little beacon traveling through the forest. The night sky slowly filled with stars that watched them from above. Traveling in the dark was not always pleasant, but it was nights like this that gave the starlight ocean an almost mystical feeling.
Outside his light, the forest was not swallowed by shadow, rather it was bathed in dark blue with the faintest traces of white. It was like a midnight wonderland, born by the starry sky. Ruby was enraptured by it all as she clung to Ashen. She could even put aside the complaints from her feet. The forest around her came alive around her in a way she had never experienced before. The faint and occasional glow of fireflies, the sounds of nighttime animals like the hooting of the owls that soared through the trees above them. Every now and again she would catch a glimpse of a near glowing set of eyes watching her from under some bushes or around a tree. The moment she makes eye contact they would dart away, back into the night.
Ruby was usually scared of the forest at night, though she would deny it whenever anyone asked. She struggled ever since that night she fell on top of Ashen. Even in the early mornings where she would meet with Ashen, she would still sprint as fast as she could to spend as little time alone as possible. Tonight, though, felt different. The shadows didn't feel alive as if they were Grimm themselves, ready to eat her. Everything felt like the forest she grew up around, different, but still familiar. Ruby felt comfortable enough to step away from Ashen, not knowing when she had first huddled up so close to him. For tonight, even if it was just for tonight, she wasn't afraid.
She didn't let go of Ashen's hand though. He was very warm.
Soon her home came into view, the lights from inside casting its glow into the night. Unfortunately for her, she could see her dad standing, silhouetted, in the doorway, waiting for her. She could already feel the scolding he was going to give her for coming back so late. Ashen released her and let her travel the short distance remaining on her own. Ruby turned around and waved good-bye to him one last time.
Ashen returned the wave, standing tall, her beacon in the night.
AN: I'm still so sorry about the wait. I really don't have any excuse or reason to give. Time just got away from me and before I know it, its been 2 years now. Unbelievable. I have to thank all the people who had reached out over that time to check in on me. Means a lot.
I will say this, unless I suddenly die, I will still be working on this or I'll post a final chapter announcing my end of writing and give the general outline I have planned to provide at least some closure. So unless you see that, do feel free to check on me and prod me about the next chapter. They do help those days I'm tired from work but after reading one of yours, I get the energy to sit down and at least get a few lines down. So never feel like a bother messaging me. Again, thanks for all the messages, old and new, and the reviews that have flooded in.
Anyways, please leave a review and I'll see you next time.
GentlemanMad
Lord of Ashes
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Yeah. I decided to some what incorporate it in a way that doesn't neuter Aura as a whole while trying to build the reasons as too why a prep school like signal is so important.
ThedudeManBro
The Dudeliest Man on the block, Bro!
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There are so many retcons per season you legitimately have to be specific on which retcons you mean kek.
Goes to show how CRWBY planned things.
GentlemanMad
Lord of Ashes
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Don't remind me. There's a lot I had to sort through and toss out just so I could have some stable rules in the world. Ironically, blending in Dark Souls helped a lot with that.
DavidMswdlvr2
RWBY fan seeks digivice & gunscythe
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Think it's the one that turned Aura from automatically on once in danger to have to focus to start it. Or it could be the forcefield one. My stories will always have Season 1 Aura.
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GentlemanMad
Lord of Ashes
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Man, I actually forgot how many retcons they made to Aura. Yeah, I'm mostly sticking to automatic aura. The rest is just a mess and undermines itself.
DavidMswdlvr2
RWBY fan seeks digivice & gunscythe
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I know! They kept upgrading the villains while downgrading the heroes. I honestly thought it would be a refreshing break from the doom & gloom of most media during that time. It honestly reminded me most of Final Fantasy, with a touch of Bloodborne, and a female-dominated cast. Sadly, it turned dark and depressing quickly, with no sign of the charm or vivaciousness of the first season or two.
That's what Fanfic is for.
Specifically Linked in Life and Love. Short summary: Aftermath of a usual hentai story, that turns into a fix-fix ala what Robb Returns does for Game of Thrones. Cannot reccommend either enough, but you may find them a bit too fix-ficcy. YMMV
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GentlemanMad
Lord of Ashes
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As I heard someone say it best, RWBY is like Attack on Titan but without the doom and gloom. There was this upbeat, hopeful vibe despite the grimness the setting was in. So ironically, I'm trying to use that optimism the RWBY started with to contrast and offset the Darksouls vibes. A changing of the era, from Dark to Light, hence why I used Dark Souls as it naturally overlaps in many places.
Sunova
Making the rounds.
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Aura was never stated to be automatic. In fact Pyrrha explains how it works in vol 1 chapter 6:
"With practice our aura can be our shield"
"Understanding both dark and light can help us manifest our aura"
"By baring your soul outward as a force you can deflect harm"
"You project yourself and your soul when fighting"
And in world of remnant episode 4 Salem says "What sets true warriors apart is their ability to amplify and control their aura"
None of them explained aura to be automatic but to be something you train, and something you have to control
So this in fact not a retconned version. However in this chapter Ruby says that it gives her super strength though, that was never stated in canon. In fact Pyrrha calls it a shield and Salem says it is primarily a defence mechanism.
In the end it doesn't really matters it's up to the author how aura works in their fic as long it is consistent and well explained.
"With practice our aura can be our shield"
"Understanding both dark and light can help us manifest our aura"
"By baring your soul outward as a force you can deflect harm"
"You project yourself and your soul when fighting"
And in world of remnant episode 4 Salem says "What sets true warriors apart is their ability to amplify and control their aura"
None of them explained aura to be automatic but to be something you train, and something you have to control
So this in fact not a retconned version. However in this chapter Ruby says that it gives her super strength though, that was never stated in canon. In fact Pyrrha calls it a shield and Salem says it is primarily a defence mechanism.
In the end it doesn't really matters it's up to the author how aura works in their fic as long it is consistent and well explained.
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