When Salem goes down... What will happen to the Grimm?
Bloody Evolution (RWBY / LoR)
- Thread starter Naron
- Start date
- Crossover
questioningmeme
Just be yourself
- Location
- River of Light
They will still do their thing. Since its the god of darkness that controls them, not Salem.
Shes just the temporary dog handler.
XylemAmethystone
"Walk the lonely Road, will you?" -A soft Whisper
[X] Indulge her
-[X]"Silver-eyed Warrior, who doesn't know how to use her eyes, going against Salem? Well, that's a first. On one hand, she is definitely not strong enough. On other one, witnessing Salem's grimm(ha) experiments will be very enlightening for her. Plus, a speedy sniper to ward off mooks a level above the rest would be a good help."
-[x] For our last decision, try making every time you talk a decision by committee, see if you're not prone to wanderings like that, we'll wait.
-[X]"Silver-eyed Warrior, who doesn't know how to use her eyes, going against Salem? Well, that's a first. On one hand, she is definitely not strong enough. On other one, witnessing Salem's grimm(ha) experiments will be very enlightening for her. Plus, a speedy sniper to ward off mooks a level above the rest would be a good help."
-[x] For our last decision, try making every time you talk a decision by committee, see if you're not prone to wanderings like that, we'll wait.
Dragonmaster150
Firstborn of Dragonkind
- Location
- Dragendolan: Land of the Dragon Kings
- Pronouns
- He/Him
[X] Indulge her
-[X]"Silver-eyed Warrior, who doesn't know how to use her eyes, going against Salem? Well, that's a first. On one hand, she is definitely not strong enough. On other one, witnessing Salem's grimm(ha) experiments will be very enlightening for her. Plus, a speedy sniper to ward off mooks a level above the rest would be a good help."
-[x] For our last decision, try making every time you talk a decision by committee, see if you're not prone to wanderings like that, we'll wait.
-[X]"Silver-eyed Warrior, who doesn't know how to use her eyes, going against Salem? Well, that's a first. On one hand, she is definitely not strong enough. On other one, witnessing Salem's grimm(ha) experiments will be very enlightening for her. Plus, a speedy sniper to ward off mooks a level above the rest would be a good help."
-[x] For our last decision, try making every time you talk a decision by committee, see if you're not prone to wanderings like that, we'll wait.
- Location
- Attached to a wall
- Pronouns
- She/Her
[X] Indulge her
-[]"Silver-eyed Warrior, who doesn't know how to use her eyes, going against Salem? Well, that's a first. On one hand, she is definitely not strong enough. On other one, witnessing Salem's grimm(ha) experiments will be very enlightening for her. Plus, a speedy sniper to ward off mooks a level above the rest would be a good help."
EDIT
-[X]"On one hand, she is definitely not strong enough. On other one, witnessing Salem's grimm(ha) experiments will be very enlightening for her. Plus, a speedy sniper to ward off mooks a level above the rest would be a good help, and her being a silver-eyed warrior, even if she doesn't know it, can always be helpful."
-[]"Silver-eyed Warrior, who doesn't know how to use her eyes, going against Salem? Well, that's a first. On one hand, she is definitely not strong enough. On other one, witnessing Salem's grimm(ha) experiments will be very enlightening for her. Plus, a speedy sniper to ward off mooks a level above the rest would be a good help."
EDIT
-[X]"On one hand, she is definitely not strong enough. On other one, witnessing Salem's grimm(ha) experiments will be very enlightening for her. Plus, a speedy sniper to ward off mooks a level above the rest would be a good help, and her being a silver-eyed warrior, even if she doesn't know it, can always be helpful."
Last edited:
[X] Indulge her
-[X]"Silver-eyed Warrior, who doesn't know how to use her eyes, going against Salem? Well, that's a first. On one hand, she is definitely not strong enough. On other one, witnessing Salem's grimm(ha) experiments will be very enlightening for her. Plus, a speedy sniper to ward off mooks a level above the rest would be a good help."
-[X]"Silver-eyed Warrior, who doesn't know how to use her eyes, going against Salem? Well, that's a first. On one hand, she is definitely not strong enough. On other one, witnessing Salem's grimm(ha) experiments will be very enlightening for her. Plus, a speedy sniper to ward off mooks a level above the rest would be a good help."
[X] Indulge her
-[X]"Silver-eyed Warrior, who doesn't know how to use her eyes, going against Salem? Well, that's a first. On one hand, she is definitely not strong enough. On other one, witnessing Salem's grimm(ha) experiments will be very enlightening for her. Plus, a speedy sniper to ward off mooks a level above the rest would be a good help."
-[X]"Silver-eyed Warrior, who doesn't know how to use her eyes, going against Salem? Well, that's a first. On one hand, she is definitely not strong enough. On other one, witnessing Salem's grimm(ha) experiments will be very enlightening for her. Plus, a speedy sniper to ward off mooks a level above the rest would be a good help."
I have to point out:
The subvote calling Ruby a first for being a sliver eyed warrior not knowing about her eyes and going against Salem is false, she is certainly not the first case, and probably not even a irregular one, given that Ozpin do not give the knowledge about them unless they already unlocked it. Given the timespan involved you can bet that Salem faced hundreds of silver eyed warriors just like Ruby before.
The rest of the subvote can be kept, but this part should be cut, or replaced by a remark about silver eyed warriors always being helpful against Salem, like this:
-[]"On one hand, she is definitely not strong enough. On other one, witnessing Salem's grimm(ha) experiments will be very enlightening for her. Plus, a speedy sniper to ward off mooks a level above the rest would be a good help, and her being a silver-eyed warrior, even if she doesn't know it, can always be helpful."
The subvote calling Ruby a first for being a sliver eyed warrior not knowing about her eyes and going against Salem is false, she is certainly not the first case, and probably not even a irregular one, given that Ozpin do not give the knowledge about them unless they already unlocked it. Given the timespan involved you can bet that Salem faced hundreds of silver eyed warriors just like Ruby before.
The rest of the subvote can be kept, but this part should be cut, or replaced by a remark about silver eyed warriors always being helpful against Salem, like this:
-[]"On one hand, she is definitely not strong enough. On other one, witnessing Salem's grimm(ha) experiments will be very enlightening for her. Plus, a speedy sniper to ward off mooks a level above the rest would be a good help, and her being a silver-eyed warrior, even if she doesn't know it, can always be helpful."
BadassOverlord
I don't know what I'm Doing
I thought it was supposed to be sarcastic?
Might be, but that's not really visible in text form, if there is one thing that doesn't translate well in text, it's sarcasm.
[X] Indulge her
-[X]"On one hand, she is definitely not strong enough. On other one, witnessing Salem's grimm(ha) experiments will be very enlightening for her. Plus, a speedy sniper to ward off mooks a level above the rest would be a good help."
-[x] For our last decision, try making every time you talk a decision by committee, see if you're not prone to wanderings like that, we'll wait.
-[X]"On one hand, she is definitely not strong enough. On other one, witnessing Salem's grimm(ha) experiments will be very enlightening for her. Plus, a speedy sniper to ward off mooks a level above the rest would be a good help."
-[x] For our last decision, try making every time you talk a decision by committee, see if you're not prone to wanderings like that, we'll wait.
- Location
- earth
[X] Indulge her
And Ruby gets to come along. It is basically unanimous.
That aside, I'm happy. Third time's the charm after all
You mean, she finally get to die in a stupid way?
DuoRogue
Eternal Space Raptor
- Pronouns
- It/Its
I have hope that she's not stupid enough to do something that'll kill her. I also don't think binah will let her die for no reason.You mean, she finally get to die in a stupid way?
32.
- Location
- Earth
Indulge her
It does not take long for Binah's gaze to slide back to Ruby. "Very well," she agrees. "Be ready to stand by my side at the conclusion."
How amusing. A single bird, the magical girls, and two children. No, both Ash and Ruby are women in their own right; young and inexperienced, true. But determination burns brightly in both of them. They both had to grow up quickly. A child of the City and a child of Remnant, each with the heart of a warrior.
Ruby nods firmly, though one hand strays to the blocky weapon strapped to her back. "I can do that. Signal's going on break in two weeks, too. So if it's okay, can we go then?"
"I have yet to conclude my personal business," Binah reminds the girl. "There is a question yet unanswered. In time however, I will know." It will be trivial to accomodate her desire, that does not even require an answer. "Will you inform your family of this endeavour?"
"Uhhhhhhhh...."
That and Ruby's renewed squirming are answer enough. Binah chuckles softly. "Take the time you have to consider your options."
Her final bit of wisdom given, she parts from Ruby and continues her walk in solitude. It is pleasant, the warmth of Summer's end soaking into her very bones. Sunlight shines bright, yet distant clouds announce a rainstorm to follow the heat.
Almost uninterrupted, that rain rages for days. It is blessing and bane together for business, keeping people at home but also driving passersby into the dry haven that is Nirvana. Binah sees little of it as she studies her and Courage's work in the basement. Samples of the golden light will follow her to the Library, she already decided that. It may not be the same as the light that made the Seed, but it is still a valuable substance. Its properties are similar to Cogito, yet distinct from it.
Soft footsteps disrupt her introspection. A fleeting glance reveals Saffron making to stand by her side. The magical girl's position feels almost nostalgic, reminiscent of their first weeks on Remnant.
"How rare to see you of late," Binah greets. She does not bother prompting the other woman. Meanwhile, Saffron stares down at her; strands of light grey hair twitch in tune with her pulse, revealing that the King's emergence is nigh once more. Saffron keeps her quiet for a time, then sinks into an armchair. Her expression is tight, belying the turmoil she seeks to hide.
"It's about time," she starts. "You haven't said it to us yet, but everyone can tell. You found Salem, haven't you?"
"Yes, I have."
There is no need to say more between the two of them. Saffron merely scrunches her brow in thought; perhaps she wonders if now is the time to demand she may stay on Remnant. But she swallows those words back down and takes a deep breath. "I wanted to ask what you see when you look at us," she finally says. "Us four magical girls. You were the one who brought us into this world, I know that. Or that world, if we are splitting hairs. You are the closest we possess to a parent."
Binah arches a brow at the odd logic. "At most you should think of me as a midwife," she corrects. "Those around us made the mistake to assume me your mother and I did not correct them for my entertainment. You know better than that, Saffron." There is no retort, just a simple nod. "Good. Now for your actual question."
As she says these words, Binah leaves the device she had in hand behind to take the chair opposite of Saffron. Thoughts and ideas slot into place, slowly revealing her own feelings on the matter. "It is true that I extracted almost every Abnormality in existence," she leads in. "But neither does this make me their mother, nor does it make them my children. Even the mere act of calling them so is, ultimately, misleading. Abnormalities emerge fully formed and with their nature firmly set in place. They are unable to change, forever following their plethora of urges. The Mercenary and the Wolf will forever battle no matter the victor. The Scorched Girl shall forever yearn for warmth yet incinerate whoever is willing to give it to her. The Child of the Galaxy's desire for companionship and fear of abandonment will eternally drive others way from their overbearing nature.
"And yet before me sits something that carries a seed of change upon her self."
Saffron had listened with a faint frown, but that last line of Binah makes her immaculate brows vanish in her hairline. The older woman smirks, relishing in her erstwhile charge's surprise. "By the definitions Lobotomy Corporation set, you are an Abnormality no more. Neither is any of your sisters. Each of you has evolved past the state you were once extracted in. You are something new, be that an interim state or a true transition. Perhaps your tireless effort and will changes your story to fit a more desired nature. I ultimately do not know, and do not care to know."
"You don't?" the magical girl interjects with somewhat forced calm. "I would think you would be interested in this more than anything."
Binah rests her chin on one hand, studying Saffron. "You mistake scientific interest for a narrative one," she answers. "I could not care less for what your exact nature has or may become. What intrigues me so is the fact you managed to move beyond being a mere thing to an actual person. You have overcome the need to forever encase yourself in amber. You are even capable of selflessly caring for another." The implicit mention of Miltia makes Saffron twitch, but Binah merely grins. "It seems to me that, indeed, you have found your El Dorado."
Silence reigns afterward. "I have," Saffron agrees quietly. "Something so valuable I will never need anything else. A transient treasure that I will keep eternally. Not Miltia," she corrects what may be a misconception. "Not directly, at least. It was in front of me this entire time, yet I never understood it like I do now. So simple a thing, yet worth more than all the gold and gemstones in the world: Happiness."
At that, she frowns and breaks eye contact, staring at the table instead. "But I could still end it all with a single wrong step." A soft snort follows. "I guess it's not so different from a human beside my greater power, but still. How do I deal with this constant anxiety? Those worries that I am not enough, or not good enough?"
"Are you truly asking me of all people?"
"...a fair point."
They both huff in amusement, then Saffron looks up again. "I guess that is the hard part about being able to change," she muses. "I did not worry like this in the past, I merely took whatever I wished and devoured it. Alas, caring for another is more difficult than that."
"And what is the King's opinion on your new worldview?"
"I do not know," Saffron replies in earnest. "She is still urging me to eat all I can. It is honestly a little distasteful." She grimaces, eyes gleaming for but a moment, then suppresses the emerging beast.
Binah observes the process, then inclines her head. "And thus my answer to what I see. You are the Magical Girl of Happiness that you ever desired to be."
Saffron sits still, rolling those words over her tongue like fine wine. In the end, she smiles ever so faintly. "That sounds good," she agrees, then stands to approach Binah. She wraps the older woman's hand in both of hers. "Thank you."
A nod is all Binah offers in response. In a way, she could see Saffron's journey in full, yet where it heads now will be forever withheld from her. It is unfortunate, but such is life. Binah bridges over that disappointment by coaxing Saffron into talking about her recent escapades. The younger woman remains tight-lipped about her more amorous adventures, but gladly gushes about her paramour in general.
In opposition to her lighter, happier demeanour, Courage remained much the same she always was. Binah notices whenever they work together. A week after her conversation with Saffron, she decides to prod the diminutive magical girl about it.
"I like the person I am," she answers simply. "So I need not change anything, much like you."
Binah inclines her head at that. "You of course have a point. Yet I would not say that you failed to change at all. The effects may be the most subtle with you, but I noticed them regardless."
A soft noise is given and Courage shrugs. "Perhaps you are correct. I will defer to your superior judgement. Then again, I was wondering recently if my friendship with Weiss is sustainable." She rubs her forehead without looking to Binah, eyes still on a particular contraption. "The Servant's call has never lessened and at this point I doubt it ever will. Friends may not be sustainable after all."
That assessment is a surprise, considering how fond Courage is of the Atlesean. "You would let go of these bonds?" she prods, only to receive a most surprising shake of the head.
"No, never. But I am thinking that I may have to make Weiss my bride."
...?
"Pardon?" Binah asks, for once completely blindsided. She can not follow.
Courage's head tilts as she turns it, their meeting gazes obstructed by her blindfold. "Just like sisters are not friends, spouses are not friends, either. I am starting to realise that insisting on a friend when I can have sisters, acquaintances, partners, companions, lovers, spouses, and so many more was a foolish notion to begin with."
She nods to herself, as if to agree with her complete rejection of human logic. Binah is still dumbfounded, though her confusion slowly morphs into amusement. She huffs, then chuckles, and ultimately breaks into laughter.
To think that she believed Courage's changes were subtle! Of course the Abnormality so obsessed with impartiality and upholding the law would start to rules lawyer her own condition! What is more, she did it since the first time they met by creating a loophole for the other Magical Girls. It is the insane sort of genius that amuses Binah so much more than any other.
Once she is done laughing, Binah wipes off a mirthful tear and steps next to Courage. "Then I see you need no more than that. Good luck with your endeavour."
"Thank you. Also, the soul moved."
The instrument Courage was watching indicates a change. The pair of researchers swiftly travels near its new position, only to appear behind a young, mistralian woman. The instrument points straight at her while exclamations of passersby draw her attention to the new arrivals. Nobody quite knows what is going on and hesitates. Courage floats forward to the confused woman and lays a hand on her belly. Streamers of green follow, then she studies her instrument and nods.
"Congratulations. It is a boy."
"W-What?"
Ignoring her, Courage turns back to Binah. "Did we need anything else?"
"No, this is all we needed to know."
"Good."
They ignore the frantic, worried, but mostly hopeful questions and vanish as fast as they appeared. Binah chuckles over the confused faces they must have left in their wake. "This concludes the experiment," she declares. "We have confirmed that the golden light is a catalyst for reincarnation on Remnant. It strips all individuality from a soul beforehand, effectively wiping the slate clean. The energy thus released becomes Dust."
"I will need to investigate where naturally formed Dust comes into play," Courage adds thoughtfully. "Laboratory conditions clearly lack some variable, else every death would end in a cloud of Dust. Yet the natural process seems to deposit it underground."
"This will be a consideration for the future, and only for you," Binah agrees readily. "I now know everything I needed. The reason of my human body's return and lacking memories, Ash's reincarnation, it is now all proven to be because of Remnant's Singularity."
Courage nods. "I will prepare a number of Dust samples for you to take along. Its composition makes me believe that it only works within a field of Remnant's light, though. It would explain why all attempts to send probes past the thermosphere were total losses."
Binah has no reason to disagree with this assessment. She was planning to do this anyway, but Courage's participation is always welcome.
Experiments are wrapped up and samples put together, then secured for transport. It takes some time, but ultimately finishes quickly enough. A mere few days pass in busy preparation. Ruby's required two weeks are over and Vale is otherwise calm.
Binah is not in a rush, though. Especially so when Anemone approaches her on a slow Monday afternoon.
"Do you have a minute?" the blunette asks, only sitting down when Binah motions for her to do so. "I wanted to talk to you about something."
"Does it concern your little plan?" Binah queries idly, which prompts Anemone to stiffen. A suspicious look comes her way, but that does no more than confirm its existence. Ash and Sable are clearly listening in as well, being the only ones nearby. Courage went out.
"You don't actually know anything," Anemone declares in the end. Her lips quirk up momentarily. "I can tell you're fishing, so please save it. We have come to a decision and you will hear it soon enough. This is... something else. I do not think we ever spoke much."
"Oh, you have spoken plenty. I have merely listened and observed with open eyes. Despair still gnaws at you, does she not?"
Anemone twitches, then rubs her forehead. Half her face slowly gains colour, growing darker and darker before she gets it under control again. "I do not think it will ever not," she confides in Binah morosely. "As nice as it is to have others to be with, I know I'm clingy. I'm going to lose them sooner or later. I actually tried taking antidepressants a few times, you know? Depression fits me rather well, so I figured I should try."
"I imagine the results were unfortunate," Binah muses; the fact Anemone does not keep taking them implies as much.
To her surprise, the magical girl shakes her head. "No, they worked fine, actually. But I didn't feel like me anymore. I've never known any other state of mind, it was incredibly alien. Without anything to push back on like I normally must, I had far too much time to think." She shudders. "Brr, it was almost worse than losing myself in despair. No, I think I prefer being me."
Yet another answer that an Abnormality could not truly give. Binah listens with great interest while Anemone chuckles. "But you know what's funny about the last few months? I got a new appreciation for life. It is so incredibly precious."
"All life?" Binah queries, which the other woman answers with a roll of her eyes.
"I know where you're going with this. I don't care if I'm being a hypocrite about it. I feel a little better being next to those dear to me. I will always lash out at those who hurt them. That's a very human thing to do, isn't it?" she turns the tables with a little grin. One that Binah returns.
"Indeed. I imagine you know best that there is no objective justice wherever humans dwell. Instead you simply choose those you wish to stand with and any who stand against them become your enemies by proxy. But what if there is no enemy, only unfortunate circumstance? Or perhaps not even that, but simply time."
Anemone grimaces. They both know Binah speaks of the death that will unshackle a most dangerous Knight. "I don't think it matters," she answers slowly. "I talked to my sisters about it, but the monsters are different for each of us. The Queen speaks distinct from Love, the Servant is incoherent, the King has her own thoughts, and the Knight... is me, plain and simple. My other half, the me reflected in a puddle of tears. They are all us in some form, through some lens, but I always felt close to her."
"Reflected in the fact your appearance barely changes?" Binah prods, only to receive a nod.
"Yes, that may be it. But because we are so close... I think it will be okay. The tears will be the same because loss always hurts, but I need not despair about losing them if it is simply the conclusion of a natural process. All things must die in the end. Even I may at some point."
"Are you meaning to convince me or yourself?"
Anemone smirks mirthlessly at that. "A bit of both, really," she admits, then heaves a sigh. "And my energy is about gone. Thank you for the conversation." She checks her Scroll for something before nodding. "Now about the other thing. Do you have time right now?"
Binah rises without another word, prompting a nod. When Ash makes to follow them to the back however, Anemone stops the girl. "Not you, please. This is something we do not want anyone else around for."
The girl stands her ground, though. "Is it something private?" she asks calmly. When Anemone hesitates, Ash figures the same thing Binah does: "So no, but it will be dangerous. I'm coming too, I want to see what it is."
Anemone opens her mouth to argue, then frowns. She glances to Sable on Ash's shoulder and back to Binah. "Dangerous is too tame a word to describe it, but okay. I trust you to keep your distance and the bird to protect you."
"Of course."
Then Anemone begins to cast; aquamarine energy swirls around them as her magic takes form, teleporting them to a familiar landmark. The plains now commonly used to suppress the King of Greed and allow the Queen of Hatred out have changed. Earth was shifted and rearranged, sprinkled with precious gems, gold, and silver. Formations of amber and stone jut out from the earth while dark chasms gape at the surface. Several small lakes have formed, carved out by powerful blows, beams, or acid.
They arrive on a central hill, where the other Magical Girls already await them.
"You are late," Courage chides without any heat, then glances to Ash and Sable. "And you brought others."
"She will be fine," Anemone responds. The other three seem to each have reservations, but accept it. She joins her sisters then, presenting a united front before Binah. "Now for you."
It would be so simple to suspect this as the moment they declare war for misdeeds committed, but Binah knows better. Love is not that subtle and Courage would not bother with subterfuge. "You were conferring on this matter for many weeks," she says, gaze wandering from one resolute Abnormality to the next. "What is it that you wish to tell me?"
Silence encroaches, hanging heavily over the group. Love takes a single step forward, now front and center. "We," she starts, wetting her lips, "We decided that we want to stay here. On Remnant."
"Very well."
She is not even surprised by the immediate agreement, merely shaking her head. "This isn't really about getting you to agree. We already figured you would, to be honest. But even right now you don't take us seriously. You watch us work and fight because it entertains you, but you don't truly care. We know all that," she cuts off any need for confirmation. Her words are accompanied by a sharp swing of her arm. "But it's not just the question of if you are willing to let us go. Not that you trust us. It's if we can trust ourselves to do it.
"That's why we want to prove this to you and ourselves. That we can do what must be done. That we won't ruin Remnant after you're gone." She pauses there, clenching both fists. "And more than that... there is something else we need to do. A shadow we need to step out of. He was hanging over us since the beginning."
Realisation slowly settles in. Binah's amused smirk slowly grows, becoming first toothy and then a full cheshire smile. The four magical girls remain resolute, but each one displays nervousness in some form or other. Even taciturn Courage jerks up and down erratically instead of her normal, smooth bobbing motions while in flight.
"Do it," she speaks into the silence. Her voice is calm, but an anticipatory undercurrent swings with every word. "Let me see it again, that magnificent slaughter. Bane of that awful City, drenched in the blood of countless people, monsters, warriors, innocents all. Show me what memory remains of him!"
Her demand is almost manic by the end. Saffron's eyes are widened in surprise while Love blinks slowly. Then the pink-clad girl puffs out her cheeks. "She stole our incantation," she pouts at her sisters, whose tension breaks.
Saffron and Anemone laugh as they each take one of Love's hands, then one of Courage's. The four face each other while Binah and Ash take distance. "Then we do not need one," Courage responds. "It feels more appropriate anyway."
"I guess? Let's go, sisters. Today we're facing the fear and build the future! In the name of Hatred!"
"In the name of Despair!"
"In the name of Greed!"
"In the name of Wrath!"
Each of them loses all colour. First their clothes turn a pitch black, then their skin follows suit. The magical girls themselves lose coherence next, merging into each other. They become a black fog similar to dispersing Grimm, swiftly consolidating into a silent tempest. The localised storm affects nothing beyond blocking sight of what lies behind it. Yet it exerts a palpable pressure. Forms become visible every once in a while. A serpent that seeks to escape, humanoid forms reaching halfway out of the storm, silently screaming, before being pulled back in. Gleaming bands of blue and green shine around it, snapping one by one. Their individual magics are disrupted and Anemone's blessing around Ash fades.
"What's going on?" the girl asks, clearly worried.
"Take great distance, child," Binah answers gleefully. "You will soon get a first glance at your father, earlier than anticipated. Lower your guard for even a moment and you will most certainly die."
Sable chirps in agreement, but Ash makes no motion to leave. They watch the miniature storm of darkness for a moment, then she slowly draws Storm. "Okay," she agrees. "But... I want to have the first strike. Just this one. I want to see for myself what has them all so in awe of him." She then looks to Binah. "Can I do that?"
"No," Sable says from her shoulder. A single strike will be enough to drain Ash's aura and kill her. The bird flaps his wings once. "But I will help you to fulfill your desire."
"...thank you."
He rests his small beak on Ash's forehead while Binah takes a step back. If it is the first strike she wants, she shall have it. The memory will be weaker than the real one, so Ash will not die. Because it is but a memory, Binah can face him on her own.
Just then, the storm dissipates. Darkness consolidates into a single man. Strips of pale skin are visible between layers of black cloth, soaked in crimson. A plain suit, elegant in its simplicity. No adornments or trinkets are required to emphasize his danger. His hands are hidden by plain, equally black gloves. A blank mask hides his face.
Ash studies the apparition, clearly a little confused. "He's just standing there," she observes.
"Then the battle will begin once you strike at him," Binah reasons. Perhaps it is the magical girls' desire to keep the memory still. Maybe Ash's resemblance to her mother. Whatever it is, now comes the time to make preparations.
How shall Binah face the memory of a man who left lasting scars on the uncaring juggernaut that is the City?
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_Fv3D0Wuqk
-Goal Accomplished: Find out the reason Binah regained her human body
[] Keep your distance and grind him down with Fairies
[] Use everything you have, nail him down so he can't move to begin with
[] Taunt the memory, then slip the net
[] write-in a different or more detailed plan
Do not include any plans for Ash, it is unnecessary.
Memory of the Black Silence
Threat Rating: ALEPH
Threat Description: A master of arms that few can hope to match. He wields an entire arsenal of weapons with distinction. Great agility, and strength make him a devastating opponent to face one on one. Even his memory remains formidable.
It does not take long for Binah's gaze to slide back to Ruby. "Very well," she agrees. "Be ready to stand by my side at the conclusion."
How amusing. A single bird, the magical girls, and two children. No, both Ash and Ruby are women in their own right; young and inexperienced, true. But determination burns brightly in both of them. They both had to grow up quickly. A child of the City and a child of Remnant, each with the heart of a warrior.
Ruby nods firmly, though one hand strays to the blocky weapon strapped to her back. "I can do that. Signal's going on break in two weeks, too. So if it's okay, can we go then?"
"I have yet to conclude my personal business," Binah reminds the girl. "There is a question yet unanswered. In time however, I will know." It will be trivial to accomodate her desire, that does not even require an answer. "Will you inform your family of this endeavour?"
"Uhhhhhhhh...."
That and Ruby's renewed squirming are answer enough. Binah chuckles softly. "Take the time you have to consider your options."
Her final bit of wisdom given, she parts from Ruby and continues her walk in solitude. It is pleasant, the warmth of Summer's end soaking into her very bones. Sunlight shines bright, yet distant clouds announce a rainstorm to follow the heat.
Almost uninterrupted, that rain rages for days. It is blessing and bane together for business, keeping people at home but also driving passersby into the dry haven that is Nirvana. Binah sees little of it as she studies her and Courage's work in the basement. Samples of the golden light will follow her to the Library, she already decided that. It may not be the same as the light that made the Seed, but it is still a valuable substance. Its properties are similar to Cogito, yet distinct from it.
Soft footsteps disrupt her introspection. A fleeting glance reveals Saffron making to stand by her side. The magical girl's position feels almost nostalgic, reminiscent of their first weeks on Remnant.
"How rare to see you of late," Binah greets. She does not bother prompting the other woman. Meanwhile, Saffron stares down at her; strands of light grey hair twitch in tune with her pulse, revealing that the King's emergence is nigh once more. Saffron keeps her quiet for a time, then sinks into an armchair. Her expression is tight, belying the turmoil she seeks to hide.
"It's about time," she starts. "You haven't said it to us yet, but everyone can tell. You found Salem, haven't you?"
"Yes, I have."
There is no need to say more between the two of them. Saffron merely scrunches her brow in thought; perhaps she wonders if now is the time to demand she may stay on Remnant. But she swallows those words back down and takes a deep breath. "I wanted to ask what you see when you look at us," she finally says. "Us four magical girls. You were the one who brought us into this world, I know that. Or that world, if we are splitting hairs. You are the closest we possess to a parent."
Binah arches a brow at the odd logic. "At most you should think of me as a midwife," she corrects. "Those around us made the mistake to assume me your mother and I did not correct them for my entertainment. You know better than that, Saffron." There is no retort, just a simple nod. "Good. Now for your actual question."
As she says these words, Binah leaves the device she had in hand behind to take the chair opposite of Saffron. Thoughts and ideas slot into place, slowly revealing her own feelings on the matter. "It is true that I extracted almost every Abnormality in existence," she leads in. "But neither does this make me their mother, nor does it make them my children. Even the mere act of calling them so is, ultimately, misleading. Abnormalities emerge fully formed and with their nature firmly set in place. They are unable to change, forever following their plethora of urges. The Mercenary and the Wolf will forever battle no matter the victor. The Scorched Girl shall forever yearn for warmth yet incinerate whoever is willing to give it to her. The Child of the Galaxy's desire for companionship and fear of abandonment will eternally drive others way from their overbearing nature.
"And yet before me sits something that carries a seed of change upon her self."
Saffron had listened with a faint frown, but that last line of Binah makes her immaculate brows vanish in her hairline. The older woman smirks, relishing in her erstwhile charge's surprise. "By the definitions Lobotomy Corporation set, you are an Abnormality no more. Neither is any of your sisters. Each of you has evolved past the state you were once extracted in. You are something new, be that an interim state or a true transition. Perhaps your tireless effort and will changes your story to fit a more desired nature. I ultimately do not know, and do not care to know."
"You don't?" the magical girl interjects with somewhat forced calm. "I would think you would be interested in this more than anything."
Binah rests her chin on one hand, studying Saffron. "You mistake scientific interest for a narrative one," she answers. "I could not care less for what your exact nature has or may become. What intrigues me so is the fact you managed to move beyond being a mere thing to an actual person. You have overcome the need to forever encase yourself in amber. You are even capable of selflessly caring for another." The implicit mention of Miltia makes Saffron twitch, but Binah merely grins. "It seems to me that, indeed, you have found your El Dorado."
Silence reigns afterward. "I have," Saffron agrees quietly. "Something so valuable I will never need anything else. A transient treasure that I will keep eternally. Not Miltia," she corrects what may be a misconception. "Not directly, at least. It was in front of me this entire time, yet I never understood it like I do now. So simple a thing, yet worth more than all the gold and gemstones in the world: Happiness."
At that, she frowns and breaks eye contact, staring at the table instead. "But I could still end it all with a single wrong step." A soft snort follows. "I guess it's not so different from a human beside my greater power, but still. How do I deal with this constant anxiety? Those worries that I am not enough, or not good enough?"
"Are you truly asking me of all people?"
"...a fair point."
They both huff in amusement, then Saffron looks up again. "I guess that is the hard part about being able to change," she muses. "I did not worry like this in the past, I merely took whatever I wished and devoured it. Alas, caring for another is more difficult than that."
"And what is the King's opinion on your new worldview?"
"I do not know," Saffron replies in earnest. "She is still urging me to eat all I can. It is honestly a little distasteful." She grimaces, eyes gleaming for but a moment, then suppresses the emerging beast.
Binah observes the process, then inclines her head. "And thus my answer to what I see. You are the Magical Girl of Happiness that you ever desired to be."
Saffron sits still, rolling those words over her tongue like fine wine. In the end, she smiles ever so faintly. "That sounds good," she agrees, then stands to approach Binah. She wraps the older woman's hand in both of hers. "Thank you."
A nod is all Binah offers in response. In a way, she could see Saffron's journey in full, yet where it heads now will be forever withheld from her. It is unfortunate, but such is life. Binah bridges over that disappointment by coaxing Saffron into talking about her recent escapades. The younger woman remains tight-lipped about her more amorous adventures, but gladly gushes about her paramour in general.
In opposition to her lighter, happier demeanour, Courage remained much the same she always was. Binah notices whenever they work together. A week after her conversation with Saffron, she decides to prod the diminutive magical girl about it.
"I like the person I am," she answers simply. "So I need not change anything, much like you."
Binah inclines her head at that. "You of course have a point. Yet I would not say that you failed to change at all. The effects may be the most subtle with you, but I noticed them regardless."
A soft noise is given and Courage shrugs. "Perhaps you are correct. I will defer to your superior judgement. Then again, I was wondering recently if my friendship with Weiss is sustainable." She rubs her forehead without looking to Binah, eyes still on a particular contraption. "The Servant's call has never lessened and at this point I doubt it ever will. Friends may not be sustainable after all."
That assessment is a surprise, considering how fond Courage is of the Atlesean. "You would let go of these bonds?" she prods, only to receive a most surprising shake of the head.
"No, never. But I am thinking that I may have to make Weiss my bride."
...?
"Pardon?" Binah asks, for once completely blindsided. She can not follow.
Courage's head tilts as she turns it, their meeting gazes obstructed by her blindfold. "Just like sisters are not friends, spouses are not friends, either. I am starting to realise that insisting on a friend when I can have sisters, acquaintances, partners, companions, lovers, spouses, and so many more was a foolish notion to begin with."
She nods to herself, as if to agree with her complete rejection of human logic. Binah is still dumbfounded, though her confusion slowly morphs into amusement. She huffs, then chuckles, and ultimately breaks into laughter.
To think that she believed Courage's changes were subtle! Of course the Abnormality so obsessed with impartiality and upholding the law would start to rules lawyer her own condition! What is more, she did it since the first time they met by creating a loophole for the other Magical Girls. It is the insane sort of genius that amuses Binah so much more than any other.
Once she is done laughing, Binah wipes off a mirthful tear and steps next to Courage. "Then I see you need no more than that. Good luck with your endeavour."
"Thank you. Also, the soul moved."
The instrument Courage was watching indicates a change. The pair of researchers swiftly travels near its new position, only to appear behind a young, mistralian woman. The instrument points straight at her while exclamations of passersby draw her attention to the new arrivals. Nobody quite knows what is going on and hesitates. Courage floats forward to the confused woman and lays a hand on her belly. Streamers of green follow, then she studies her instrument and nods.
"Congratulations. It is a boy."
"W-What?"
Ignoring her, Courage turns back to Binah. "Did we need anything else?"
"No, this is all we needed to know."
"Good."
They ignore the frantic, worried, but mostly hopeful questions and vanish as fast as they appeared. Binah chuckles over the confused faces they must have left in their wake. "This concludes the experiment," she declares. "We have confirmed that the golden light is a catalyst for reincarnation on Remnant. It strips all individuality from a soul beforehand, effectively wiping the slate clean. The energy thus released becomes Dust."
"I will need to investigate where naturally formed Dust comes into play," Courage adds thoughtfully. "Laboratory conditions clearly lack some variable, else every death would end in a cloud of Dust. Yet the natural process seems to deposit it underground."
"This will be a consideration for the future, and only for you," Binah agrees readily. "I now know everything I needed. The reason of my human body's return and lacking memories, Ash's reincarnation, it is now all proven to be because of Remnant's Singularity."
Courage nods. "I will prepare a number of Dust samples for you to take along. Its composition makes me believe that it only works within a field of Remnant's light, though. It would explain why all attempts to send probes past the thermosphere were total losses."
Binah has no reason to disagree with this assessment. She was planning to do this anyway, but Courage's participation is always welcome.
Experiments are wrapped up and samples put together, then secured for transport. It takes some time, but ultimately finishes quickly enough. A mere few days pass in busy preparation. Ruby's required two weeks are over and Vale is otherwise calm.
Binah is not in a rush, though. Especially so when Anemone approaches her on a slow Monday afternoon.
"Do you have a minute?" the blunette asks, only sitting down when Binah motions for her to do so. "I wanted to talk to you about something."
"Does it concern your little plan?" Binah queries idly, which prompts Anemone to stiffen. A suspicious look comes her way, but that does no more than confirm its existence. Ash and Sable are clearly listening in as well, being the only ones nearby. Courage went out.
"You don't actually know anything," Anemone declares in the end. Her lips quirk up momentarily. "I can tell you're fishing, so please save it. We have come to a decision and you will hear it soon enough. This is... something else. I do not think we ever spoke much."
"Oh, you have spoken plenty. I have merely listened and observed with open eyes. Despair still gnaws at you, does she not?"
Anemone twitches, then rubs her forehead. Half her face slowly gains colour, growing darker and darker before she gets it under control again. "I do not think it will ever not," she confides in Binah morosely. "As nice as it is to have others to be with, I know I'm clingy. I'm going to lose them sooner or later. I actually tried taking antidepressants a few times, you know? Depression fits me rather well, so I figured I should try."
"I imagine the results were unfortunate," Binah muses; the fact Anemone does not keep taking them implies as much.
To her surprise, the magical girl shakes her head. "No, they worked fine, actually. But I didn't feel like me anymore. I've never known any other state of mind, it was incredibly alien. Without anything to push back on like I normally must, I had far too much time to think." She shudders. "Brr, it was almost worse than losing myself in despair. No, I think I prefer being me."
Yet another answer that an Abnormality could not truly give. Binah listens with great interest while Anemone chuckles. "But you know what's funny about the last few months? I got a new appreciation for life. It is so incredibly precious."
"All life?" Binah queries, which the other woman answers with a roll of her eyes.
"I know where you're going with this. I don't care if I'm being a hypocrite about it. I feel a little better being next to those dear to me. I will always lash out at those who hurt them. That's a very human thing to do, isn't it?" she turns the tables with a little grin. One that Binah returns.
"Indeed. I imagine you know best that there is no objective justice wherever humans dwell. Instead you simply choose those you wish to stand with and any who stand against them become your enemies by proxy. But what if there is no enemy, only unfortunate circumstance? Or perhaps not even that, but simply time."
Anemone grimaces. They both know Binah speaks of the death that will unshackle a most dangerous Knight. "I don't think it matters," she answers slowly. "I talked to my sisters about it, but the monsters are different for each of us. The Queen speaks distinct from Love, the Servant is incoherent, the King has her own thoughts, and the Knight... is me, plain and simple. My other half, the me reflected in a puddle of tears. They are all us in some form, through some lens, but I always felt close to her."
"Reflected in the fact your appearance barely changes?" Binah prods, only to receive a nod.
"Yes, that may be it. But because we are so close... I think it will be okay. The tears will be the same because loss always hurts, but I need not despair about losing them if it is simply the conclusion of a natural process. All things must die in the end. Even I may at some point."
"Are you meaning to convince me or yourself?"
Anemone smirks mirthlessly at that. "A bit of both, really," she admits, then heaves a sigh. "And my energy is about gone. Thank you for the conversation." She checks her Scroll for something before nodding. "Now about the other thing. Do you have time right now?"
Binah rises without another word, prompting a nod. When Ash makes to follow them to the back however, Anemone stops the girl. "Not you, please. This is something we do not want anyone else around for."
The girl stands her ground, though. "Is it something private?" she asks calmly. When Anemone hesitates, Ash figures the same thing Binah does: "So no, but it will be dangerous. I'm coming too, I want to see what it is."
Anemone opens her mouth to argue, then frowns. She glances to Sable on Ash's shoulder and back to Binah. "Dangerous is too tame a word to describe it, but okay. I trust you to keep your distance and the bird to protect you."
"Of course."
Then Anemone begins to cast; aquamarine energy swirls around them as her magic takes form, teleporting them to a familiar landmark. The plains now commonly used to suppress the King of Greed and allow the Queen of Hatred out have changed. Earth was shifted and rearranged, sprinkled with precious gems, gold, and silver. Formations of amber and stone jut out from the earth while dark chasms gape at the surface. Several small lakes have formed, carved out by powerful blows, beams, or acid.
They arrive on a central hill, where the other Magical Girls already await them.
"You are late," Courage chides without any heat, then glances to Ash and Sable. "And you brought others."
"She will be fine," Anemone responds. The other three seem to each have reservations, but accept it. She joins her sisters then, presenting a united front before Binah. "Now for you."
It would be so simple to suspect this as the moment they declare war for misdeeds committed, but Binah knows better. Love is not that subtle and Courage would not bother with subterfuge. "You were conferring on this matter for many weeks," she says, gaze wandering from one resolute Abnormality to the next. "What is it that you wish to tell me?"
Silence encroaches, hanging heavily over the group. Love takes a single step forward, now front and center. "We," she starts, wetting her lips, "We decided that we want to stay here. On Remnant."
"Very well."
She is not even surprised by the immediate agreement, merely shaking her head. "This isn't really about getting you to agree. We already figured you would, to be honest. But even right now you don't take us seriously. You watch us work and fight because it entertains you, but you don't truly care. We know all that," she cuts off any need for confirmation. Her words are accompanied by a sharp swing of her arm. "But it's not just the question of if you are willing to let us go. Not that you trust us. It's if we can trust ourselves to do it.
"That's why we want to prove this to you and ourselves. That we can do what must be done. That we won't ruin Remnant after you're gone." She pauses there, clenching both fists. "And more than that... there is something else we need to do. A shadow we need to step out of. He was hanging over us since the beginning."
Realisation slowly settles in. Binah's amused smirk slowly grows, becoming first toothy and then a full cheshire smile. The four magical girls remain resolute, but each one displays nervousness in some form or other. Even taciturn Courage jerks up and down erratically instead of her normal, smooth bobbing motions while in flight.
"Do it," she speaks into the silence. Her voice is calm, but an anticipatory undercurrent swings with every word. "Let me see it again, that magnificent slaughter. Bane of that awful City, drenched in the blood of countless people, monsters, warriors, innocents all. Show me what memory remains of him!"
Her demand is almost manic by the end. Saffron's eyes are widened in surprise while Love blinks slowly. Then the pink-clad girl puffs out her cheeks. "She stole our incantation," she pouts at her sisters, whose tension breaks.
Saffron and Anemone laugh as they each take one of Love's hands, then one of Courage's. The four face each other while Binah and Ash take distance. "Then we do not need one," Courage responds. "It feels more appropriate anyway."
"I guess? Let's go, sisters. Today we're facing the fear and build the future! In the name of Hatred!"
"In the name of Despair!"
"In the name of Greed!"
"In the name of Wrath!"
Each of them loses all colour. First their clothes turn a pitch black, then their skin follows suit. The magical girls themselves lose coherence next, merging into each other. They become a black fog similar to dispersing Grimm, swiftly consolidating into a silent tempest. The localised storm affects nothing beyond blocking sight of what lies behind it. Yet it exerts a palpable pressure. Forms become visible every once in a while. A serpent that seeks to escape, humanoid forms reaching halfway out of the storm, silently screaming, before being pulled back in. Gleaming bands of blue and green shine around it, snapping one by one. Their individual magics are disrupted and Anemone's blessing around Ash fades.
"What's going on?" the girl asks, clearly worried.
"Take great distance, child," Binah answers gleefully. "You will soon get a first glance at your father, earlier than anticipated. Lower your guard for even a moment and you will most certainly die."
Sable chirps in agreement, but Ash makes no motion to leave. They watch the miniature storm of darkness for a moment, then she slowly draws Storm. "Okay," she agrees. "But... I want to have the first strike. Just this one. I want to see for myself what has them all so in awe of him." She then looks to Binah. "Can I do that?"
"No," Sable says from her shoulder. A single strike will be enough to drain Ash's aura and kill her. The bird flaps his wings once. "But I will help you to fulfill your desire."
"...thank you."
He rests his small beak on Ash's forehead while Binah takes a step back. If it is the first strike she wants, she shall have it. The memory will be weaker than the real one, so Ash will not die. Because it is but a memory, Binah can face him on her own.
Just then, the storm dissipates. Darkness consolidates into a single man. Strips of pale skin are visible between layers of black cloth, soaked in crimson. A plain suit, elegant in its simplicity. No adornments or trinkets are required to emphasize his danger. His hands are hidden by plain, equally black gloves. A blank mask hides his face.
Ash studies the apparition, clearly a little confused. "He's just standing there," she observes.
"Then the battle will begin once you strike at him," Binah reasons. Perhaps it is the magical girls' desire to keep the memory still. Maybe Ash's resemblance to her mother. Whatever it is, now comes the time to make preparations.
How shall Binah face the memory of a man who left lasting scars on the uncaring juggernaut that is the City?
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_Fv3D0Wuqk
-Goal Accomplished: Find out the reason Binah regained her human body
[] Keep your distance and grind him down with Fairies
[] Use everything you have, nail him down so he can't move to begin with
[] Taunt the memory, then slip the net
[] write-in a different or more detailed plan
Do not include any plans for Ash, it is unnecessary.
Memory of the Black Silence
Threat Rating: ALEPH
Threat Description: A master of arms that few can hope to match. He wields an entire arsenal of weapons with distinction. Great agility, and strength make him a devastating opponent to face one on one. Even his memory remains formidable.
- Location
- Earth
That aside, I'm happy. Third time's the charm after all
NoYou mean, she finally get to die in a stupid way?
Holy shit, a reference to Palace of Greed El Dorado, another LoR fic!!
Awesome, ash is protected by p-bird, time to be reckless
[X] Taunt the memory, then slip the net
- Location
- USA
Does it not have the Mask's ability with it? If so that makes this easier then what it could be with it still being a ALEPH.
- Location
- Earth
I was not aware the mask has any abilities that aid the fight? It is a perception-blocking implement, not a combat tool.
If you meant the hyper-storage gloves, then yes. The memory has those equipped.
questioningmeme
Just be yourself
- Location
- River of Light
Isn't that the point of the Mask's power?
You cannot target one of his speed dice because of it. So he essentially gets "free" page to use on you without you being to counter it with another action outside of relying on counter dices.
- Location
- USA
I seem to recall the mask as part of the perception-blocking implement aspect, can let you stealth attack as lone person. But its late, and I am trying to recall where I got that. I feel its the art book I think?
- Location
- Earth
Having read the artbook a few days ago, that is not the case. What the mask does is hide the wearer's identity by masking their traits. It does not make the wearer undetectable.
Hence why Roland was mistaken for the Black Silence; the only thing people recognised about him rampaging was the telltale silence of the gloves.