Sanus, the continent housing Vale and Vacuo, lay far distant from Menagerie. Just off its coast sat a small island, sparsely yet continuously populated. A cliff overlooking the open sea lay covered in snow on this very island. It made even the morning twilight look brighter.
Only a single set of deep footprints disturbed the serenity, belonging to heavy boots. Their owner stood atop the cliff yet did not gaze out to sea; her eyes settled on a stone tablet in front of her.
"February's halfway over, you know?" She told the marker with a melancholic smile. "Yang's going to graduate Signal soon, then she's off to Beacon. I mean, we don't know it for sure yet but she's top of her class. No way she's not getting in. She's really looking forward to it, too. But just between us, I think she just wants to show off to boys where Dad can't see."
She had leaned in to stage-whisper, giggling over her own quip. Once calm again she returned to swaying back and forth in place. "It will be a little lonely without her nearby, I guess. But I'll manage. I got Dad and Uncle Qrow at Signal after all! Even if, er, Qrow is out on missions half the time. You know how he is."
An ocean breeze took hold of the teen's crimson cape and black hair; both billowed out behind her, revealing red streaks throughout the dark strands. Although tights, an equally dark corset, and a multi-layered skirt that did not reach her knees were too little for Winter, she was unaffected by the cold; aura kept her warm and well protected. Frequent puffs of mist were the only interruptions during her babbling to the marker.
A simple message adorned its polished if weathered front: 'Summer Rose - Thus Kindly I Scatter'.
She slowed down and ultimately fell silent after a few minutes spent talking. Her expression lost its joy for a solemn moment, then she slowly stepped back.
"Well, I better get going. Bye, Mom."
The sun crested the horizon just as she waved to the gravestone. Gleaming rays made the white blanket around Ruby Rose glitter and she had to shield her eyes. Then a flake of light plinked against her nose, giving her pause; immaterial though it was, its touch sent a jolt through her entire being. Ruby missed the way her silver eyes began to glow momentarily over wondering what happened.
"Weird. Anyway, bye!"
Ruby waved again before turning her back to the grave and walking away. Snow crunched under her boots, cloak trailing along. A block of polished, red metal gleamed beneath the cape. She grabbed for it with practiced motions mere minutes later because her melancholy had drawn Grimm.
Ruby studied the handful of Beowulves, of which only a single one even sported proper bone plates. The rest had only their mottled, pitch black fur to offer aside from their gleaming eyes. They growled on the approach, undeterred by the unfurling scythe in Ruby's hand; its tip split open the frozen ground, the weapon as long as her wielder was tall. She sized up her opponents for a moment before grinning.
Then Ruby was gone, dispersed into rose petals. They raced toward the confused monsters and reformed behind the last in the pack. Her scythe's blade wound around its throat, slicing through on momentum alone. Ruby rotated her body and let the massive weapon carry her forward, right into the next monster. It was cut in half before the pack even finished turning around.
A gunshot disturbed a swarm of birds nearby, echoing loud in the forest; the third Beowulf died with a hole in its chest. The final pair lunged, only for Ruby to step aside. Both monsters bowled into each other while she swung her weapon in a wide arc, catching both halfway to the ground.
Coming to a stop, Ruby cracked a grin; her prey dispersed into black mist already and no more were coming. She pumped her fist with a quiet "Yes!", then hugged the scythe to her chest. "Good work, baby. You're finally perfect. I can't wait to show you off properly!"
Folding her scythe, Crescent Rose, back into its compact form, Ruby shook out her arms and legs. The fight was unexpected but it helped her loosen up a bit. Then a quick motion unfolded her Scroll and revealed its touch display; Ruby found that she made good time. Walking home would take an hour or so, getting into town more like ninety minutes.
The notion turned her grin outright malicious. It was time to screw her father's plans over once again.
Ruby dispersed into rose petals within moments. Her conciousness entered a state of separation, each petal her yet none truly. A crimson storm raced through the woods, leaving behind traces of red on the undisturbed snow. They accelerated each other, urging ever forward; Ruby had no mouth but if she did, she would whoop in exhilaration.
Five minutes was all it took her to reach town. Her entire being throbbed from the exertion, her aura was low, but she was happy. Ruby consistently managed to reach this far for a year now; she even had enough aura left for emergencies.
Though technically known as the city of Patch, few locals called it that. The isle as a whole bore the same name, so its ownly township was simply known as the town. They could have moved here years ago, be closer to Signal Academy and the market. But Taiyang Xiao-Long decided that a daily trek to and from their little cottage would be good on everyone's stamina. Ruby still suspected her father wanted to keep his two daughters from roaming. Rather, she all but knew because her uncle laughed at Taiyang when her own semblance manifested as super speed; then again when Yang bought a bike.
It was calm this early; most townsfolk preferred to stay inside, which Ruby understood wholeheartedly. She rather be at home, too. But the market was lively anyway, which she could appreciate as well; the young woman quickly bought herself breakfast, buttered buns with ham, then a sausage, and finally a pack of cookies for dessert. The middle-aged man at that particular stall already had her favourite chocolate chip cookies out when he saw her coming.
Ruby returned his jovial wave while he called out: "Long time no see. All of two days, eh? The usual?"
"Yep and thanks!" She already had the exact total ready; this transaction was always the smoothest. "I was kinda busy yesterday. Business still good?"
"Aye. Which reminds me, here ya go." He pushed another package over the counter. "A little extra for my favourite customer. Gotta support an up-and-coming Huntress, no?" He chuckled while Ruby beamed at him, hugging the cookies to her chest.
"Wow! Thanks a bunch!"
"Don't mention it, really." After saying so, he snapped his fingers. "Oh, right. Did you see it already? Someone put up a bunch of tents a bit out of town. There were some weird lights last night, but nobody's gone out to check yet."
Ruby had to shake her head, curiousity piqued. "I didn't. Which way is it?" He pointed in the direction and she smiled at him. "Thanks, I'll go check it out for you. Bye!"
The place was simple enough to find, really; magnificent, crimson tents were raised a few hundred metres from town. They were completely undefended, though; Ruby spotted no turrets, automated or manned. No guards either. Nothing. In fact, there was nobody outside at all except a pair of horses.
Ruby had never seen horses in person before. They were native to Sanus and Anima, but few found their way to Patch or the city of Vale. Each equine stood tall enough to look over Ruby's head! She marvelled at them with bright eyes, cooing. They were sleek and elegant, crimson fur groomed to perfection. It almost shone in the sun.
Once her urge to pet made Ruby slink forward, she realised they were watching her. Neither horse made much of a motion, their pitch black eyes looking straight at Ruby. She blinked at them, realising for the first time this was not normal. A little creepy, even; they were so still, not neighing or pawing the ground with their equally black hooves. Had Ruby not spied their chests move or seen their heads turn to acknowledge her earlier, she would think them statues.
Thinking better of petting them, she slowly crept around the square while always facing the horses. They gave no reaction to her frankly suspicious behaviour beyond idle curiousity. The sheer oddness of these horses spurred on her vibrant imagination and curiousity; just who put these tents here?
She poked her head into one of the smaller tents after a few more metres. There she found a bulbous woman toddling around the room, dressed in fine silk that did nothing to hide her bulk. Ruby stared for a moment, only to freeze when the other woman turned around. Everything on her face's right side was hidden by a bug-like mask that matched the grin of her actual mouth. The one visible eye studying Ruby was as black as those of the horses.
"Why, who do we have there? Hello, dearie. How curious you look, so full of youth and vitality."
Her voice was a vibrant chirp that calmed Ruby some. She barely took one step into the room when the other woman gave her pause: "This new body is not so bad, no, no." She toddled closer, unaware or uncaring of her guest's alienation. Ruby had no words when the other leaned in to take a deep breath; then she recoiled, eye opening wide in surprise. If anything, her grin grew wider.
"Oh, oh my! What a smell you have on you, dearie! Just a trace of light and dreams. Could you be Her? No, no. Too small, far too small. And yet." She sniffed again, making Ruby retreat.
"Erm, I kinda guess I got the wrong tent? Gotta go bye!"
She fled the weirdo as fast as she could, leaving a trail of rose petals in her wake. The woman herself chuckled, melodically trilling after her: "Do come back sometime, dearie!"
Ruby heard her but emphatically would not do that anytime soon. Yet once she put the small plaza between herself and the weirdo, curiousity won out again. She could have left, but she felt a burning need to figure this place out. And she forgot to ask that woman about it. Walking back in there would be far too embarassing now.
That was when a hot breath washed over her head, reminding her she hid behind the horses. Ruby leapt back with a squeak, prompting a snort from the equine that startled her before she began to pout.
"It's not funny!"
The other horse snorted as well.
"Stop laughing at me!"
Before she could continue arguing with the amused animals, an accordion began to play within the main tent. So she stuck her tongue out at the horses and turned away to check it out.
Her first impression was, again, red. Just like the outside, the inside was entirely crimson. An entry room clad in what may be velvet bore no decorations or objects, only a hulking, well-groomed man in dark clothes. He played the accordion with precision, well-defined muscles moving with every motion.
Having Taiyang for a father, Ruby felt no fear beyond her usual anxiety. She simply approached with a shy smile. There was not even a need to get his attention because he addressed her once Ruby got close.
"Visitor," he greeted in an almost monotone. "Speak with master."
A nod was given to the open pathway by his right, leading into a tunnel and some large room further away. Ruby looked this way. "O-Oh. Um, sure." Then, chancing a glance at him, she piped up again: "But can I ask you something first?"
The accordion music stopped. He studied her more carefully, revealing that his eyes were also pitch black from pupil to sclera. Except Ruby could see a tiny spark of crimson burn within from this close. She fidgeted a bit under his discerning look but did not shy away until he nodded.
"...mrm. Ask."
With permission received, the questions blubbered out of her at a rapid pace: "What's this place? Where did you come from? And, uh, who are you? And who is the creepy lady in the other tent?"
He silently stared for just long enough to make Ruby feel mighty awkward. Only then did he rumble a response: "Master will tell. From Hallownest. Brumm. Divine."
"Errr...." She had no idea what to make of his response at first. After trying to backtrack what order she asked her questions in, Ruby went with what she thought she understood: "So your name is Brumm?"
"Yes."
"And she, uh, the woman out there is called Divine?"
"Yes. Presumptuous, but she chose."
Ruby smiled, put at ease by his commentary. "I mean, it's not so bad. I met at least two girls called Angel, that's the same thing isn't it?"
The giant considered this for a bit, a rumble in his throat. "Mrm. Teasing Master." He motioned for the path into the tent again; the hint was clear.
"Alright, I'll go now. Thanks, Brumm!" She made to move on but stopped after two steps and turned back with a grin. "Oh right, my name's Ruby! Nice to meet you!" Then she moved on, missing the faint smile on Brumm's face. He returned to playing the accordion with a bit more energy than before.
The tunnel passed by rather quick; it was merely a few dozen metres before Ruby entered a huge room. The auditorium was separated, set higher than the empty space she stood in. She heard of a circus before but felt there should be more animals than two horses. There were no attractions, no nothing.
At the same time, the owner clearly expected some sort of performance and an audience. Yet no matter how much Ruby turned her head and craned her neck, she found nothing. Brumm said to meet the 'master', but there was no one here. Did he play a prank on her? Was he that master in disguise?
Her worries were put to rest by a burst of crimson flame. Ruby made a choked noise in surprise, eyes snapping back to the room's center. Within the fire appeared an enormous figure, easily over two metres tall. Seeing his carapace made her immediately darted back to the entrance; this being was clearly not human. He almost looked like a Grimm. Wrapped in a grey cloak, unearthly red light shone from within his empty eye sockets and mouth. The mask he wore was of a pristine white.
Then the thing offered a sweeping bow toward where Ruby hid. His deep, scratchy drawl echoed off the fabric walls: "Step forward, little one. Curiousity has drawn you to us, yes?"
He straightened back up, looking right at her. Ruby hesitated and weighed her options; she could run from the creepy bug man, but if he was some sort of Grimm? Then she needed to put him down. On top of that, this was the first one she ever met who could speak. Therefore and against her better judgement, she snuck back into the room. He inclined his head once she neared.
"Be welcome then. I am Grimm, master of this troupe."
Ruby's hand immediately came to rest on Crescent Rose on her back. She barely held back from the natural response to the primal menace. This thing could talk and made no motion to attack. It was probably a trick, but maybe she could learn something?
"So you're a Grimm?"
Much to her surprise, this question gave the something pause for the first time since he appeared.
"Pardon?"
"Err...." Ruby was confused, too. She slowly motioned for beyond the tent. "Like, you know, a Grimm Grimm? Darkness monsters that want to kill all humans? Those Grimm?"
The flames in his eyesockets flickered, eerily reminiscent of a befuddled blink. Then he huffed and shook his head. "A misunderstanding, I assure you. I and these... creatures have nothing in common." His words were not that reassuring. He left a short pause to glance at the wall as if he could see through it. "Although now that I look beyond, they do appear familiar. I believe my caretaker was of similar make."
"Your caretaker?" Ruby could not even imagine creatures of Grimm caring for anyone. Either way, Grimm chuckled in response.
"Quite. But no matter, it is of the past. You are here now, are you not? The first to approach and oh so curious." He took a step closer, looming over her. Ruby ached to draw her weapon, but she stood her ground while being examined.
Something about this did not add up; everyone knew Grimm could not speak, so this being may actually be something different. If he knew the immediate danger he was in, he did not acknowledge it.
"Full of youthful vitality, I see. Hm." Grimm leaned even closer, eyes level with Ruby's. She could feel the warmth of the flame, ever more secure this person was not what she first thought. He had a feeling of power to him, something none of the creatures of Grimm ever had. And somehow he appeared more curious than anything else. Ruby tried to study him in turn, but his features were too alien to distinguish. Rigid.
He spoke again before she made any progress: "You have silver eyes."
This was not what she expected. Ruby squirmed a bit under his antediluvian gaze. "Uh... yes? I know it's pretty rare, I don't know anyone else who has them, but is there anything special about it?"
"You do not know?" Grimm appeared genuinely surprised. "I heard whispers that the eyes are a mirror of the soul. And your soul is permeated with light." His words confused Ruby, who always saw herself as just a normal girl. Grimm seemed to disagree, nodding to himself. "Yes, I see it clearly now. So bright like a miniature sun. But uncontrolled, unknown, untempered. In fact, not like my dear sister's light at all. More like... oh, how interesting."
"Uh, what? I don't get it."
He chuckled. "That is quite alright. You are yet young, no? Wisdom comes with age, you will understand in time."
This time Ruby pouted; she already got the 'you will get it when you're older' card from her father and uncle, she did not also need it from a giant bug man.
Grimm never stopped studying her, though. "You yet lack the frame of reference to understand, even were I to explain. Do you wish to learn?"
"Yeah?" Ruby did not even hesitate. Her curiousity burned. "I mean, it would be nice... wait." But once what rational thoughts a fifteen-year-old could have caught up, she realised she knew stories like these. Grimm absolutely wanted something in turn. "What's the catch?"
Her question prompted a thoughtful hum. "A catch? No such thing, my dear. Although there is a matter I need assistance with."
Ruby's grin turned victorious in the ensuing pause. "Aha! So there is a catch."
"I would not call it that."
"But it is!"
Grimm sighed, clearly exasperated; he reminded her of Uncle Qrow in that moment, making Ruby giggle. He thankfully took no offense and simply move things along: "Well, the choice to assist with the ritual is yours. I have much time to waste regardless, so I can speak of your light."
"Wait, a ritual? Like magic? What's it about?" Her attention was immediately captivated by that particular factoid. She did not even question that the bug man knew magic, too excited by the prospect. Magic did not sound too far-fetched at the moment.
Grimm's eyes gleamed brighter in response.
"Indeed. The Grimm Troupe performs for the fallen, gathering the sparks of their flame so that it may forever burn. No torch was lit here on Remnant but we arrived regardless and find countless embers. Another is needed to help my little one gather the flame, protect him from harm until the ritual concludes." He grew more excited with each sentence, voice carrying as he exclaimed: "A journey, adventure, camraderie! Struggle and perseverance against impossible odds! What say you, Ruby Rose?"
Ruby jumped over suddenly being addressed, but his pitch definitely caught her interest. She knew this was a bad idea yet could not resist the allure.
"Sure, I'll help. What do I need to do?"
Grimm managed to display eagerness even without a proper mouth, turning around to fiddle with something in his coat. Soft whispers and a quiet coo followed. When Grimm turned back to her, he carried a baby in his arms. A bug baby with black carapace and wide, equally black eyes. Once offered to her, Ruby skittishly received the tiny thing; it perfectly fit in the crook of her elbow, nestling against her warmth with another coo.
Ruby never hated bugs like Yang did and this one was positively adorable. She cooed back and rocked him back and forth with a silly smile.
A soft chuckle reminded her of the other person in the room after a minute. Ruby's cheeks flared with heat as she snapped to attention, standing perfectly still. Grimm did not address what just happened.
"This is Grimmchild. It is him who needs to feed on the flames our kin gather. He knows where to find them. Your duty as the caretaker is to protect the child, subdue our kin, and feed their flame to him. Slay them without regard or hesitation, Ruby Rose."
"Wait. You, er, want me to kill your family?"
Her hesitation gave Grimm pause in turn. He studied her momentarily, then shrugged. "They do not come to real harm. It is their chosen role in the ritual."
"O-Okay. Find fire bugs, kill fire bugs, feed fire to baby. Got it." Ruby looked down at Grimmchild in her arms, then back up at Grimm himself. "Alright. And that's all?"
"That is all." The troupe master bowed at the waist, which Ruby returned a little awkwardly. "I will see you in due time, Ruby." That was a clear dismissal, so she said goodbye and took her leave. Ruby waved at Brumm on the way out, who grunted in response. The accordion never ceased its song.
Once outside, Ruby slowly began to realise what just happened. She held onto an adorable, flying baby bug that looked just a bit too much like a Grimm. Carrying him into town may cause a panic. But more importantly, how would she explain any of this to her dad?
While Ruby fretted, a woman stumbled along a dirt path on Sanus proper. Surrounded by the crimson woods of Forever Fall she went, gaze distant. She favoured her left leg, limping as the right ankle was sprained. Blood covered her, though none her own. Soft curses rolled from her lips once in a while. She cursed the White Fang for being fanatics and Adam Taurus in particular. This did not go as planned. At all.
Cinder Fall did not understand where things went wrong. She had everything lined up, just like the Queen demanded. Adam was supposed to fall in line after a display of power, not strike at her out of spite! Her chosen source of disposable muscle was not cowed but eradicated in anger over being denied. She had nothing to show for her efforts; worse than that, her painstakingly assembled team was destroyed. Emerald and Mercury, carefully chosen and cultivated, died in the fight. Thirty-to-one odds were too much even with Cinder's magic. They were worn down.
Again, Adam killed both before she managed to defeat him. Cinder burned down the entire camp in her anger; retaliation was sweet but ultimately left her without supplies to pillage. Now she had to stalk through the forest, hoping to make it to civilisation before her meagre provisions ran out.
A bear-like Ursa was drawn in by the cocktail of anger, woe, and depression brewing in her heart. The beast stopped some ways away from Cinder, tilting its head. The unnamed Grimm in her arm wiggled and it backed off. Cinder herself hissed at the Ursa as she passed, not that it understood or cared. At least the beasts were not a problem for her.
Her mind was awhirl with plans that had to be discarded. She needed to reassemble the board if she wanted to make the schedule, but she would. No matter how, she would.
