Remnants of a World that Was (Warhammer: The Old World X RWBY)

[Yin-Yin Fan]

Schnee Manor was cold, and not in the way all of Atlas and Mantle were. Winter was named after the season that Atlas embodied, but Grandmother taught her what the words cold and winter actually meant. The tension of the house was comparable to thin ice over a lake; one wrong move, and it would crack and spread. She had already started the process with her application to Atlas Academy. Whatever fate awaited her there was surely better than getting caught in the blizzard that was brewing.

But she had things she would miss… Her siblings, Klein, her grandmother and mother. Sure it wasn't far away, geographically speaking, but it was four years of time with them reduced to just hours. Weiss was old enough now to take care of herself with Klein's care, and hopefully grandmother wouldn't push her too hard in her training. It was odd to think that in just a few days she'd be elsewhere…

"Winter, may I come in?"

Winter looked up from her desk to the door, a small feeling of worry in the back of her head. Sure, it was just her grandmother, but… Well, it wasn't often grandmother approached them. Still she opened the door just the same to see her.

Perhaps the most striking thing about her grandmother was just how young she appeared to be. She had aged from the photographs that Winter had seen with her before; a few more wrinkles on her face, her hair slowly starting to gray from its dark tone. And despite that she seemed to still have some youth in her. She was a little older than her grandfather even when they met, and yet she never seemed to change from then…

Her cat, however, didn't change at all as it leapt onto Winter's bed and looked at her with a predator's smug, yet vaguely placid interest. Winter didn't have a problem with it; it might have been a leopard but she was a cat and more importantly it knew better. "Dasha…" Winter greeted it, to which it responded by raising its head slightly before becoming more comfortable on her bed.

Winter decided it was best not to try to remove Dasha from her bed as she just looked at her grandmother's face. She had a stern expression, but eyes that weren't quite unkind, she appraised her, hesitating for a moment before speaking. "It's almost time for you to leave."

"It's still hours away, grandmother." Winter said. "In fact… almost a day."

"The time will pass soon, and there are some things that need to be seen to before then." She paused before smiling a bit. "Perhaps it will give Klein time to get Dasha's fur out of your bed."

"Is this something about… that?"

"Of a sort." She admitted, turning her back. "I'd like this matter to be settled quietly, no need to worry your father about this."

"Of course." Winter replied. Her father let her be taught self-defense; being a Huntress was something else, another thing that caused the ice to overtake Schnee manor… But within ice was power, and Grandmother hadn't spent years teaching her as much as she could in secret. It was the legacy of Grandmother's homeland.

Kislev.

—-

Weiss thought she was scary, and Katarin couldn't blame her. Weiss was like Nicholas in a few ways: a good heart was there with wide, curious eyes that held the icy blue of the Bokhas but with hints of the Schnee line. She was small, thin, but at the same time she possessed a strength of heart Katarin needed to see manifest for what she needed her to learn.

She lead them to a room Nicholas had made for her; hidden in the cellar. Both Wiess and Winter weren't sure where they were being led, the servants they passed just gave Katarin one look before returning to their duties. By the time they got to the cellar she passed a few rows before making a left, to a wall that had the Schnee Family emblem.

"Is this-?"

"Yes." Katarin replied. Winter watched as the emblem was activated by her aura, the wall splitting open and slowly moving back, sinking into the walls as the three stepped through past a small hall to see a room. Not a very big room; the lights were bright, showing just enough space that with a little decoration it could have been part of the maid-room. Two blue carpets in the center stood in front of the room's most striking feature: a statue of a large bear. It wore a crown that seemed to have been made with forst, eyes, brilliant sapphires that captured a sort of kindness and yet stoicism. It roared at the ceiling, paws raised as if to strike down at some foe. Beneath a table with three display cases and various things from kislev, saved to be passed down to them.

"He's so big… i-is that Great-Grandfather's bear?"

Winter frowned. "That's Ursun."

"Oh… He's very big."

"... He was far bigger in person." Katarin confirmed. Seeing the statue of Kislev's beloved god still stirred her heart. So many died for him, and he loved his people and gave them respite from endless winter… but it was not enough. He was the reason she had this life; one last sacrifice for Kislev. "I understand it is difficult to believe, but he was once there for Kislev."

She walked forwards, Winter holding Weiss back for the moment as she went to the center table. For the first time in years, she took Fearfrost in her hands and turned to face the granddaughter she raised as a worthy heir.

"Winter Schnee. This blade has been handed down through generations. It is a mark of power for those who would have once ruled Kislev." She looked at Winter's expression; she was nervous but her face was cold as a glacier. "This blade has served Kislev for generations, and it can only be wielded by a worthy heir to its legacy. It is a weapon that will kill Grimm as well as men. Are you ready to wield it?"

"I… I am."

"Men cannot wield this weapon without freezing on the spot." She said, glazing at Weiss who seemed to be waiting with baited breath. "This is not something to be taken lightly, Winter. Like all magic, it's not a toy; there are consequences to it if you are not prepared. I have done all i could to prepare you, but if there is any reason to doubt yourself…"
Winter nodded, but hesitated once again. "Winter?"

Winter glanced at her sister and smiled with a confidence she didn't have. Winter took the handle from her grandmother, who watched with worry clear on her face. The handle was so cold it burned for a moment, Winter's Aura flaring to meet it. Pain shot from her hand through her body for a moment that lasted to Winter for an eternity…

And yet, it passed. Winter let out a breath as Fearfrost felt just like her training sword, lighter in fact. Katarin embraced her granddaughter and Weiss joined in.

"Thank Ursun…" Katarin said, unable to hide the relief in her voice. She looked at Weiss… Training Winter was… was something she didn't want to do, but she alone showed the promise to wield it. Weiss was too much like him…

But Weiss wished to be a part of what remained of Kislev, so she would try once she was just a bit older.

—-

"The Kingdom of Vale is quite a distance." Grandmother Katarin noted, looking at the statue of Ursun as Weiss ran through her drills. "Why there?"

Weiss didn't answer, she didn't need to really. Her concentration was better spent trying to withstand the cold. Both granddaughters would leave this manor… perhaps that was for the best, Katarin thought. Whitely had potential to be a fine young man, but given Jaques she wondered about him. The man had a way of trying to crush Nicholas's legacy if it meant he could exploit it. Her only daughter was a consequence of that… wearing her down.

This Manor was not like the Ice Court: Her will was not law, but she would not relent. She had seen the Realms of Chaos, saw one of her gods dying and bleeding, and thought against horrors she prayed dearly to never see again. That man thought he could outlast her…

Perhaps that might be true. But if he thought she would just lay down and die he didn't know her well enough.

"Grandmother!"

The small blizzard turned down as she looked at Weiss. "Forgive me, my thoughts… wander."

Weiss just tried to keep warm. "It's fine, grandmother. I'm nervous too."

"About your father's challenge?" Katarin scoffed. Honestly the man had such pride it was a wonder what Willow saw in him… "You will succeed, there is no doubt in my mind."


"Thank you." Weiss replied. "Should I put this into practice then?"

"That is for you to decide." Katarin said. "This is your heritage, and if he declares it invalid then your father is as honorless as I thought. If you are the Heir to my husband's legacy then I know that there is no force on Remnant or elsewhere that could stop you." She smiled slightly, gesturing for her to sit before the Great Bear. Weiss obliged, sitting to her right before the table.

"You're a grown woman now Weiss… The Grimm isn't the only evil in this world, but You and Winter… both of you will meet it."

"You sound tired grandmother." Weiss said, a bit alarmed as the stress was visible on the woman's face… she was getting older. Weiss's training made it clear that Katarin only had one thing to see too before-

"I am very tired, Weiss. " She agreed. "But we have little other means of training you in the ways of the Ice Court… unless perhaps you wish to brave the Atlesian Wilderness."

"... Maybe one day."

Katarin smiled. "And that is why you should not worry about whatever Jaques will bring against you. I've trained Winter to be heir to Kislev… You are the Heir to the Schnees…" her face turned to Ursun's statue. "I have nothing to give you but wisdom, I'm afraid. Remnants are such a far cry from Kislev… At times it almost seems like a dream…"

At times she felt that at any moment, she would wake up. The Chaos gods would remove the veil over her eyes as she saw the same twisted hellscape that she had saved Ursun from, and the laughter of their daemons…

But Nicholas, Willow, her grandchildren… they were worth fighting for, keeping her here and now.

She placed a hand one Weiss's shoulder. "I think the both of us are finished here for now." She took Weiss following her lead. Dasha met them at the entrance… They left the Shrine to Ursun alone, the Emblem of the Schnee family sliding back into place, as if it was simply a decoration…on the other side a small symbol of the Ice Court on the opposite side. Weiss looked at if for a moment, smiling.

What could Remnant throw at her that her ancestors couldn't beat?

An: I feel really bad for the guy who thought Weiss was a half-elf.

 

[Yin-Yin Fan]

Raven looked at the infant. She remembered when Yang was that small…

She wasn't sure how she would feel about being woken up constantly at night again, but Summer assured her she would care for her. The kid looked like Summer in a weird way: what little hair the baby had was the same dark hair, and when the kid was awake the same silver eyes… Given what that meant for her according to Ozpin she wondered how Summer could be so utterly happy and calm.

"Ruby Rose, huh?" Raven said aloud, turning to her friend on the bed. "Ya knows, I was expecting something more dramatic from you."

Summer smiled; that same type of smile she had since the two had met. "I like the alliteration. It's fun, you know."

"It's got a ring to it." Raven admitted, sitting down in the chair. Soon, Summer would be home; Yang was already asking when she could see the baby, and of course Miao would not leave her alone asking who's kid it was… In-laws were a pain in the ass, even if they were dragons.

"You know, I still remember when you found out you were expecting. You looked so nervous about it until Yang was born."

Raven blushed, "Summer c'mon, It was an honest question!"

"Miao's face was hilarious, and it was worth it." Summer sighed. "I'm… glad you're here with me Raven."

Raven paused, trying not to look at Summer. "It's nothing…"

Summer's smile faded a bit, looking at her daughter. "We're all in this together now, a family… I never thought I'd have one again, like this…"

Raven sighed. "... Yeah, it's… nice." She never thought she'd say that if she was honest. She always imagined her future to be more…exciting? Still, there was a certain measure of peace she had here… She wished it could last forever.

—-

"Mom?"

Raven groaned as she heard her daughter's voice and the scampering of Zwei as they both entered the bedroom she shared with Tai. The big lug was snoring, fast asleep as Yang entered with the annoying energy little kids seemed to possess. "Mom, it's Saturday."

"Yeah, I know." Raven sighed, eyes narrowing. She forgot something, didn't she? Did she promise to take Yang to buy a video game? No, it was too early, what could…

"D-did you forget?" Yang asked punctuated by Zwei's confused growl.

"Of course, I didn't." Raven lied, stretching as her brain scrambled to find the right answer. Let's see: Anniversary? No, Taiyang would have been obvious about it… Holiday? No, she'd have gotten something for it then, so it had to be- "it's Ruby's birthday, right?"

"Yep! And you promised to help me make cookies for her." Yang got a pout that made Raven roll her eyes. "And you're not going to break your promise, are you?"

"'Course not, but Yang, it's-" She looked at a nearby clock. "... 8: 00 am."

"I got a little eager, that's all." Yang protested back. "'Sides, we gotta get dad up early for breakfast. Grandpa and Aunt Miao are coming too so… ya know, gotta get ready for that."

Raven closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Alright, okay. It was just Ruby's birthday and baking cookies.. How hard could it be?

—

Miao stopped by a cafe; tea parlors were a bit too… outdated for Vale, whatever that meant. She would hardly call herself the biggest fan of them, but tea was good; it calmed the nerves and didn't dull her senses like Alcohol could.

Her Scroll rang; with some annoyance she took it out as she sat at the table. Just a message from Zhao.

G'mornin' Sister! Did u get Ruby her gift?​

Miao paused to try to find a proper response… Honestly, she hated these. Convenient as Scrolls where she would much prefer it if they encouraged proper grammar. Humans always seemed to rush through everything.


I am still attempting to find a proper one. I will have it by the time we go to visit them.

I think she wanted this​

Miao's eyes narrowed. The image of a stuffed rabbit was a bit… too much. Star-Made Huntress has some educational elements, but Ruby simply enjoyed the fiction and wanted a toy. She was only a child, but she had already grown… and of course Ruby still enjoyed subjecting the dragon to Remnant's children's entertainment. Remnant bred comfort, comfort bred complacency and complacency bred laziness and that bred-

I will see if I can find it.

Good! See U at 12? 1?​

Miao answered the latter… Humanity here certainly improved from paper and pen, she wouldn't deny, but she hoped Her grandnieces would be better than some of the lazy magistrates she had to deal with. At the same time however it was Ruby's birthday, and her mother and father were happy to indulge her wishes when she was a child.

Not that anyone needed to hear about that.

—-

Raven looked over the list. Summer and Tai usually did the cooking in the house but since Summer… She tried to make up for it. It never worked but dammit she tried, and she had to try for this. They decided to start it after lunch, and Yang decided to distract Ruby with that video game they liked. She'd get Yang back for this, but she needed to focus.

"Raven?"

She looked up from the recipe to see her Husband. Tai had a warm smile on his face, but his eyes told her he could see the real reason she was hesitating. "You need some help."

"I CAN cook, ya know… Summer wrote it all down. It's not that hard."

Of course, she knew she could never replicate it. She had them before; She sometimes made them for important events, the anniversary their team was formed, Yang's birthday, Raven's birthday, holidays… They were the best cookies, which is the only thing that both She and Qrow agreed on in their Beacon days.

"... You sure."

Raven sighed. "Fine fine… not like either of us can mess it up too bad right?"

Taiyang just sighed as he joined her on the other side. On the kitchen counter. "It's mostly just getting the ratio right… Summer's handwriting can be hard to read."

"It's called cursive." Tai chided as he was handed the note.

"We didn't have time for the fancy stuff in Anima." Raven countered as she began to actually start mixing the flour. "Print is fine! And more importantly legible!"

"I think that's the most you've told me of your home." Tai replied. "Pass me the eggs?"

Raven did. "Tai it's… complicated. It's been a long time since I've been back there for a reason." A lie. She didn't like it, but Tai trusted her. She wondered how he and Summer could be so naive, especially given Miao figured something out. Though now that she thought of it, Summer always seemed to try to keep her close…

The batter was coming along well, though Tai shot her that look of sympathy that made her blush. She should tell him; she knew but the smart part of her brain told her she'd mess everything up here. After all, Tai trusted her. Yang did, Ruby probably did, the dog… she was 50/50 on but it was a dog.

Tai almost made her jump when he put a hand on her shoulder. " I'm Sorry." He said genuinely. "It's just… you and Qrow are usually kinda quiet about this stuff so sometimes."

Raven smiled. "Don't worry about it. The past is the past and we're celebrating Ruby's future today." It worked, Tai dropped it and they got to actually cooking together. She still had trouble looking at Summer's recipe though…

She should have been here, a part of her would always think, instead of her.

—-

It was the first birthday she had without her mom. She was only six but it still hurt. Yang could tell too, everyone missed her. Even Miao Ying told her it was alright to be sad. Auntie Raven and Dad tried to help her too… it was hard, always would be but she had her family at least. Just minus one.

Zwei was on her lap as she played a round of that fighting game Yang liked and let her play sometimes, even if she wasn't good. She liked playing as the green one and Yang liked playing as the Girl with a Big hat.

Ruby wasn't good at the game, but she was good at mashing buttons and occasionally got out the flashy super moves which were enough to make Yang play defensively until she found an opening to beat her up.

Which was fun, in a weird way.

A knock on their window caused Zwei to jump and yip at it as Yang mercifully paused before her character could do a throw to look to see their uncle… wait Uncle Qrow?!

Ruby opened the window for him as he entered, Yang and her embracing him just as he managed to get in. "Hey, give me some space, I just got here!" He smiled though, roughling ruby's hair (Ruby knew he couldn't get away with that with Yang without a punch) "Happy Birthday kid.

Zwei yapped happily at them as Ruby followed them to let the family know their uncle was here. Yang however, stopped her before she could go downstairs. "You shouldn't spoil the surprise, Ruby."

"It's my birthday! And I have a nose! I know it's cookies!"

Yang paused. "W-Well it's supposed to be a surprise."

Qrow chuckled. "I'd just count our blessings, considering my sister hasn't burnt them yet."

"I HEARD THAT!"

"Good, your hearing still works. Glad that hasn't changed."

The Three (and Zwei who didn't know what was going on but was excited) all headed downstairs and went to the living room. The smell… didn't match her mother's cookies, but they still smelled good. Seeing dad and auntie Raven in the kitchen made her smile at least. "Glad you made it Qrow."

"Believe me you're not the only one." He sighed. "Those kids are gonna kill me…"

"What happened? Oh, did a Grimm get loose in class?"

"That stuff's more for Beacon stuff honestly." Qrow replied, speaking for experience. "Tempting as it is sometimes. Which is why Raven's not teaching."

"Mom wouldn't-" Yang paused. "Actually, I can see that…"

There was a bit of silence as Zwei jumped to Ruby's lap on the chair and became comfortable. Ruby smiled as she pet her little friend. "Did your dad tell you when he'd be here?" Qrow called out.

"He says soon, then we can eat." Dad assured him. They were going to make her favorite and the cookies would be great, she could tell but…

She just wished everyone could be here…

—

"Zhao, please do not give the dog food."

"Look at him, Sister, he's begging me."

Miao sighed. That dog was not normal. She couldn't prove it yet, but it seemed too smart to be a normal dog with it clearly beginning to realize which family members were susceptible to his tricks.

"He might get sick if you give him too much though." Yang said… before doing it herself. Ruby for her part seemed to be harder to get to giving up her own food but she got to enjoy it without Zwei's attention.

Raven looked to her daughter for a moment before she stopped, Zwei whining a bit before moving back to the much more receptive Zhao. "So, Business doing good, Zhao?"

"Oh yes, quite well. It was a bit rough at the start of the year for a bit, but hopefully things will clear up now that the medicine research has been approved." He grinned. "And hopefully Yang will be able to learn safely there, more or less."

"Finally?! I-mean, really grandpa?"

Miao sighed. "Magic is not a toy Yang, it's a tremendous responsibility." She glared at her brother. "Enthusiasm is fine, but it is dangerous."

"So's Aura and Semblances." Raven replied to a bit harshly. "Yang's going to be fine, it's in her blood apparently."

Yang just watched the two glare at each other as Miao sighed. It was the sort of Sigh she'd give out as if explaining to a child that fire was hot. "You do not understand what it is like to have the blood of dragons, Raven Branwen. This is an important part of Yang's development, something that is not to be rushed." She looked pointed at Zhao for that.

"Aunt Miao c'mon she's just excited to start."

Miao sighed. "Taiyang, you know as well as we are supposed to that there's consequences, and Yang needs to take her time. Her Aura and Semblance help her to protect herself, this is giving a weapon to a child in some ways."

"When I was her age-" Raven looked to Qrow for backup on this and Qrow seemed to be trying to ignore this argument as hard as possible. "I already knew how to swing a sword."

"Yang is not being raised out in the wilderness." Miao remarked.

Yang shrunk back just a bit, trying to make herself seem small, next to Ruby it was quite a task. Raven to turn slightly red in anger. "Yeah, she's being raised by her family. Me and Taiyang. You might be her great aunt but that doesn't give you a right over anything about her."

"Excuse me?"

"You heard me." Raven replied. "I've known her since she was born, and the kid can do whatever the hell she wants, it's her life."

Zhao coughed before Miao could reply. "You know I'm reminded of the old family gatherings we used to have… granted that you at least tried to relax a bit, sister."

Taiyang put a hand on Raven's shoulder. "It's Ruby's birthday. We should just set aside the dragon stuff."

"Dragon 'stuff?!'"

"Yeah I think," Qrow said, looking at Yang and Ruby. "It's about time for those cookies you were making."

Raven would have said something before she shared a look at Tai before sighing. "Fine yeah alright."

It wasn't over, but it was a start. Ruby looked to her sister who seemed to just be relieved that two people she loved weren't going to get into a shouting match. Ruby looked to the plate full of chocolate chip cookies; they smelled familiar but they looked a little bit drier than moms used to be.

Zhao handed her one before taking one for himself. "Hmm. they're good."

Tai offered one to his aunt who looked at them and then Raven for a moment. "I should not overindulge on sweets."

Zhao chuckled. "You know," He looked at Tai. "She wasn't always like that. I remember your grandmother telling me about her first birthday."

"... of course, she told you."

"Well, you were a growing dragon back then," Zhao said good naturedly. "Though given how much you disliked the Ogres I was surprised to hear you eating a mountain of cake."

"Only 20, and I was very, very young." Miao defended herself.

Ruby gingerly took a cookie in her hands, Raven looking a bit nervous but expectantly at her as she took a bite.

It wasn't like her mom's; it was crunchier and rougher, but it still tasted familiar enough.

—-

Raven stared out at the stars, alone. She remembered when she was a child when she would look up at the stars and just think of what she could do. Now as adult possibilities just seem so very limited. Summer and Taiyang made it worth it and Qrow… Well he was mostly the same but was just happy to be away from the tribe. She didn't understand it herself; no one on Remnant was clean. Even Miao and Zhao had some dark secrets from it; she doubted Cathay was this grand paradise they tried to paint it as. What did it matter though? If the wall ever broke down and Salem did… whatever the hell she wanted to do, then it would be everyone out for themselves.

She always pictured herself becoming the Leader of the tribe; it wouldn't be an easy life sure, but it would be fun, exciting. It was the reason they became huntsmen; to know how to take them down and it should have been easy, until she met Summer and Tai and then Miao…

Things in life needed to be earned. Even thieves and bandits knew that; if they got it from you, clearly, they deserve it more and if you could fight back that proved they shouldn't have messed with you. It was just a basic proof of life.

So why did she have this? This was Summer's. If anyone deserved this, it was Summer Rose the hero not Raven Branwen…

"Auntie?"

Raven sat up from the grass as Ruby came running towards her, her stuffed toy of a rabbit from that cartoon she watched in her hands. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine." Raven replied, watching the silver-eyed girl as she seemed to hide behind her new toy. "Just needed some outside"

"Like Great Auntie?"

Raven didn't answer. "Why aren't you inside?"

"Dad wanted to talk with Yang and Grandpa is talking to Miao so."

Ruby noticed that Raven never really looked her in the eyes. "So you didn't want me to be left out of family time huh."

"Nope." Ruby Agreed.

"Did you… like the cookies?"

"They were good!" Ruby assured her. "Different but good."

"Different huh.." Raven repeated. "Sorry… i tried to follow her recipe but-"

"I like 'em different tho." Ruby replied. "Like it would be weird if they were exactly the same."

The older woman shook her head. "Was I at least close?"

"Um… I guess?" Ruby said with a silly look on her face. "It was crunchy."

"Must have overcooked it."

Raven looked at the house; The 'team' house, Summer and Tai had called it. She never felt like it was hers… none of this was hers. She was just so out of place and out of her depth here. She should have had a simple life of banditry. Dragons just had to complicate things. "It's getting late.

Ruby followed her auntie. "Why don't you like Miao?"

"Miao's… complicated. She's gotta have everything under her thumb." She practically did if Raven was honest. "I don't think she can smile. But… I don't hate her." Honestly hating her was too much. She was just a pain in the ass and it had nothing to do with the fact she could smite her with lightning…. She even remembered finding out that she was an alien dragon-person the hard way.

Still, they understood each other. Raven looked conspiratorially before she opened the door to the house. "Ruby? I have to ask ya something… I'm worried about Yang. She had that Dragon Dream again?"

"She has it every now and then." Ruby replied, a bit confused. 'I think it's cool. Miao says that i'm not allowed to ride her if she becomes a dragon though."

"I really think we won't have to worry about that but… Look, can you try to cheer Yang up anytime she needs it?"

Ruby tilted her head before Raven sighed. "Yang has a lot on her plate, I guess… I just want her to be what she wants to be, so if you think she's down just… try to make her smile, okay? I can try too, it's just... Not what I'm best at."

Ruby seemed to consider it before nodding… and giving Raven a hug. Raven didn't know how to react as she entered the house. Raven paused…

She really was just like her mother… Raven brushed some hair out of her face before she entered the house herself. She's trying, for Summer's sake at least, to give them a family. Miao be damned.

AN: So, Ruby's Birthday is today, so i thought i would try to do something like this to celebrate. Ruby and Raven's relasionship and how Raven feels about being 'stuck' there. I hope you liked it and have a happy halloween. This is more of a bonus as i was hoping to have one-interlude at the end of every arc (or around there).

 

[Yin-Yin Fan]

Mallus, Endtimes

I'll have to be quick; We've all been busy these days and the world and for me that means having favors called in and people asking for them in return. Seems like the world's coming up by its seams and a certain Cousin of ours needs you to rescue someone; apparently some sort of hero-type like yourselves. It's the least we can do doesn't it? Of course, by we, I mean you. All five of you in fact.

The world was ending and here they were going to rescue someone on the word of Bardin's Cousin, as if there weren't countless ways to spend their last few days.

Of course, Kerillian didn't have the heart to say it like that, even now as a Sister of the Thorn. She could feel the Weave's last breaths, and she knew, in some small part, she had played a part in it. She couldn't be fully blamed for it; they had taken her doubts and uncertainties and knew that she merely played a small part in a larger and grander thing than they could have imagined… as had they all.

The five stepped through the Bridge of Shadows and once again felt nauseous as the world went dark blue before they arrived at their destination… it looked like dwarf work to Kerllian's eyes, but it

"So Cousin Okri himself is calling in a favor eh?" Markus Kruber (or De Mandelot. Mayfly names were odd and apparently this situation was caused by the 'quirks') said, looking at Bardin. The Engineer grinned as they started on their path.

"He's probably been having quite a time himself. Least he's keeping in touch." Bardin replied. Hefting his Cog Hammer as the group moved forwards. Kerillian felt a pulse of something, stumbling a bit. Like a Lumberfoot, which of course was noted.

"Are you feeling alright Kerillian?" Sienna asked, the Fire-mage looking at her friend with concern.

"I've been better." She admitted under her breath. "The sooner we're back in the Keep the better."

It wouldn't feel better of course; she could just feel the edges of the Weave fraying. The end was getting closer and closer by the minute… In another twist of Irony she had become a Sister of the Thorn and would be allowed to remember all those closest to her; because they were all going to meet the same fate, in the end.

Journey into the dwarf ruins was oddly quiet; nothing save the sounds of the broken halls of dwarfen make.

"Never had a job this quiet before." Markus murmured. "Least with Lohner. Something horrible happened here before we came in."

"We should be grateful for small blessings, considering the mess." Kerillian replied.

"Aye Wutelgi.. Wouldn't want to invoke whatever caused this."

A mighty battle had happened here. Victor Saltzpyre was already speaking of otherworldly corruption (which considering they all had been to the Wastes was… correct. And obvious to them)

Skaven tried to interfere, but the Pactsworn were broken years ago. It was almost nostalgic to kill clan rats, though these were marked by Clan Eshin. It seemed, in fact, that there were too many of them; it seemed every half-a-moment she needed to lift up a Sneak-rat only to have Bardin and Sienna shooting them in the head. They weren't there for them it seemed.

It should have been quick, but then they came across the rubble deep in the place, with… something in the distance they all tried not to look at. Moving the rubble was made easier by most of their abilities. (Sienna stood by and gave encouragement… and slayed any other skaven coming by.)

When they uncovered the target it was… just a mayfly; blonde of hair and dressed in a red cloak and blue clothing that had seen better days. "Ah, another mayfly, joy."

"Be silent, he's just taking his breaths."

The man was helped up by Bardin and Saltspyre. He wearily looked at them, clutching a book for dear life. "Where-" he coughed violently.

"Easy there Umgi, we're here to help. Cousin Okri sent us."

"Who?"

"Long story, but any friend of Okri is a friend of ours. Now, let's see about getting you out of here without the Raki getting any ideas."

"And… that?"

The rift closed… whatever possibilities there were gone, and the man seemed to have felt as if an opportunity was forever closed to him…

"We have the bloodling with us, now, to the Waystone."

"My name is Felix Jaeger." He said aloud, managing to stand on his own. "How… who are-"

"Nevermind that," Kruber said as Kerillian felt the Weave convulse in pure terror. Eyes widening as she rushed first. The others followed suit as the ruin began to rumble and shake, collapsing and killing some of the rats in their way, the Bridge of Shadows opened around the Waystone, the skies turned blood red around them as they approached as Kerillian could feel the Weave's dying breaths before they entered and-

Something was very, VERY wrong.

—-

The world stopped making sense. Memories and feelings went through Kerrilian's mind; once she thought she heard the voice of Khaine, driving her forward with her being one of his Shades, but that wasn't right, she was a Handmaiden of…. No, she was a Waystalker-

"Move! Forwards!" One Eye called out from the void. There were meaningless directions in this place until she saw it, a moon. Not the False Moon the mayflies called Morrslieb, the proper one, the natural one.

"To the Storm!"

"What? That looks nothing like a-"

Kerillian blinked; it began to shift around. She could hear an urging towards the moon. And She followed. The moon hung over the Waystone and it was their only chance. It would take them where they were needed. Daemons would notice them if they did not get there in time and then her soul would…

The Pale Queen would be better than what waited for her.

Markus thought he was going mad; this was worse than the Skittergate; it made him feel like he was stuck in a small boat in the middle of a horrific storm. The boat-metaphor was further confused as he could see strange ships up in the air that vanished in a blink. He tried not to look too long though, the eyes looked back too.

Now where do you think you're taking them, Lilieth? Didn't you learn your lesson at the Haven? NOTHING ESCAPES FROM ME.

That voice gave all of the Ubersreik Five pause for just a moment as shadows began to lap up on the 'path' behind them. Felix cursed, given what had just happened the last time he heard that voice.

Victor saw it; by Sigmar he saw it! Sigmar himself faced off against the Everchosen as the world crumbled around them. Ghal Maranz, the Holy Hammer itself in his hands. He was calling him. He knew it. Something, the voice of doubt in the back of his mind told him to be more suspicious but Sigmar had provided for his chosen… he had to. "Sigmar, if you have ever heard me before then hear me now. Grant them safety."

It might not have, Victor thought immediately afterwards, been wise to distract the first Emperor of Men but surely Sigmar would dispatch the heretic.

Bardin of course merely saw the reality of it; the silvery light leading them down the path… and yet he felt like it was taking days merely to move, chaos trying to slow their steps to the Elven Waystone. They needed a miracle to pull this off and if they couldn't then it would all be for nothing… it wouldn't be a fitting end for the Slayer (no he was still a ranger and… the Ironbreaker shook his head.)

The Shadows behind them manifested as a shadowy hand, the face of the First Daemon Prince manifesting as they entered the Waystone's range. Sienna prepared a final spell to make her mark but even as his hand pierced it Bel'akor froze as his hand vanished, a look of surprise and pain followed on the daemon's face as the Ubersreik Five (and Felix) vanished from sight.

… So be it. Chaos finds all things eventually.

Besides, he had more pressing matters: one more dead world in the wake of Chaos was not something that needed his direct attention after all… it was time to carve his own Empire once again in a fresh, new reality.

—-

Kerrilian felt profoundly empty for a moment before she realized her heart was still beating and she was breathing. Meanwhile the sun was shining, hidden slightly by an autumn tree.

For a moment she thought as was in Tirsyth the Weave here was so similar to that sad place-

This place had a Weave, sort of. It was in the same way a mayfly (an actual one, but she supposed a human would be a good example) had a lifespan; it wasn't quite as grand as such a term would suggest but it was there. She stood up, balancing herself with her staff. She felt drained and weary, but she was alive. That was good for now.

"Urgh, I think I've had enough of going into weird portals for one lifetime…"

"Kruber?"

The Grail Paladin stood up. "Oh thank the Lady. I thought… I thought you'd-" He paused as he took in his surroundings. "... This ain't Taal's Keep."

"Observant as always." Kerillian was thankful for her mask, it helped to hide the smile. "Not sure where this is but I doubt staying here will help."

"I don't suppose you know where Saltzpyre and the others are?"

Kerrilian looked; they were in a clearing in a forest of eternal autumn. She was initially worried that Sienna would have set fire to the place but she quickly noticed Saltzpyre's armor glinting in the sunlight and the faint scent of Alcohol and steam nearby made Bardin easier to find. Sienna and Felix were nearby. With an exchange of glances she went to help Sienna and their new Mayfly companion while Kruber worked with One-Eye and the dwarf.

—-

Felix was actually enjoying being at peace for a moment. The "Ubersriek Five" were pleasant enough, and the scenery was certainly a change of pace from almost dying in a collapsed ruin. The only thing that was missing was Gotrek.

Granted, upon reflection he doubted Gotrek would already be fuming at running from the fight, even if it was that or certain death. Still, he had been granted a mighty doom; he wasn't sure why this "Cousin Okri" would go back for him…

"Okri's a weird sort; the good kind of weird." Bardin explained. "Can't imagine what goes through his head half the time."

"I see it runs in the family then."

"Aye, that it does Wutelgi!" Bardin agreed. Felix shot a glance at the other humans in the group. The Warrior-Priest looked to be annoyed but… confused at the situation, looking down at his hammers as if there was some small flaw only he could see. The Pyromancer's flames looked dulled as well but he assumed that was normal. The Knight of Bretonnia with a Reikland accent was, oddly, perhaps the most normal.

"So." Felix began. "How did… forgive me? It's a bit hard to ask this… but how did you five meet. It's a bit of a motley group."

"At the Red Moon Inn. Quite a story actually; I was being hauled to a murder trial by Saltzpyre.

Felix nodded for a moment before it actually hit him, which Sienna chuckled at. Saltzpyre sighed. "It was the only way to ensure proper justice would be carried out. I hired Sir Kruber before he found out about his… heritage. While we stayed at the Red Moon Inn for the night when the Rat-men attacked with only the Dwarf and the Elf able to aid us against the horrors…"

"And after that," Kerillian replied. "We were practically stuck together like a tangle of thorns … and with any extras like yourself."

"You have to forgive her, Dawri, ever since she's become half-tree she's been a bit more prickly than usual." Bardin replied.

"For the last time, Bardin, I'm not half-tree! It's… more complicated than that."

She looked at Felix. "It… is a complicated sort of purpose for why I remain with them, though you likely have some experience with that."

He frowned and stared ahead; the endless autumn of this place. It was beautiful; even in all his travels he'd never seen something quite like this.. But that raised the question of where they were. He had half a mind of asking the Wood Elf, but she seemed lost in thought.

"It would be rather easy to set this forest ablaze if I'm not careful." Sienna said with a hint of anticipation that made Felix worry for a moment.

"Let's not push our luck Sienna." Markus replied. "Considering we're wandering in the woods and Taal wouldn't exactly be happy with ya if you set the place ablaze without good reason.'

"Indeed." Victor added, looking to the elf. "We don't even know where we are."

Felix looked around him for a brief moment; it was oddly quiet now; not even the gentle birdsong was there… while uneasy the wind still breezed past them. "I don't know either. I thought this… might have been a Realm of Althel Loren but the Weave here is…"

She trailed off as she looked to the woods, her staff ready. "Something is here."

Felix drew out his sword and the others readied themselves. Red eyes gleamed from the woods as the figures rushed towards them, almost blindly fast. It had the shape of a wolf, but it's body was pitch black like a moonless night, with bone-like protrusions jutting out from it's body.

Kerrilian's eyes widened as a chilling revelation came to her; whatever it was it wasn't related to Chaos. It was an odd one to have as a ravenous demon-like parody of a canine lunged at One-Eye, but she could feel it. It HATED it seethed with raw malice and rage that would have put Coedil's Dryads to shame, unburdened by anything and yet it was completely and utterly… natural.

—-

Carmi liked being stationed at Forever Fall Forest: it wasn't the biggest target in the Great War, but the Grimm were always being a pain to supplies to the City of Vale. Technically speaking she was the last line of defense… well part of it alongside other Valeish Rangers. The Leiber family was a part of Vale for generations and she was proud to do the work here, even if there wasn't much glory to be had. The Valesih Rangers were allowed to continue here to protect Forever Falls natural beauty, but even then they'd probably be replaced by these new Huntsmen types.

She was hunting down some Grimm that had been spotted in the area; nothing too serious just some Beowulfs beginning to show signs of getting smarter… how anyone would decide to wage war while the Grimm still held most of the world was beyond her, but they didn't stop. The King of the Vale had ended the war as little as twenty-two yeats that the war would end soon and kept appealing to the Grimm and for cooperation.

Let's hope it lasts. She thought to herself as she followed a trail of broken branches, her trusty Crossbow at the ready. It wasn't quite a rifle, but she'd been making some adjustments to it so it could make a Goliath wince. However it was then she heard the sounds of steel being battered and the sound of what sounded like a flame-thrower as well as shouts for help. Carmi Leiber ran as she could, Aura at the ready but it did not prepare her for the sight she was about to face.

The first thought that came to her mind was 'how are they still alive?' Which she immediately chided herself on. An older, bald man used what she assumed to be his Semblance to enhance a tall twig of a woman's Aura. She was currently using a pointed stick with a green gem at the end, and it seemed the roots were responding. Another older woman was using fire and seem disappointed that her Semblance wasn't giving her more.

She wasn't quite sure what the squat figure was doing with that odd gun, but he called for them to take cover in strangely accented Valish. The Beowulf seemed to priortize the man who was quickly intercepted by a man in historical costume who's Semblance seemed to make his blade glow and strike a mighty blow.

"What does it take to kill this thing!?"

The last member was blonde and honestly Carmi was almost distracted by him jabbing the ornate blade into the underside of the Beowulf…

Well, the one they are focused on. The other two leapt into action as it dropped, the blade stuck in it as the vertically-challenged old man was tossed aside before he could bring the gun into range. That was when she took her shot, and thanks to whatever gods were watching over these people it struck. One dead in the eyes. The bald-man in heavy armor looked to her, thought she knew for a fact her helmet and face mask would protect her identity for a moment she panicked; fumbling around for the next bolt before he turned back to the Grimm.

"Keep out of the way!" the strange gun the man had made quick work of that Beowulf as well, all of them looking exhausted and it came time for Carmi to think. These people didn't look like they were from Vacuo… if anything they reminded her of historical enthusiasts thought with a fair bit more skulls then she would like in the harsh-looking bald man.

"... Thank you for that." He said. She couldn't quite place that accent either; it sounded almost Argosan but not quite right. He seemed to look her over with one good eye, like he could feel something wasn't right.

"Oh it's no problem," She replied, keeping it safe. "The Grimm are everyone's enemies Ya know."

"'Grimm'?" The lanky woman repeated, "Isn't that what you call One-Eye, Bardin?'

"It's Grimgi" Bardin replied with a chuckle. "'Grimm' has the extra M."

Well that set off alarms in her head, and it seemed 'One-Eye' noticed it too. The Blonde one cleared his throat. "Forgive my companions, they're… eccentric. My name is Felix Jaeger and we-"

"Got lost." The knight finished for him. "Wondering if you could tell us where we are?"

"Forever Fall." She said carefully. "My Name is Carmi, Valish Rangers happy to be of service."

There was an awkward silence there. None of them understood a word she just said which was concerning and she really didn't want to end up on any of those "Weird Tales" stories popping up right about now. "I uh… take it you're not from around here?"

The tall girl with pointed ears and, as Carmi just noticed, black eyes leaned on her staff. "... That is an understatement."

—-

Markus was many things in his life; a sergeant, a mercenary, and a Grail Knight. He'd seen things he never would have thought he'd seen and drank enough ale and brandy to try and forget half of them. Still the first thing that struck him about this 'Valish Ranger'; was the uniform. He wasn't big into fashion aside from hats (but of course what Empire-Man didn't value a good hat?) but he wasn't sure what materials made it up. Her helmet was metal and she had a similar face-covering that Kerillian wore in a light green, leaving big brown eyes peering through a small portion of her face. Her clothing had more pockets than he would have thought necessary and yet was lightweight enough.. Her Crossbow was massive and so were the bolts, looking more like arrows than what he was used to seeing Saltz use before he became a priest.

It actually was kind of funny seeing Saltz and the short-woman trying to out-interrogate the other while they were going to the outpost, she was stationed in. Saltz had a good few year of experience over her while she knew she had more information about this place. 'Forever Fall Forest', was apparently infested with these 'grimm'.. Well she clarified (and said in a tone that sounded like a matron educating the slower of the children) that they were all over the place, Got worse duing the 'War' and now they just seemed intent on making everyone miserable, which was familiar enough to him though he wasn't sure if he'd take the Grimm over the Beastmen…

"So what other places do ya have here?" Markus asked.

Carmi paused, though she gave him a glance. "Well, There's Vale and Vacuo but you would probably know that…"

"While I understand your fear-" Saltzpyre said in his best 'diplomatic' voice which never sounded right but he was trying. "-as you said, we're not from this area."

"Well, my superiors will be the judge of it, sir. You know, you can't be too careful."

Markus couldn't help but notice the Elf seeming to remain quiet which was unlike her. He'd known Kerillian for… Lady and Taal, how long now? He was losing track of time, maybe he should start moderating his drinking, but Kerilian was never far from a snarky comment so either she was being very polite or that… Weave-connection made her realize something.

He didn't think he knew her as well as he would like… she could be a pain in the ass but they were close as she'd let him be. He knew that look too… maybe elves pretended they were different, but he knew that look on her face…

"So, other than Grimm, what else do you deal with?"

"The occasional poacher or trespasser. People say there's more Grimm than people who'd ever been alive, though and they don't like us." Carmi sighed. "Must be nice to not deal with them."

"Are they intelligent?" Felix asked before clearing his throat. "Or something guiding them?"

"Outside of some conspiracy theories and legends no." Carmi sighed. "Well, they're smart in the sense of their cunning. The bigger, older ones know. Sometimes if they get too big or too smart"

"Like Urks hmm, well that's something I suppose. Just shoot the big ones then?"

"If they see you." She replied. Turning to see all of them. "... You've all got that look I've seen in people who've managed to make it back from the front lines. So, I'm really concerned about this… why don't you know what they are and if you really don't know about The Kingdoms… what have you been fighting?"

"Do not." Markus almost jumped at Kerllian's voice. "Tell her about IT Victor."

"Kerillian?" Sienna asked aloud.

"... Some things are better for you not to know Carmi… It would be a cruelty worse than the Grimm."

Felix was about to speak but he kept quiet. Markus could see Carmi working it out, looking at Kerillian as if she was mad but then it hit him and everyone else in the know.

She never heard of Chaos.

No more than that, not even orcs, goblins… just people and Grimm. Victor's mouth was agape for a moment before looking Carmi square in her eyes. "... I will not tell you. The Elf is right, it is not a topic that should be broached lightly."

"... Elf?"

"Yeah I know she's not… wait you don't know what-"

"I mean I heard children's stories," Carmi said as Markus could feel a… sort of existential depression over her and Bardin as she continued. "You know, short people in the woods who help children out with that sort of thing are not… Well, uh… tall and skinny." She seemed to catch onto it too before she cleared her throat. "B-but ya know… Remnant's a big place."

"Remnant? What sort of name is that for a continent?" Bardin asked.

"Oh no it's the.. Planet? No one is sure why but…" She looked to the side and forwards in the hope of avoiding further awkward conversation. "... okay looks like i'm gonna end up on a Weird tales mag…"

"So wait a minute this is… not…" Oh… that explained it… that explained all of it.

—-

Felix and the others sat in the outpost… it was ornate far as those went. A banner hanging out from the front was the only sign of allegiance, though it was far enough into "Valish" Territory they didn't need to worry.

They were across from one another, the six of them unsure of what to make of this situation, trapped in another world. The table had the bare minimum of what could be considered a meal, and yet none of them had any appetite.

"So…" Bardin asked, poking at his own food. "... Think Lohner and Olesya got here? What with the Bridge?"

"We should be more careful about ourselves. Hopefully we can find them but…" Markus sighed. "Well, Carmi's boss doesn't seem like he's dismissing her story."

Saltzpyre looked at Kerrillian. She didn't eat, but she drank water and was not in the mood to speak… which of course was odd even after becoming a Sister of the Thorn. "I will admit I am at a loss about this. Though I trust Sigmar to guide us… You seem worried, Elf."

"What is there to worry about One-Eye?" She responded oddly. "We're only stuck on Lilieth knows where and if there is a home to return to…" She looked away which worried even him.

"Take heart." he said in a gentle… though of course still an authoritative voice. "Sigmar guides the faithful and your… gods guide yours."

Felix wasn't sure about that but… it was something. "It seems to be the will of the gods admittedly."

"Heard rumors about a 'haven' but…" he shook his head. "By the Lady this is just odd."

"We've been through worse." Sienna replied.

The door opened to reveal another man in the same strange clothing as Carmi, the girl following behind him… his face remained Felix of some of his classmates; something just… oddly punchable and dislikeable. short, brown-hair and a muscular stature.

"So, these are the aliens? You sure you didn't just run into historical reenactors?"

"I never said they were aliens sir." Carmi replied with a tone of resigned weariness. "I said they were 'displaced'."

"Whatever rat." He scoffed. "So… who are you, and why the hell shouldn't I have you locked up for trespassing in Forever Fall?"

"We are the Bloody Ubersreik Five… and a guest." Markus barked.

"Never heard of it. Doesn't answer the other half of the question." he replied.

"What has Carmi told you? That we fell out of the sky?" Felix asked.

"And killed a beowulf… apparently had trouble with it despite your Aura and Semblances too." he grinned a bit.

"... We're not familiar with the terms." Victor replied slowly. "However in my line of work it sounds as if you're accusing us of witchcraft."

"Irony of Ironies isn't it Saltzspyre?" Sienna mocked.

"Sir, as I have told you and informed higher command they have an… ignorance of the world." She shot a look of apology to Felix. "To the point that-"

Sir Winchester shook his head. "You're dismissed, I'll have to handle this."

Felix sighed. "I've never been in the military, but it seems a bit rude to ignore her.'

"Oh right because 'Six people wandering in grimm-invested woods' isn't suspicious enough for me to step in?"

"It's understandable,'' the dwarf said diplomatically enough. "But there's no need to be rude to your comrade-in-arms even if you outrank her."

Sir Windchester scoffed. "Look shorty, I don't care much about you or you… freak faunus girl" he looked at Kerrilian who just scoffed. "The beasts like working together ya know, even if she's 'loyal' to the Vale… even then her word is not enough to make me believe it."

"As admirable as your paranoia is." Victor replied, glancing at Sienna to silence any comment. "There are such a thing as extenuating circumstances. Where I in your position I would-"

"Do the same; I'm not exactly trustful of strange people intruding on Vale Territory." he growled. "You're weird… not that weird."

"Depends on what you mean sir." Carmi mumbled before looking over to see something.

'Ello? Is this thing working?

Of course, it's working.

The Commander jumped and Carmi looked around confused… as did Felix.

"Lohner? Is that you?"

Felix was… not sure if hearing voices was healthy but if anyone heard it that was… not comforting.

It is! Sorry, that… events knocked things around here a bit. Sorry about the mess Kruber and… wait where the hell are you?

"Which one of you is doing this?!"

Carmi cleared her throat. "Sir, given they don't know what Semblances are-"

"WOULD YOU BUY ANYTHING THEY TELL YOU, RAT?!"

Oh Dear Lohner said in a voice that was still very relaxed. Well not to worry strangers. Some of the folks that found what's… left of the keep seem to be understanding at least. There's others here too; some Bretonnians, a couple reiklanders… even some halfings. Poor folks won't know what's going to hit their larders. Do you know where the town of 'Lampstead' is? Rubbish name if you ask me but the hospitality is nice.

"That's my home-town!" Carmi shouted which got everyone's attention. She cleared her throat.

"Wait, now I'm pretty sure that a Semblance from a smooth-talking doofus doesn't overrule me!"

"Oh I don't know." Sienna said with a smile. "I've never cared much for people like you. You're worse than Saltzpyre."

Felix stood up and smiled as Saltszpyre continued, looking to see the call to high command Carmi. Another ranger carrying some odd device came in and wanted to speak with the Commander.

"Message sir. A confidant of the King of the Vale."

—-

Kerillian sat outside… Apparently the human king was a good enough talker to get that mayfly off her back. Holding her Staff back in her hand… she remembered holding many weapons in her time, and yet this one was the most tied to her.

Carmi stepped out and sat next to her. "... Sorry about Captain Winchester. You know how people like him can be."

"Aye, that I do." Kerillian replied. She wanted to push her away honestly but… she was worried about this. She got too close to the others. Still, Carmi was…

Well, she was a good shot and while Bardin might have had a point to call her 'thorny' she was better than most other bloodlings… but how much of that came from ignorance?

"He kept calling you 'rat'..."

Carmi's expression hardened. "Look I… I don't know how you came from dealt with it… if we're even there but It's complicated."

She took off her helmet and Kerillian almost braced to use the staff but it was just two mouse-ears.

A mutant? She thought to herself. But no; she wasn't a walking affront to the Weave she was... well as much a part of it as any other bloodling.

"We're called the Faunus. Best to Remnant's knowledge we've been here since humanity was but…"

"I would hide it from One-Eye and the others." Kerillian said quickly before standing up. Carmi's face sank but she remained calm.

"I'm used to it by now. Vale's hardly the worst place to be if you're like me."

Mayflies were always the same, weren't they? There was also something wrong with Kerillian about a lot of what she heard about humans; short lived, smelly, nosy and bothersome. They didn't understand the Weave, save for a few… and yet they managed to live. They could be cruel and barbarous and yet there were men like Kruber… even this 'Felix' was "... So why tell me?"

"... I hope your people will be treated better than mine, Kerillian." She said looking as she heard the clanking of armor as she squished her ears beneath the helmet. "Besides if… if I follow your eyes then Remnant is going to need to be your home too."

Kerrilian was about to speak but… she was right.

The World she knew was gone. And she, no matter how small, had played a role in it. "Thank you." Of course, the thought of her being the last of the Asrai occurred to her (and apparently Druchi but she preferred not to dwell on that) "So, you said you had some sort of vehicle to take us there?" She said, trying not to think about her loss.

"Heh, did your world have airships?"

"Aye we did!" Bardin said as he appeared with the others. "Well, we did anyway. Thunder Barges we called them. Had some smaller ones… always wanted to work on one."

"Well it's still new stuff but it's like that." Carmi said with a smile. "Then we should be there by nightfall."

Kerillian sighed. "Well I suppose I'll have to rely on it if the woods are as infested as you say.

"Grimm are attracted to negative emotions. The Big Ones… they're smart enough not to act on it unless they have a reason to, the beowulfs you met probably… well, can't imagine it went well."

"Any of them that can fly?"

Carmi laughed though it was bitter. "Yep! Nevermores, but most of the aircraft can handle them… of course it's just a transport ship but… I got Needlepoint here." She took her crossbow into her hands.

"Still don't know how you lift that thing." Kruber muttered.

Carmi frowned. "Well… it's uh… tricky to explain considering the witch-hunter right there."

Victor shook his head. "Miss Carmi, there is no need to fear the Judgment of Sigmar's faithful servant."

Felix frowned. "... I would suggest it's some manner of technology?"

"... It's the Result of Aura. I thought you guys were doing it to the Beowulf. It's… an extension of one's own soul. It protects you from wounds but over time…" She shrugged. '"It's not magic, as far as we can tell at least. Besides everything alive here has it and if they're lucky a Semblance that's powered by it." She frowned as a question dawned on her. "... You were hardly enough to deal with a Beowulf or two at least."

"I see…" Saltzpyre said with a sigh. "Well, I will conduct a thorough investigation of it to be sure."

"Oh, is that our ride?"

Kerillian looked up in the sky to see it; it was sort of like the noisy machines that the Dwarfs loved to brag about though… oddly clean running. But it came at some price she was sure. But those who beg couldn't complain, could they.

Kruber whistled as it touched down, and Barin chuckled. "Oh, it's good work for manlings I suppose."

"Heh, yeah." Carmi replied quietly. "Let's hope it's a safe flight."

Kerillian didn't enjoy it; like all human contraptions, if this was how they tried to mimic nature's gifts then they took the wrong lessons. It shook every turn of the wind… but it held together. There were times she knew if it weren't for Mayflies like Markus Kruber, Sienna and PERHAPS One-Eye they'd have all died long ago (and of course the Dwarfs too… for what that counted.) and now here on Remnant…

Victor was praying, or at least deep in thought. They all sat inside with only a small porthole letting light in.

"Elf? You're shaking." Kruber noted.

"Oh shut up. This thing is a steel cage and we're entrusting ourselves to the sky." Another shutter compounded her point.

"Oh c'mon Kerillian, live a little.' Sienna smiled. "Might as well enjoy it."

Kerllian just glared at the Bright wizard. Carmi cleared her throat. "Not a lot of people get to ride in these things. Most are just repurposed military craft. Hear some folks in Atlas still keep'em armed for Nevermores even in civilian flights."

Of course they'd use it for warfare, Kerillian mused. She supposed she should not have expected anything else. Even with an enemy staring them in the face they seemed to conspire to find ways to make war. It was the same with Athel Loren, it was the Same with the humans and the Dwarfs…

And perhaps it would be the same here.

Markus took off his Helmet sighing. "You get used to a heavy plate… eventually." he said.

"Indeed." Saltzpyre replied. "But i'm sure your "Lady" provides you the most basic advantages, as Sigmar does me." he frowned. "Though it is a bit heavier then I remember."

Sienna frowned, looking to Kerillian. 'You noticed it too? During the battle with the beastie?"

"The Weave here is… an infant. Or perhaps in slumber." Kerillian replied. "Nothing to wake it up."

"Considering how homely you made your forest home sound Wutelgi…" Bardin said before stopping himself. "... I'm sorry but this world…"

Carmi smiled briefly. "Uh, was that the… stuff you were doing? The "witch-craft?" "

"Without the Weave, without what they would call the Winds of Magic Sienna can barely conjure a flame."

Felix looked at his blade. "Perhaps that's for the best in some ways…"

"Sigmar is still out there." Victor said, though Kerillian could tell he didn't fully believe it. "It is not magic but faith… and I will endure."

Sienna huffed. "Well, we could still do it… I wonder if this Aura could help us in that?'

"Once the investigation is concluded… perhaps." he frowned. "This world is very much different to ours… and if my suspicions are correct then" he took a breath "My guidance will be needed, as much as arms."

Felix frowned. "Perhaps but… There is much I need to understand first."

"And you, Sir Jaeger? If there is no escape from here?"

"... I have an Oath to finish." Felix replied. "I owe Gotrek that much.."

Carmi smiled. "Old Friend?"

"... I'm not sure if I would call him that. Not because it isn't true, but I've been with him for a long time." Felix replied with a smile of his own. "Throughout it all I was by his side. It was an Oath at first, but he released me… and yet when this… business started I knew I couldn't leave him behind."

Bardin smiled. "Good on you manling. Seems Okri was right about you."

"And you Kerrilian… assuming there's no way to get Home?"

Kerillian frowned and looked to the metal floor. She was a Sister of the Thorn… none of this should have happened. She should be dead… why is she still alive? "And you, Sienna?"

She shrugged. "Well, why not? Explore the world? Bother Victor at whatever he's doing?"

"Hmph, I would expect nothing less."

Kerillian shook her head. "I… Will have to seek out whatever is left of my people, if any."

"It's best not to give up Hope Wutelgi." Bardin replied, though the thought occurred to him as well, as she knew. "Besides we shouldn't take out the possibility of home so soon."

"Bardin I… You're right." She frowned, though she knew the answer. Silence ruled the room for a while before Markus cleared his throat. It was her fault… maybe not all of it, maybe just for her own people but she helped to cause this for… all of them.

"Hey Kerillian, if there's Brettonians there I can finally try out my new accent."

"Kruber…"

"Accent?" Carmi asked with a smile. "Show me!"

"Very Well Madame~" Kruber did, making Kerillian crack a smile. Ah so that's it is it? "I am a knight of Bretonnia, I am ze Lady's Champion."

"Must you bring that here?" Saltzpyre groaned, though the others were smiling.

"I always think-" Bardin said. "It should be more Pompous; you haven't gotten used to it yet."

"Probably, hmm let me see. 'I am ze proctor of the innozent! I am alzays just!" is that right?"

"Almost, better get some practice in."

"I'm not sure you can make it work Sir Kruber." Felix said, the smile tugging at his lips. "Though I'm not sure if this accent is going to be very welcome in… my experience."

"I dunno Kerillian seems to want me to try it in Parravon." Kruber replied.

"Oh well I suppose this will have to do."

Carmi chuckled.. "Oh, the ladies will love you, I'm sure. Least you have a friend there to smooth things over, worst case scenario. I hope the other refugees are alright too…"

"I wouldn't call us refugees." Bardin replied, though there was an edge of weary acceptance. "Not so long as there's just a bit of hope to cling to…"

Kerrilian closed her eyes, knowing the truth of the matter, or at least enough to know. "Still, until you can get back," Carmi offered. 'I'm sure the King will be willing to help. He's reaching the end of his life but... even now the Council doesn't really go against him. He managed to negociate peace between all four Kingdoms."

"Really?"

"Well it's the rumor mill you understand." Carmi sighed. "But no one denies it. Some say he ended it with just one sword stroke. never been a King like him and

"Your king sounds like a good sort of umgi." Bardin replied.

"Is that the word for 'man'? He is of course."

Sienna huffed a bit. "Or he's got a good propaganda machine."

"Maybe a bit of both." Carmi admitted. "But you have to have some hope in things."

"I used to think the same." Kerillian replied. "And look what it got me… I'm still not sure what to think about them."

And yet they… were what could pass for her friends. They were the only ones she had.

She had to make amends to them, somehow.

—

The Keep was still standing.

Technically.

Franz was busy tending to his Emporium of Wonders (and wondering about the exchange rate for Shillings to whatever the hell these folk used) Catiren was… somewhere probably, poor lass. And Olyesia?

Well, she was knocked out cold by that Earthquake, trying to maintain the Bridge of Shadows before it just swallowed up the whole bloody Keep. The Trophy Room was gone, as was "Kerillian's Quarters" which he was NOT going to be happy to explain. At the very least some old paintings and the Statue of Sigmar made it. Everything else was in… working condition. He hoped the Five of them (and their guest) managed to make it and wouldn't be too mad about the entire situation… After all, he could hardly be blamed for it.

Lampstead was still buzzing about in panic; some reckoned there were a couple of moving corpses out there (and fair as he could tell there weren't) and the halflings were… not acting normal. Not even hungry, just shocked and cold. Some of the unlucky buggers in the military died to some of those 'grimm' things that seemed to be attracted to their misery.

They had help from the village patrol at least and then that just led to this. Luckily, Ol' Lohner wasn't one to be underestimated and got the Five on the line (convenient that.) and soon things calmed down. The kingdom of the Vale… the village of Lampstead.

Oh and of course the loud Bretonnian woman and her mountain of a partner managed to keep the others in line. Had some neat amenities too…

Which brought him here having to see that piece of what should have been dwarfen artifice touchdown and the seven get off. "Welcome to Taal's Horn Keep… or what's left of it at any rate." He said with a chuckle, though even then it was forced. He gestured to the village that was beneath it. It was a sort of farming village from what he could tell. Some of the men just came back from the way, apparently circumstances permitting… helped out the lads who managed to make it with them.

"Well, the Keep's seen better days." Markus said first.

"It must have been impressive! How did it even get here?" The lass asked.

"Olesya, our… uh, assistant managed to do it… not even sure how." He chuckled. "So! Townspeople have been welcoming though we've had some issues."

"We're good folks, here in Vale. My name is Carmi, pleasure to meet you Sir…?"

"Lohner, Franz Lohner." he replied. Taking her hand in a shake. "So, you're the Famous Felix Jaeger."

Felix nodded. "I wouldn't call myself famous."

"In the Circles I run in, you and Gotrek were amazing." he chuckled, looking at the five. "They had a lot of catching up to do."

Carmi frowned. "So, the others that are here… where are they?"

"Ah well-"

—

The town was alive with activity, and it was easy to mark out the different mayflies for once. Those on Remnant looked soft in an odd way. Those some were hardened by farm work, and those few she could see as warriors looked at them strangely and steely. The Halflings were Halfings: Shorter than even Bardin and round and yet they looked cold and shaken. Anyone from the empire did as well, and the bretonnians… Well, some greeted and saluted Kruber. The others were peasants or just tried to maintain their pride… Some came to One-Eye to ask for guidance and yet there were no elves or dwarfs…

It was a bitter irony to think Humans would outlast the dwarfs and all of the Elven peoples. Even if they were out there in this world, the Grimm would make short work of them. Even the dullest dwarf would know the world they knew was gone.

The Weave was dead, and Remnant's was but it's palest imitation. They would live here, trying to integrate here but their homes were forever lost. She had helped to jail them here.

Carmi wanted to say something of comfort, but Kerllian could tell words were failing her. Some tried to make conversation but there was a world of difference. Felix was dragged off by a woman who embraced him and wouldn't let go. Kerilian wondered what this King would do, or just what the townsfolk would say or react to what was left over from one world. They were lucky nothing… harm followed them. Franz pointed to what was at best a shanty town that was being set up with the newcomers… It was a marketed difference even for mayflies in that it was just a bunch of camps and tents. A Remnant Couple was talking to a Brettonian Woman in heavy armor and her…

She wasn't sure mayflies could get that big.

"Ah, Monsieur Lohner, these are… those people you mentioned?" The woman asked. Short, black hair in a bowl cut with eyes hardened by centuries of battle… A woman who sipped from the Grail? that was... unusual. Most didn't make it that far.

"Eh bien, au moins l'un d'entre eux est un compatriote bretonnien." The man said.

"Well… more refugees now?" The Remnant man asked. "We're doing all we can to assist you but… Well, this isn't really something we're used to."

"It is fine none of us understand this." Lohner assured. Before turning to the five. "This is our host for… the foreseeable future, Mister and Missus Bysshe."

"It's a pleasure." The wife said. "Though we… I wish it was in better circumstances."

"As do we all, madame." Victor said, before looking at the Bretonnian. "And you?"

"Repanse De Lyonesse." She smiled a bit. "And he is Henri le Massif."

Kruber seemed to stiffen a bit. "Oh, oh by Ze Lady and-"

"... Vous nous insultez ?" Henri asked.

Kerillian stepped up. "Forgive him, he's never quite mastered his accent." She would have to wait for more… appropriate time to have Kruber be beaten by Brettonians… hopefully.

"Oh c'mon Kerillian let the boys hash it out." Sienna chuckled. "Might as well…"

Repanse relayed it to her partner. The two Remnantians (Was that a word? It would have to work for now) smiled nervously. "W-we were expecting, eventually, refugees but we're not sure what to do about this…"

"Vale says they'll help us out but that will take time, until then we… need order to be kept I suppose."

"The little ones have already tried to get the food… not the children, the actual little people."

"The confusion is understandable, why, my ancestors used to think the Halflings were little humans!" Bardin replied cheerfully. "And I'm sure Grimgi will be more than happy to keep the Sigmarites in order."

"And I suppose we can help with the Bretonnians then?" Markus asked a bit too hopefully. Repanse smiled a bit.

"Well, until you have ze accent." She exaggerates her own for a moment. "... The Lady's champions need to stand together."

Kerillian frowned. "What about the Grimm?"

"A-a few of your men did their best but.. We put them to rest as best we could and now we're all on high alert." the man said solemnly. "We… can't do much besides helping you heal and food. We called the City ya see, and they said they would send aid though the nature of this is... unusal."

"Well Wutelgi?" Bardin asked in an understanding tone. "We could try to help… even without that Aura magic."

Sienna frowned. "Not sure either of us could be of much help there, you noticed how… weak you feel even after a few fireballs."

"W-Well." The Wife replied. "You do have the ranger?"

"I'll help, the rest of you… get some rest, and you, mister preacher-man." She said slightly affectionately to Saltzpyre. "Good luck to all of you."

"Go with Sigmar or… whatever you believe in." He sighed. Looking to the shanty town. "We should try to keep the people calm for tonight."

"Aye… and how are you going to do that One-Eye? You're not exactly what I would call... Social."

"I will do my best, Elf." He replied with a nervous smile which set off alarms in Kerllian's head. "Sargent, try and gather as many people as possible to the settlement. Bardin, see if your expertise is needed. Elf, Sienna… do as you please within reason."

Lohner nodded. "We'll all do our parts Saltzpyre, not to worry. We have a lot to do… Well… time to get some work done."

—

The Moon was broken.

Kerillian couldn't even begin to imagine the force needed to do it. As a worshiper of Lileth it pained her to see something so wrong and twisted. The worst part was the mayflies said it was normal, least the native ones did.

What could have gone so wrong?

She stayed away from them in the tents; she was an Asrai and she had no place here… Bardin was acting remarkably cheerful though of course, both were stuck in the same situation…. At least he had the company of mayflies. She did not have that luxury, so instead she sat in what remained of the exit to her quarters, staring at the only thing that could connect her back to anything, the moon and finding even that to be an insult to the Weave. She was never liked by her Kin, or anyone… Now she was truely, and utterly alone. A fate she deserved, and perhaps she would be left to it-

"Kerillian? It's getting late."

Markus Kruber peered at the Broken Moon. "Bloody unbelievable, isn't it?"

"You have no idea, bloodling."

"Repanse herself, in the flesh. Thought she died ages ago, Bretonnian politics is one hell of a topic." he frowned. "I think I'm still scheduled to duel Henri tomorrow, just a friendly match."

"I see." Ah how to get the meat away from her to enjoy the silence… though she didn't mind him as much as the others. Honestly next to Sienna he was remarkably simple. Compared to the others? Practically the one she could tolerate the most. And yet a part of her didn't want him to go.

If nothing else misery loves company.

"Sit down if you wish."

He did, to her irritation. Mayflies…

"... So… I-I'm sorry."

"Don't be, there was nothing you could do."

"I know but I just… I remember when we met, how… hard your eyes look."

"What about it?"

"... never seen them so miserable. Last few days you've been on edge and…" Markus sighed. "Taal, i've been worried sick about you."

Kerillian paused. "I appreciate the concern bloodling but-"

"See you only do that when you're annoyed or miserable… or both but… Just tell me what's wrong and-"

"Kruber, what in the Pale Queen's name am I supposed to tell you?! That the world we know is GONE? That all we've ever done was for nothing, because there is no world to save anymore?" She breathed in. "That all we have left is… just pieces of the Weave, stuck here in a world where it's practically already dead?... Kruber I…"
"... it wasn't for nothing Kerillian…"

The Sister of the Thorn just stared at the broken moon. "So you say. Bardin can hide it all behind his cheerful demeanor, but he knows the truth. I don't even know if i can continue, One-eye and Sienna already have one foot in the grave." That was the problem with Mayflies… "... I failed everyone."

"Don't talk like that." Kruber said too quickly for her to like. "Kerillian… Lady's mercy i don't know how to say it-"

The Lady, she thought. A lie, a tool used to protect the Asrai… and yet she had faith in Kruber…

"Look, Lohner said it himself once; nothing good lasts forever. Every Spring and Summer is followed by Autumn and Winter… that's just life. You're not the only one who lost everything. Those folks… they're scared, they're confused… they just want what's best for their families."

He looked at her sternly. "... If I'm honest, I'm bloody terrified right now."

"Oh really?"

He nodded with all seriousness. "I mean how couldn't you? Saltzpyre is almost going full Flagellant down there. He's STILL preaching but he's got everyone's attention, Bardin and Sienna are getting piss-drunk and she's trying that Dust stuff on a bet, and seems to like it. Felix locked himself in his room and Repanse is… apparently working something out with Henri." he coughed. "Well, everyone's coping with it."

"Ah, well, this is how I cope with it." Kerillian replied bitterly.

"Kerillian, I've seen the look you had since we got here." His voice became sullen. "On my own face a couple of times. I can't… imagine what it's like for you."

"So then why are you trying?"

"Because if I don't then who will?" he replied. "You don't exactly play well with the others… you tolerate me at best."

"Sargent, of all the mayflies I've met you're the most… endearing." She said a bit slowly. "..I appreciate it at least." She wondered if she should tell him the.. Truth of her involvement in all of this.

"Sister of the Thorn becomes… less of the old, more of the new overtime." She explained. "Yet that is in part becoming an extension of the Weave… I was worried that one day I wouldn't even remember you.'

Markus frowned. "Ah so… that's why it's been a bit-"
"Yes, Sargent." She sighed. "... I don't know what to make of myself now. Even the Grimm seem to have some… odd place in this Weave."

He frowned. 'You think so? Thought it might have been a daemon, given it just dissolved." he sighed. "Well might as well try to be a part of this place."

"Don't have this choice in that Kruber." She replied, standing up. "... Thank you. I think I would have missed your little pep-talks the most out of all of them."

Kruber followed suit. "So… what now?'

"Sleep, and given that my Quarters are no longer existent…"

—

Kerillian dreamt and perhaps for the first time in ages they were peaceful. A soft song playing in the background as she finally had peace in a place like Athel Loren. Her home… well, much as she had one. It was missing the Dwarf's Songs, the faint smell of Sienna's flames leaving wisps of smoke. Kruber and One-Eye talking about whatever inane chatter mayflies like them did and -it was about then she realized the point of the dream… an annoying point but one she didn't really regret. Much as Kruber and the others were her friends she just needed this for a moment.

The music got louder for a breath moment; it was sort of like a traditional Asrai tone put with something… else. Something more, something a part of her would have called familiar. Perhaps it was the last part of the gift of her gods. She took comfort in it here in the dream, and when she awoke the next day she would go back to those she cared for.

—-

Five days later.

Franz looked at Felix a bit nervously; it wasn't his first time meeting with… someone of importance (and hopefully wouldn't be the last either.) The keep was not in the best shape of course, but he got his personal favorite pictures out and turned the center into a bit of a meeting place. Olesya was still nursing an apocalypse of a Headache from the backlash but in the Kislevite tradition decided to take it out by being grumpy… lest that wouldn't change.

"So what do you think?'

"... I'm not sure."

"It is no palace, but it will have to do."

"Ah, morning Kerillian! Hope you're finding the new quarters… habitable?

She frowned, or Lohner thought she did. Hard to tell with elves who covered their faces. "It can be at times…"

"Nevermind it then. So… I'll be honest, not sure how this is going to go. Apparently he's been a bit busy with some buisness in Mistral. Now he can deal with… our problem."

Felix sighed. "I've rarely had good experiences with leadership, but the villagers assure us he is a good and just man."

"In my experience uppity mayflies are the common ones." Kerrilian replied. "Perhaps we should give him a good scare if this goes south."

"... Let's save that for plan C." Franz countered.

"Like children! Just keep quiet for an hour." Olesya muttered.

The table was as good as it could be. A seat for her, Kruber, and the rest of the Five. Repanse and Henri (though his non-bretonnian was rather difficult) The Mayor of Lampstead, the Halfling leader.… all the important people she supposed. As the only Asrai able to speak… well, she didn't have much hope but if this King was to have any idea of her people it was best to ask.

This time it might go better, after all.

The past five days have been… interesting. The Halflings were trying their best to integrate and their food was always amazing… oddly it seems the horrors of the Ends Times put them into a kinder, less mischievous mood. The Brettonian Nobles were being kept in line by everyone else, and the Empire mayflies were already trying to keep their culture alive. The Brettonians were much the same of course… Pie week was being considered to be brought back.

Baridn was getting work, but word of even the Imperial Dwarfs were rare, if any survived. Felix had spent his time working on his tribute to his Dwarf friend and spending time with his wife.. Saltzpyre was having heated and entertaining debates with a Priest of UIric, which were bringing the people together in an odd way, and Sienna had been trying to compensate with Fire Dust and apparently it proved to have a similar enough appeal as Aqshy once had to her

Dust made everything more… it seemed. Jade Dust was plentiful here it seems simply due to it being a part of farming. It was the closest she had felt to the Weave in ages. It never lasted of course. Misplacing an addiction did not help after all…

So, when it was time for the meeting to be underway, she wondered how the King thought of it… and yet, when Repanse and Saltzpsyre brought him in she was surprised. He was old by mayfly standards, at least in appearance and yet the eyes… They reminded her of the rare times she met with a tree lord or a dryad. Something that had lived longer than even her. His partner seemed… disappointed in the motley, shocked, even. She was about as tall as Sienna, and yet her eyes were white, her pupils barely discernible. She also seemed to have that same, long lived wisdom, and yet the despair in her face, the tightening of her jaw… she was not happy.

"Forgive me for being a bit late." He said with a loose smile. "These past days have been hectic for all of us."

"Indeed." The woman said, taking her seat. "... None of you are of Cathay, a shame but for any to survive to make it is miraculous on its own."

"I have… no idea what that means but we're sorry to hear." The mayor said with an attempt of a smile.

"Cathay? Grand Cathay?" Sienna asked. "Tried going down the Ivory Road once… but at least someone from everywhere managed to get here."

"I am Miao Ying, R… former ruler of the Northern Provinces, Favored Daughter of the Dragon Emperor."

"Ah that… explains that…"

"Are you alright?" The King asked.

"I'll be fine I hope." he said with a nervous expression.

"So! King of the Vale." Franz Lohner said. "And Miao Ying! Well, Cathay is welcome here too I suppose."

"I have not been able to find any of my family here aside from my Brother." She replied coolly before seeming to stare at Kerillian and then to Bardin. "Though I suppose I am not alone in that."

"Cheerful aren't you?" Bardin replied. "Heard good things about Cathay… not sure if you are a dragon though."

"She is." Felix assured. "We have more… Pressing matters, right?"

Indeed they did. The king was an attentive listener, trying to understand as much as he could about the situation; what to do with the people, the land, how to better integrate them, riders for the Mayor and his family. As much as he could to help, offered almost out of hand with a generosity, Kerillian would have called nativity if she couldn't see his genuine concern. He wanted to help, and would try his best, almost as if he had a similar experience himself once. He even promised to help find any of the Elf or Dwarfs that came to Remnant; Bardin and Kerillian pointed out to him how… isolated their people could be, and while the Grimm made it difficult he assured them they could and would be found… and when the Mayor left the room, dismissed by his King, there was only one thing left on his mind.

"Remnant… is an island of ignorance in a sea of madness." He said quietly. "Miao Ying has told me of your enemies… the countless ones. I have only had to deal with one on Remnant"
"The Grimm?" Markus asked.

The King nodded. "And that… is enough. Ignorance is our only defense and should we meet it… we need to be ready. The Great War of Remnant is over, and perhaps peace… but if the Great Enemy, or any other from any other world were to come to Remnant…"

Silence took the room. "Remnant has enough problems. And if this peace is going to last, I need your help."

—-

Salem strode outside of Evernight; the strange events of the past few nights lead here here, where the Grimm had decided to tear these odd beings limb from limb, creating a mess of decay and gore. It didn't shock her she'd done far, far worse after all, but it was distasteful in the smell and the rot. The bodies of these strange beings were being dragged to her study (everyone needed hobbies after all). These strange squat, dark-haired beings were quite… alien.

She remembered studying the stars, and the idea of life outside of Remnant was interesting, once upon a time, when she was a naive woman, she would have loved to see it…

The grim reality however was before her; Her Grimm tore them apart, and from what she could tell only the crude imitation of a Nuckaleev managed to fell many. And yet why all this effort for this statue? It looked like them, frozen in a permanent grimace put with eyes that almost reflected her own.

It was oddly… cute, what with its stature and large, comical hat. "I suppose I could find a place for this." She mused.

What a time to be alive… She'd have to check to make sure that her Constant Companion didn't find something more than corpses.

 

[Yin-Yin Fan]

Taiyang Xiao Long didn't like making decisions without some advice; sure he could rush into things in the heat of the moment but Miao had taught him the value of a little patience when it came to matters of the heart. Which is why he was here in a small restaurant in Vale with his father; nothing really more complex than a sports bar, casual but it helped put him at ease with it. Tai was just picking at his potato fries before he cleared his throat and just said what was on his mind.

"Dad, I-I think I'm going to ask Raven out."

Zhao grinned. "That's my boy!"

Tai sighed in relief, leaning back in his chair. "Just… don't let Aunt Miao find out? She's uh… not her type of girl."

"Well, she has high standards… too high. Impossibly high now that I think about it." Zhao paused. "Though she'll understand. She might want what's best for you but you need to be able to decide that for yourself." He raised his glass and took a sip.

"W-Well I mean it's just a date. Not sure how it's going to work out." Tai said nervously. "I mean… She's just…"

"Son, you have to make your move. She's been on the Team for.. What a month?"

"It's been a whole school year."

"See, time flies! You know her well enough." Zhao smiled. "Just use some of the family charm! It worked out great for me."

Taiyang sat back and thought about it for a moment. "It's just… I don't want to mess up the team too much. It'd… be awkward if it ended badly."

"Have some confidence Tai, that's the key to everything in life!" Zhao said with a smile. "You have your limits, but if you don't test them you're never going to surpass them."

Tai thought about it for a moment, before nodding and smiling. "Alright, let's try it."

"You mean 'I'll try it.' Zhao shook his head though he was smiling softly. "You're a good man Tai, that should be enough."

—-

"Summer, the way I see it-" Raven began with a familiar speech Summer was getting weary of. "-there's no real point to fighting fair. You fight to WIN so if you think about it throwing dirt in Asha's eyes was a legitimate strategy."

"It was against the rules, Raven." Summer chided. "You're better than that."

It was always that; You're better than that Raven. Not mad, just disappointed. Raven was rather annoyed at Summer herself at it but that's what made Summer fun. "Look you don't even like sparring so what does it matter?"

She knew Summer's answer, or at least a form of it. "Because there's a difference between a Grimm and a Huntsman and you should be nice to people."

"Look, I'll be nice when they earn my respect." Raven waved her hand. "Even Qrow has that, more than I can say for the others."

"Is that why you keep losing to me when we spar?" Summer replied innocently.

Raven shook her head to dismiss it. "No, once I figure out all your tricks I'll kick your ass. Besides, you have a very weird definition of fighting fairly."

"'The way I see it there's no real point to fighting fair!'" Summer laughed. "Besides, I think there's a difference between fighting smart and kicking dirt into someone's eyes."

Raven sighed. "Using the environment to my advantage should be praised if anything."

Summer paused as they actually entered the building. "Raven, I try not to ask people why they became Huntsmen but sometimes I do get a bit curious."

"Isn't it obvious?" Raven replied with something that she hoped didn't sound too well-practiced. "It's fun."

It wasn't a lie, but the way Summer looked at her it… wasn't an answer she liked. "Look, I don't have some deep, angsty reason for this Summer. I'm good at it, it's fun, and it pays well." In so many ways.

Raven's smirk dropped as Summer still had a sort of understanding, if disappointed look. "What?"

"Nothing Nothing." Summer had a sort of half-smile; it didn't reach her eyes. The sort of smile when she was upset and didn't want to show Raven and it always annoyed her. Summer was… weird. She treated being a huntsmen as a duty or becoming some hero from some of Tai's stupid comic books. Raven had met enough oddly, annoying, idealistic people to last a lifetime but something about Summer and Tai…

She shrugged it off. They'd either wise up or reality would try to change their views.

—-

Alright, time to be a dragon. "Hey, Raven."

She looked at him and Tai could feel his resolve weakening. Raven always looked more self-assured and smug in this oddly cute way. Still he cleared his throat and tried; "I was wondering if we could uh, go out this friday?"

Raven tilted her head, her smile turning into a smirk. "Where to?"

"Uh, well I didn't think I would get this far to be honest…" Tai replied before revealing his mistakes. "Anywhere you want! I heard there's this place downtown that-"

"Sounds good."

Tai blinked. "W-wait really?"

"Yes, really." Raven laughed, nudging him. "C'mon Tai. I was wondering when you'd try."

"I'm not that obvious am I?"

Raven nodded. "You are Tai; I can read you like a book." She leaned in with those cold eyes of hers, but there was a glimmer of interest. "... So far it's the only interesting one I've read. Maybe that new place downtown?"

"Y-Yeah that works out!" Tai grinned, almost laughing. Eh, the dragon charm must be real!

—-

Raven 'borrowed' some clothing from a store; nothing too over the top and with no way to trace back to her.

Her brother, as always, wasn't sure how to react to this. That was his problem to be frank.

"Seriously? Didn't you have something saved up from last year?"

"He's already seen that Qrow." She said as if it was obvious.

"... Right." Qrow sighed. "I thought you said you weren't going to get attached?"

Raven let out a 'tch'. "It's just a date."

"Interested in his father's Dust?"

Raven rolled her eyes. "Why can't I just go out on a date with him?"

Qrow just looked at her from the couch. " Because I know you, and he's a good friend… I-I feel like I should be saying this to him but if you try to hurt him-"

Raven sighed. He was getting soft. The Tribe never liked him and he usually kept quiet… a living bad luck charm like him was lucky he wasn't kicked out sooner. She kept him out of the brunt of it, the 'better investment that she was, he was still her brother'. And now he was acting like he was the responsible one. "It's just a date. You don't see me trying to stop you from fucking up someone else's life."

Qrow took a breath. "I mean it this time Raven. Even if it goes badly, don't break his heart or something."

"Do you think I'm an asshole all the time? Don't answer that." Raven stared daggers at him as she let her hair down. "It's just going to be me and Tai, and once this is over… whatever happens happens."

Raven paused for a moment and just thought about it; It would just be here. Tai would probably talk about comics or something goofy. Best outcome she looked like she was a part of the team like Summer always annoyed her with. The absolute worst case would be Qrow spying on her, and bad luck causing… she didn't really know about some sort of accident that ended up unraveling everything?

But then she looked at Qrow, about to comment something else before she bit her bottom lip. He looked like a man now; not the scrawny kid who struggled in the tribe. It honestly unnerved her a bit as she always thought of her as the bigger, smarter sister… Was he standing up to her for once? She didn't think he'd have the spine…

Ah, forget it.

She shook her head and began to make her way to the door. "I'll be back by Eleven." she said as she passed Summer. Summer just nodded before she entered the dorm. It gave her a chance to calm down and maybe have a decent time with Taiyang.

—-

Tai had… never been anywhere like this place, but Raven seemed to enjoy it. Maybe she just liked to make him feel uncomfortable? No that… well Raven was that sort of girl but maybe she was just trying to broaden his horizons. Pulsing lights and music that Miao would probably tut and disapprove of him hearing barred out from the roof and the stage. He was getting (and paying for) the drinks and the bartender gave him a sympathetic (or pitying, he couldn't tell which) before meeting Raven by the table.

"You're having fun."

"Aren't you?"

Tai just smiled. "I prefer the company." Raven let out something between a snort and a laugh as she took her own drink. Dragonic constitution meant he could indulge more than she could… of course, Raven just thought he was a normal, dorky sort of man and not a dorky, dragon-man…

He wasn't sure how to break it to the twins. Raven was a self-described 'realist' and agnostic. She was… not the type who'd believe he was anything then he was. And she'd have a point, wouldn't she?

He wasn't much…

"C'mon, live a little." Raven replied. "You don't get this stuff where I'm from."

"Anima you mean?"

"Heh, yeah." Raven's eyes grew a bit wistful as she looked at her drink. "Hell, I thought you'd have liked it."

"I'm more of a… guess traditional guy?" Tai replied. "You know, not something like this… it is neat though."

"Figured… to be honest, I only chose this place because I heard it from someone in Beacon." She sighed. "Drinks are as advertised though."

Tai took a sip and… well, it was nice compared to the stuff his dad had him try since he hit the drinking age. "You never talk much about home."

"What's there to tell?" Raven shrugged. "Anima's a beautiful place, but there's a reason we came all the way to Vale."

"You must get homesick sometimes." Tai replied. "Like, I've barely moved from my family home…"

"I do, but it's just a part of life ya know?" Raven looked nostalgic. "I'll be back there one day, and if i ever want to visit i'll come right back with my semblance. Life isn't complicated ya know."

"Well, being a huntsman means traveling but I'd miss you and the others." Tai replied.

"Yeah I guess I am pretty likable." Raven replied… "So why ask me out?"

Tai frowned. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, I always thought Summer was more your type so… what about me? Just my pretty face?"

Tai thought for a moment. "Well… You're fun."

Raven raised her eyebrow and he continued. "You're the only girl I know who managed to kill a Nevermore with a katana and grit."

"I got lucky. Qrow just happened to be in the right place… but go on."

"You're tough, you've managed to beat me in a spar-"

"Not like that's much of an accomplishment." She replied with a grin.

"I was taking it easy on you." He grinned back. "But I like that. Keeps you on your toes… You're a lot different then what i'm used to… kinda jealous if i'm honest."

"Well," Raven said in a lower voice. "I'll be sure to keep you on your toes too, but it's a two-way street. You gotta start surprising me too."

"That's a bet then."

—-

*years later*

Yang Xiao Long, 'sunny little dragon' and as she noted, just taking out three letters from his name out Tai gave Yang her own. He insisted it was after 'Magic'... yeah right. He probably took the easy way out.

Still, 'little dragon' was right; the baby already had a temper and seemed to be lording over her attention for every little thing. Was she ever like that? Qrow joked she was still like that…

Still, He wasn't going back. He made that clear… she still had the choice. The old chief was on his last legs; apparently caught an infection from the last raid. She was in line but…

Well, Taiyang has his perks but also his downsides; his family. Zhao was fun, and his drinks put everything to shame. Miao Ying… tolerated her.

They made how they felt about one another very clear when Raven almost got electrocuted. (and no Summer, that was not a demonstration of her magic that was a clear threat to her) Miao was just as annoying as an in-law… luckily without any more threats of violence.

She looked at Yang wondering about her future. A part of her was tempted to take her but… even for her that seemed wrong; it wasn't fair to Tai… (and the possible threat of disintegration from Miao and Zhao, she couldn't forget that.)

Life wasn't fair; Summer would say that was what they were there for… Yang, being an infant, just kinda looked up at Raven's grumpy face and didn't seem to care for it.

"I'm sorry Yang." She said simply.

Yang made a confused little sound and Raven's heart dropped. She brought her into this world with things worse than the grimm, and she was going to leave her and Tai and…

Summer.

Summer would never forgive her if she left, or ran. Summer knew her too well… Summer was a lunatic too; she seemed perfectly fine with getting eaten by a grimm one day or worse. They'd made it this far, Ozpin paid well… She seemed to just keep trying, no matter the odds. She can see why she was the leader and despite all her hero talk she actually lived it… not like a lot of people in the academy. Not like her…

"Summer's gonna take good care of you one day." She said to her child. "Just… I'll watch over ya, probably."

She picked her up. "Now I think it's time for a nap, okay?"

She needed to get ready for Miao and Zhao to take a look at her, then, when she was ready, she'd go back home…

Taiyang, Yang, and Summer… That seemed to be the better family. Once she was out of the way, out of their life they'd be fine. When Yang was older she'd live her life without her… Still maybe it wouldn't hurt just to stay for a bit longer. Just until Yang was walking…

 

[Yin-Yin Fan]

Heraki stood before her fellow Daemonsmiths and Sorcerer-Prophets The Tower of Zharr-Naggrund, the Grand Conclave of her people that ruled over the Dark Lands… and their slaves. They were all slaves to the Father of Darkness, in the end, but it was the nature of slaves to fight over their position. Goblins and Orcs were too stupid to try to find anything but in violence. The Sorcerer-Prophets, the Daemonsmiths, the slaves to Hashut… they found other ways of punishing failure. Reassignment to the Black Fortress, or the edges of the empire, away from Zharr-Naggrund. For others… Execution, Exile, or fates to which either would have been preferable. Hashut, the Father in Darkness taught them this, and she knew it. An Honest God, one that was consistent.

The God of what the Umgi called the Dwarfs of Fire. Others called them Mutants, Daemon-worshippers, and even more called them slaves.. And that last one was close to the truth… but they didn't realize why, or that they were slaves themselves, to other, worse masters.

That is why they were the Dawi-Zharr… or the Sons and Daughters of Hashut. It mattered little what title they had; they were the servants of Hashut. At least, that is how Heraki saw it.

"Is this how you reward me for my service?"

She had been born after their entrance to the Dark Lands; a rare birth, to be a female dwarf, but a blessing from what Hashut had saved them from. Her grandfather before his passing told her of it; her uncles falling from the womb, festering, Warriors who stood against the worst of Orcs begging for death and mercy from Valaya and finding nothing but silence…

Left in the dark, unable to do anything to fight their demise but beg for salvation… no matter the cost to their souls and bodies. And did they grow weak? Did they suffer from this loss? NO! They ruled the darklands and made laborers of those that had once inspired such hatred. Such was the Will of Hashut.

She thought of this as her trial commenced: her husband's experiments had created the worst slave revolt they have ever seen; many kinsmen had died to put them down, and it was only thanks to the hobgoblins their Black Orc rebellion was put down…

And examples needed to be made, even among her people.

Astragoth, the kruting little wanaz, was pleased. The skruf of his black beard and beady-red eyes looked at her like the starved wolf at his hobgoblin master's prey. He had her right where he wanted her; and he'd take her seats on the council should this go his way. The wanaz probably already had most of the world

"Heraki Ashen-Veins, Daemonsmith of the Council, you are charged with the experiments upon the Urks," He began making his case with those words, seeming to relish this. "Charged with supplying the Blood of Hashut to these experiments. It worked quite well; thousands of our kinsmen lie dead due to the actions of your husband. Treason such as this cannot go unanswered!"

No one dared to question; bonds of kinship meant little when there was a chance to rise through the ranks and make an example in the name of Hashut. "She refuses," he added, almost as an Afterthought. "To explain her work with the Blood of Hashut. She refuses to aid in our understanding of Hashut's gifts!'

"The damage to my Tower has been immense! I Demand-"

"-My Hat-Factory will NEVER recover! My orders are-"

"-The Hobgoblins whisper of betrayal! Yes, this is her fault! Skin her-"

"ORDER! Astragoth, that is enough." The current leader of the Conclave, the Sorcerer-Prophet Harzra Oathkiller said. He looked down upon her, the others on the Conclave all stared at her… judging her. She had allies once… when her rivals were on the other side. "What do you say in your defense to these accusations?"

"... We are not a people unused to suffering. To setback… to failure." She began slowly. "We were lost in darkness once… once we cared. For all our bickering, we were united in our understanding of Hashut." she smiled despite herself. "... Or so I thought. All of you, all of you think yourself the masters of your own holds. The Dark Father's bickering children."

She pressed a vial she had hidden on her person; the Blood of Hashut. "You simply wish to tear down a mighty Dawi because you are afraid. My idiot husband is already dead, murdered by his creation."

Weakness was not something allowed. Any sign of it and even the hobgoblins might try their luck with your back, something Hekari knew applied to all of them. "You are vultures! Craven gobi attempting to steal that which you understand little…. And you shall have NONE if you do not allow me to walk out of this room right now."

Astragoth growled. "Is that a confession?"

She showed her left hand… some of her fingers were stone already… most of her left foot as well, and yet she should have been up to her waist in the curse. Or so the rumors go. She had lived a long life, had children… In the next century she might have to join the harridans but for now, she was the picture of what a Dawi-Zharr woman could accomplish.

And she'd ingrain it into this Conclave. For Father Hashut. "The Dark Father will not let you have my work, wanaz. We all know this trial was decided long before it started. You all wish for something of me… and you will not have it if I do not leave here, to take my place on the road to Zharr-Naggrund, as Hashut demands.Or do you think yourself above even the Dread Father?"

Arguments began again, silenced by the fall of a Bull Centaur's hoof on the dark stone floor. "... Those who find her terms acceptable?"

"You cannot possibly think this woman would-"

"The Blood of Hashut! It is our own savior's precious ichor, a gift-"

"She is a schemer and a krut!, A poorly used-"

The Bull Centaur roared and silently ruled for a moment.

She knew the sentence then and there.. But then she took out the vial. "I will sentence myself now then. May you live long and suffer, Astragoth. May you ALL suffer twice of all that you have inflicted on me! I will not suffer because of Skrufwanaz like YOU any longer. FOR THE GLORY OF HASHUT!"

With just some of her magic, her spell took place. Some of the more foolish and skittish counselors, who would find themselves 'removed' soon after, hid… Others, however, just watched, trying to note this magic for their own use… but Astragoth seemed to know EXACTLY what she was doing… and merely scowled.

As stone covered her body, the vial broke and dropped… and he knew he had been cheated. The Father in Darkness would mock his failure in getting her knowledge… but no matter.

He had already outlived her. The ashen, gray stone figure of the Daemon-smith would irritate him for the rest of his life, but… This "Blood of Hashut" She discovered, its secrets would be his, and thus shattering her to pieces, cathartic as it would be… he would find ways of learning her secrets.

But he had time; he had the ambition and devotion to rise. All would know his name…

—-
*Centuries later*

He didn't have a face. None of them aside from the Commander of the Black Fortress did. The failures of his clan had sentenced him to an eternity of service to the Infernal Guard, unless he earned his redemption from the fires of Hashut itself. The Dawi-Zharr had no reason to be forgiving; the Dark Lands were as cruel as the people who ruled it and even before the separation their people knew how to hold a Grudge. Perhaps one day he would be allowed to show his face… unlikely as it was.

The Legion of Azgorath had expanded east, as it had done before… and it had won. The Great Bastion, this supposed impenetrable fortress (which had, of course, been broken into countless times, but such was the umgak both the Cathays and the Krugan had to work with) and it fell. They fought back… they still fought because this was their Emperor's body…

And so the Legion of Azgorath were happy to drop one small dagger. The Kurgan world tear into the body of Cathay, to tear his entrails and soul… but they were happy simply to make the Dragon suffer.

The faceless dawi-zharr followed his lord to a place above the battlements,overlooking the reign of terror and destruction beneath them. They called them cities… once, but now they looked much more like the pile of ruins and rubble they always were in the eyes of the Dawi-Zharr. The Smell of smoke and charred flesh, the screams of laborers being 'inducted'...

"The Black Tower rises." Dhrahoath said with a snort. "They will take the Bastion eventually… but not the 'Turtle Gate'. Our little Daemonsmith will care for it." He smiled cruelly as he gazed upon the form of a failure; a female dwarf, proud, cruel. Long curled locks, a mighty hat and two horns, the right just being slightly bigger. There were stories about her, when he had been working under the thrice-cursed Astragoth. A woman, being a Daemonsmith… rare of course but not impossible.

And yet, the stone curse got to her too, turned all at once in the Conclave according to rumors when he was there. One of the few to ever join the Sentries of Zharr-Naggrund of her own accord.

"You will stand watch over these lands, the rituals we carry out here will desecrate this place.. A seeping wound upon this so-called Dragon Emperor. Let these kurgans push as far as they can from this place… succeed or pray to Hashut you can be forgiven.'

"HASHUT! VORGUND! ZHARR-NAGGRUND!"

And with one last look at Astragoth's… donation to the cause the Lord of the Black Fortress left…. It might have been a figment of his mind but… it looked at him for a moment. Perhaps some clarity in that stone form?

He always thought it looked familiar… but perhaps his hat had been getting a bit too tight lately. The world was going mad, and perhaps then, the Dawi-Zharr would dig, and dig, deep enough to find another place, to forget this madness, to continue the fire of industry and tyranny… but it was Cathay's end. A green tide would spread across the land soon enough, even if not commanded by the children of the Father In Darkness…

Let them all suffer.

—-

The city of Wei-Jin stormed with magic, so powerful it could be seen by the walls beyond. Enough for Hekari to awaken from her sleep once again… to see the end of her world. The Magical energies from the the Celestial City semeed to rise and rise, ultimately aiding int he Warp Storms that would soon take the world.

Narrad, Snagga. Az brus drâghûrz ar alt.

Her eyes would have widened at the voice; dark, speaking in a tongue cruel and terrible and yet… she knew.

The world rumbled, the skies tore open, the world was taking it's last breaths. She could have used this to undo her spell, but… no, not here, in foreign lands, far from the Dark Lands. Not when…

All she could do was pray to Hashut before the stone sleep took her once again. A witness to the last moments of the world… once last indication of the power of Chaos…to unmake a thing simply because it could.

The World ended in a storm of magic. The skies bled, stone melted, iron cried. The world they had exploited and struggled on ended in much the same way. The faceless Infernal Guard held. They were forged to survive the Dark lands, but even then, the world fell away… blinding lights and magic, the sheer force of which killed and destroyed the world around them and YET, somehow… they were falling, there was ground?

The crash was painful, but they endured. The Land was… strange, dark… A fortress stood in the distance, but not of Dawi-Zharr or Cathayan design. The Bull Taur'ruk and the few of his kind that managed to make it, their war machines were in shambles, wreckage and scrap metal. The K'Daai simply burnt out, sighs of relief and agony alike came as they simply became inanimate…

The faceless servants of Azgorh looked around their environment. The Portal, empowered by Hashut's blood, activated by the means only the magic-wielders could properly understand, Hashut had no need for them… no, he only needed her.

She watched them, one of many taking the time to check on her, as if she was a prized artifact (which, she supposed, she technically was.)

"Where are we?"

"We should just be glad to be alive... It's almost like home."

The land itself was dark, barren. Nothing grew here, nor would anything. The soil was dark, the sky was still screaming before it closed with a thundercrack, revealing a dark sky. Dawi, Dawi-Zharr or not didn't need the sun to see… but the darkness that fell was deep, only the light of embers of their weapons and the rubble that passed through with them.

And perhaps, if they had been somewhere close to home, they could have won against the threat that came for them. Hekari however, could only watch as it seemed the shadows themselves were on the move. It was not the lore of Shadows; these beings had faces, eyes glowing with the malice of daemons of all different shapes of beasts.

"Hashut! Vorgund! Zharr-Naggrund!"

The Dawi-Zharr did not just survive; they revealed the power of Hashut, they turned their anger into fire. Their hatred turned into tyranny… but these things did not have that. They were not k'daai, and they were not daemons… they simply hated. The Legions were traded to deal with all sorts of monsters, but these were quick, brutal, and perfectly in synch. The worst of demons and the undead.

A large thing that looked like a giant riding a horse fused to it in grim parody, a single beast acting as a cavalry charge with no concern for its own life. It fell to a hail of fire-glaive shows, but the crushed forms cut open, the screaming pain of their forms as they died… they were quickly finished off or crushed by other monsters coming to deal with them.

The monsters fought with furry, the Great Bird Simply lifted up the Bull-Centaur and threw it on top of his allies. Crushing all to death There were far, far too many to be defeated. Only the Statue of Heraki remained. The face infernal guard could only hope she could not see… this would be their last stand.

"Hashut! Vorgund! Zharr Naggrund!" The number of those voices shouting the time-honored battle-cry of the Dawi-Zharr, but the monsters were undeterred. The Fire-Glavies were targeted next, slowly, but surely being slaughtered by the flying crows. Any that fell down simply vanished like daemons. Hekari could have seen hundreds of her own kinsmen die… but not like this.

This was not a foe that cared. This was a foe that simply wished for them to die. They didn't try to fight for glory like daemons did. They were colder, more calculating; they were surrounded. Lost in the dark against monsters. Faster, stronger… but there was still courage. "HASHUT! VORGUN-"

That one was knocked into her by some creature that took the form of a bear. The beasts didn't even stop to eat, they worked as one… Tearing through metal and armor with mechanical precision.

And they looked. At. her. They could sense her fear, the horror of it… and yet, they seemed to hesitate upon seeing her… it was then she felt the cold, cold stone reclaim her, magic seeping from her despite her being it to say… and yet, she saw something tale, pale… and cruel as her own people approach her.

It was then the spell faded and she was inanimate once more.

—-

Arthur Watts was a man of science. Yes, his employer was as close as one could get to the opposite of it, but what did that matter really? And in her library, he had access to books that offered so much knowledge… and her fictional works but personally, he preferred to stick to the sciences (not the least of which for her preferred genre…)

Crack.

He looked up from his book, the unusual statue Salem had placed there. Posed as if the subject was some zealous figure, it was almost like an ash-like slate, but its eyes held a particular fury. Ash-gray curls and a patently ridiculous and oversized hat (on which sat a few books). Salem found it… 'curiously interesting' which he assumed as 'cute' but whatever civilization had made it must have thought the subject a vile little demon.

That was odd, actually, was that crack there that wasn't there before… in fact, even more started to appear.

It crumbled, stone flaking off as it turned to flesh, coughing. Then the small female... Thing with a big hat shook off the books and looked at Watts with eyes full of bile and hatred. "Wanrag Or, Umgi?" She barked… her clothing and robes, which seemed to be decorated with metal, were mostly ash-grey, but gunmetal around the edges. She seemed to be furious and confused, which are rarely a good combination when dealing with aliens… which this had to be.

Watts stood up, not sure what to do, just looking at the hateful and annoyed stare while he tried to find his way to the door.

"Wanrag ek umgizaki?" It asked, or he assumed it was infuriated.

It closed in on him slowly, with its stubby legs he reckoned he could outrun her but she raised her and and… seemed confused as it lacked some of it's fingers then the other but nothing happened… infuriated by this, it looked on, sighed and rammed into him with force, knocking him to the floor.

"WANRAG OR, WAZZOCK!"

Her hands found purchase on his neck and she began to strangle him… and that was when Salem walked in.

Salem and the creature exchanged a glance, her hands not moving from the spot… The creature seemed to take her rather well. "Ek! Wanrag or?"

Salem blinked… and blinked. Watts began to feel lightheaded as her grip tightened.

"WAZZOKS!"

It let go of Watts, the man breathing once again as Salem looked at them, the rubble and the books over there, and made the obvious connection. "Do you speak my tongue?"

"Ai bar ek-" Salem lifted her hand and merely lifted the thing up upside down. It held onto its hat as Watts stood again, feeling his neck. And just happy to breathe.

It screamed and cursed at them before uttering in an odd dialect. "Mutant Woman! Put me down!"

"Ah, see, that wasn't so hard…" Salem frowned.

"I will feed the weakling's manhood to a taurus if you do no-"

Salem just dragged it out of the room, Watts followed… it looked at the two of them with a hatred he never quite felt before… As if their mere existence was a sin.

—-

Hekari sat in the cell. She was given food… and she only begrudgingly ate it. Umgak; stale bread, no meat… and she knew from just looking at them they thought highly of themselves. That woman… those eyes…

They were those of her kin. She was Dawr, likely, but not quite right. She was something… something terrible to behold. Was that how the gobi and urk slaves saw them? … Good. Perhaps she could find a way to sway her.

The Umgi woman was clearly corrupted, but by what god? None of the Four mighty ones, nor the vermin-god… Perhaps another like Malal? The Dark Master? The God of the Forge of Souls, maybe even Father Hashut? Perhaps something worse? She simply waited. Her own magic seemed… lesser. She couldn't place her finger on why; there was just enough in the air, but her body couldn't channel it… Then again it was only due to the Dark Father her kind could cast at all.

Looking down to her hand, she had lost a few fingers and toes… that might be a problem for later; with some metal and what magic she had she could likely create good enough replacements. Assuming of course her captor would let her out, and not use her in a ritual in front of some umgak shrine. Probably wouldn't even sacrifice her properly either.

Footsteps made her kick the tray away and stand, it was the tall mutant and her follower; The scrawny weak one who seemed to be studying in her library. He seemed to be annoyed for her attempting to discipline him, as were most of the umgi laborers back in the Dark Lands.

"Come to gawk?" Herkari growled. "I am not something to be kept in your menagerie, Umgi."

The Woman had the audacity to lean so she could be at eye-level with her. "Of course, you're not… but attacking my associate as your first act upon leaving that state of yours does require some punishment."

"Your minion is not of my concern. He should have known better than to question one such as me."

"I didn't know your language."

"And that would have taught you your mistake, umgi." Hekari replied.

"Is that your word for a human?"

"Aye. Do you know what I am?" She frowned, not liking the confusion on their faces to the question, looking at the mutant.

"Hmm, well, I do, to a degree. Though not the name. Your people had a run of… misfortune a few years ago."

"I saw."

"Ah… Not many would willingly walk into this place. How did they come to be here?"

Hekari paused, for once in her life she didn't not have a pithy quick answer. "... What does that matter? It is the will of Hashut, or whatever dark powers are at work in this place."

The woman's expression faltered for a moment, just one moment. "I am the only 'power' here."

"You'd do well to respect her… you'll last longer." the skinny one said in annoyance. Did this woman allow her laboreors talk out of turn? Umgak 'quality' in action, the dwarf proposed.

Hekari coughed. "My people are the dawi-zharr, the 'dwarfs of fire' in your-" Wretched? Primitive? "Umgak tongue. Some sort of arcane backlash is likely responsible for my current…? Why are you looking at me like that?"

"Oh no, no please, continue."

"... I knew I was not in the place of my birth, despite the similarities…. Where am I?"

"Remnant, and I feel we have much to discuss." She looked to her servant. "It seems you are no longer necessary for the moment, you are dismissed…"

She watched the servant go, grumbling just a bit about how 'it almost killed him' but honestly it was only a modest, disciplinary strangle, like she used to do to her hobgoblins. Really were humans that weak? She supposed it was why Hashut only had them as slaves beneath the Dawi-Zharr. "This world is called Remnant, and magic has not been on this world for millennia… Your species is new however."

She paused, looking closer at Hekari. "So, tell me about your world, little-"

"LITTLE?! WHO ARE YOU CALLING LITTLE?! I, I AM TALL, YOU ARE LITTLE! IGNORE THOSE ORBS YOU CALL EYEBALLS YOU FOOLISH SLA-"

Hekari was thrown into the wall. The pain was sharp and reminded her of who was who's prisoner. "Oh, look what you've made me do. I'm sorry… I believe I said I have the power here. My name is Salem… and I think that is a sufficient introduction."

Salem seemed vaguely interested as Hekari stood up again. "You… you're a sorceress? Some sort of elgi? No… you've not got the ears for that."

"What an interesting creature you are. Most life in this world would be out cold by a blow like that… must be the hat."

Hekari snorted. "Very funny… Now, what do you want with me? Really? If you're going to kill me just do so."

"I already have enough of your people's corpses in my laboratories. I'm not quite interested in another, but… This world of yours is an outlier. I'd rather hear about it from your point of view."

Her eyes glistened slightly with anger. "Something has been wrong for a few decades now, and things are in motion… something has changed without my permission in this world… and you are among those."

She extended a hand. "Now, we can bicker and I simply kill you and perhaps stuff you to continue your work in my library as decor, or…"

—

"... Does it not terrify you to see the remains of your kin?"

Hekari raised her eyebrow. Her lesson in Dawi anatomy stopped in one of Salem's laboratories. She was eagerly going over the mighty bull Centaur, now long reduced to a few scraps of meat on its skeleton. "They are corpses you have put to use… what else could they serve?"

"I see." Salem replied, though the answer seemed to displease her. "What makes a Dawi-Zharr fear?"

"Our people are not easily frightened. We are not like our… western kin. We have seen too much to know fear as humans do. We understand it however… Pain and fear were our greatest exports. As I have said, nothing you can do to me can make me afraid."

"We shall see~." Salem replied. "But you went to this… Ha-Shut? Out of fear, I merely ask…"

Hekari sneered for a moment. "Not out of fear… out of reverence for what he had did to us." Hekari paused…

Forsaken… abandoned to the Dark… What Choice but to follow the flame? No matter what it led to, no matter the horrors it revealed…

Hekari studied the eyes of Salem carefully; cold and without pity, the eyes of a Dawi-Zharr who had the power in this situation. No matter how much she was useful, Hekari was at her mercy, as her people had been so long ago to the Father. "... We once worshiped our ancestors. Our valiant warrior Grimnir, the master artisan Grungi, and also Mother of our race, Valya… we were made by them, the first. We are all their children, and we loved them because of it."

Her face lost its scowl, its hatred, and became almost pitiable to Salem, if she was still capable. "And yet… When disaster struck us, did Grimnir raise a hand to help us? No, our warriors were felled. Did Grungi give us the tools to survive? No, he let us stumble in agony. Did Valya's love, hearth, and home light the way home? No… She left us to die. Our children died in agony, taken away before they grew a single hair on their chin! And so…" She took a breath… she had never been through that. She had been born when they had renounced the traitors, kin-breaking LIARS but it hurt still… a wound upon a people that would never heal.

"... The Father came to us, offered us salvation." She said, "He was cruel and terrible… and he did not lie."

Salem frowned. "So you merely took another god?"

"As did you, I'm sure." Hekari replied, looking at Salem's almost marble-like face, the eye just twitched slightly, but that was enough to confirm her suspicions "... There are many different types of Gods, Salem. All of them are liars, oath-breakers… Ursun of the Winterlands was a bear. By his nature, he is a beast. He could silence Winter forever for his people, but he refuses because he needs the cold, needed to be loved… and he made them love him. The other powers in my world did the same; Nagash, Lilieth, and whatever else… but Hashut did not lie. He told us exactly what we were, his slaves and children. The others are deluded if they think otherwise."

"... go on." Salem said, with what seemed to be genuine interest.

"Your Gods… I bet they said they loved you, they wanted the best for you… And yet, what was it? The death of your children? A lost love? What was the lie you found out too late?"

Salem shrugged. "All of that and more I suppose. I asked merely to save my love… and I was refused by one, the other brought him back… and then just as easily took him away." There was pain there; a scar from a lesson earned. "They claimed I did not appreciate life… and when I rose against them, I was not the one punished. The world I knew is not but Dust."

"You see? The gods are such kind, generous, loving things… until you disobey or question or just ask for something that seems so reasonable… Then, they abandon you. They would rather have punished everyone, the good, the innocent… just to make an example to you. The one who's knee would not bend."

She could see Salem agreed. "That is all life, every so-called bond is only lasts so long as it's useful. They are divided, they would all kill one another if they could, they all use one another… everyone is a slave and Gods are the highest of slaves…slaves to their natures. One small step and those loving, wonderful gods will leave you to suffer."

"You were always their slave, and only now is that truth made clear." She laughed without mirth… it hurt. "They didn't want companions. They wanted slaves. Compliant, unquestioning and should one rise up against them? Well… they made more, didn't they? Without the flaws…."

It hurts to be alone, to be left in the dark… even Hashut could not hear her here. All she could do was serve a new one…

"Indeed… They remade them. They even brought my beloved back just to twist the knife. They took away the magic they had; they're empty things, deluded puppets without that necessary spark." Salem agreed. "And it would only come back on their terms."

Hekari looked at Salem's eyes again. The Cold, vicious malice she could have only seen in the bull centaurs of Hashut once. "The Gods will pay, in time." Salem said. "And I will liberate this world from its gods."

"How?" Hekari asked. "I will make up for any misspoken word here but, how does one take vengeance on gods?"

Salem frowned. "I will make them alone in this cold, dark world. I will make them pay for every indignity ventured unto me… we are kindred spirits it seems, Hekari. They make this cruel world for us to be in, and when we seek our joys, they turn it to ashes. God or not… They tried to teach me a lesson, and they succeeded I would say; They care less for life then I ever could."

Hekari seemed… intrigued. "And what if they punish you? I doubt those that made you immortal would go back on their word.'

"Let them… the wound inflicted will be more than enough. And I will keep coming back for them, for eternity if I must." She laughed… it was tinged with no joy, just malice… "They think nothing of me, they think I'm a fool… Perhaps, I am but I will spend eternity to hound them and their works to dust, so long as I live."

Hekari stared at her for a moment… This mutated umgi was more than even she knew. She could feel it… perhaps this is why Hashut sent her here. Yes; this woman… she had the will to have grudges against the gods themselves.

"Wyrinn…" Hekari said. "... allow me to assist you however you can. I can do far more than illuminate you on trivialities of any of my world's inhabitants." Yes, she could feel the fire of her own hate burning again! "I am a Daemonsmith, perhaps I could assist you with the Grimm Liquid of yours? I have studied the process of gods before, perhaps there is a connection… if not, I have many ways of assisting you, or could find a way to serve you."

Salem frowned, considering. "... Perhaps, there is one matter I've been considering; the Dragon who destroyed my roof. How best to slay it? It interfered once, and I wish it never does so again without suffering a thousand fold for its sins."

"Wyrinn," Hekari said, and now, for perhaps the first time in centuries with genuine happiness. "My people have many ways to slay a dragon."

"And why would you help me?" Salem asked.

Hekari smiled, sharp fangs ready. "Because, Wyrinn… You are a master who's designs are worth following. I swear by Blood, Fire, and the Father of Darkness that I will live and die to curse these gods of yours, and all that stand in that path. Such is the Will of the Ashen-Vein."

AN: So! Been a while, and honestly i've had this in the works for a little bit... I guess Hekari is testing the waters for it. See I like the Chaos Dwarf Legendary Lords a lot but I didn't feel any of them really fit for the story; My Boys Zhatan and Dhrazhoath the Ashen aren't right (Zhatan is basicly just a dwarf, Dhrazhoath is close but still) and Astragoth would probably be pissed at following some umgi's orders...

So i needed someone or something more... pliable. While the Dwarfs of the Dark Land are evil, horrible people... but they're slaves. Hashut is the god of tyranny, greed, oppression... and he broke them. When you're left in the dark, alone, likely to die... even the mightiest of warriors break and Hashut didn't lie to them. And now, they inflict that pain and fear across Malus and even the Mortal Realms... They're tragic villains who've lost their... dwarf-anity and have to keep doing it, otherwise they have to deal with the pain. I wanted a character who could capture both sides...

Hence, Hekari. I hope you enjoyed this. I've decided to pull the trigger and get some feedback.

 

[Yin-Yin Fan]

Lampstead was a village in the Kingdom of Vale. It was a quiet town, unassuming. Once, the town needed to fear the Grimm but now no longer thanks to the hard work of its people and support from Vale itself. It was a peaceful place, and to its inhabitants that's all it needed to be. Remnant was not a world of endless wars. Its greatest foes were all agreed to be the Grimm.

It was as it should have been.

Repanse was born a peasant. She lived a normal life of a peasant, of hardship, with her father and mother in a poor world. The servants of Chaos took it from her… but the Lady guided her. She tamed a frightened warhorse, was given a holy blade from the Grail Chapel… inspired knights who should have been of greater valor than a peasant and saved the land she loved.

The Lady who guided her even allowed her the Grail and immortality. She saw her village rebuilt and prosper… but she was given eternal Errantry battles. She did not complain, she did not waver in her faith, even as the world changed… and Brettonnia could not.

Remnant was a world of evolution. Already when she and Henri had arrived, they had wonders and they only grew. Her daughter grew up in a world that Repanse and Henri could have only dreamt of. Their grandchildren even more so. If only they knew how blessed they really were.

She thought about this as she sat on the porch, her daughter by her side watching her granddaughters play in the yard. Sometimes she wondered if, at some moment, she'd wake up from this wonderful dream…

Jaune sat in his mother's lap, next to his grandmother. The only boy so far… Repanse didn't look old enough to his grandmother, much less the matriarch of the family but she'd have to do for the moment. Jaune's eyes were big and bright then.

"I think he looks like his father." her daughter said with a smile, and she was right, but he had the face of his grandfather, at least in structure… but hopefully, without many of the scares. Henri had been a bit older than her when he took the Grail.

The thought troubled her then; the Grail made them more or less immortal, unless injury came unto them and that was even more unlikely now. Their children were mortal though… and they would outlast them. But at this moment it didn't matter, just a sword hanging over an idyllic life.

"He does." She agreed to placate her daughter…. She enjoyed this peace. It has been something her life had been lacking in… something the Old World lacked for too long.

She had authority, to a point in Lampstead, to the point she had been elected to a sort of peacekeeping role. Someone had to keep the former nobles and peasants united and integrated, though of course… the third generation since their arrival had come, and many of them had become old, retired… and yet, she'd continue…

The Lady had a purpose for this. She had to endure, as she had before, through the centuries, for the Lady… but looking at what she had here, she had to hope it endured as well.

—

Henri didn't adjust as well, but well enough to get by. Many of the older townsfolk knew his name, and Repanse was still the leader of many of her fellows here. He tried to learn Remnant's language, and he got most of the important phrases for day-to-day life. He knew eventually he'd be a fluent speaker; sipping from the Grail allowed him to remain by Repanse's side for centuries now…

He was blessed by the Lady. A blessing even few of her chosen received, this life. He only wished more could enjoy it.

Markus De Mandelot, or rather "Kruber" as his elf-wife liked to call him, had come to watch Remnant's version of Middenball. It was a 'new' sport, far as he was concerned; the Empire always had creativity, given they were not so bound to the Lady, and Middenball was fun… Of course, many of them were petty, as Markus had told him. Here? Sports could be petty, but no one started wars over it… and didn't try to murder teams.

That was a start... Bretonnia tore itself apart on its last day, even the Green Knight couldn't save it…

The Lady had other plans… they had rushed to try and aid their homeland, torn apart by a war against the undead… barely escaping both the Great Necromancer and seeing their homeland in flames-

"Did the game start?"

Jaune came in excited, placing a bowl of popcorn in the middle as he sat between them. "Not yet, you're just in time for the kickoff."

Jaune was a good grandson. All his grandchildren were good of course but he was an energetic young man, and had a good heart, all he lacked was some bravery. Not courage though; he had enough of that to make him proud.

They watched the game, the score mattered little to any of them. It was more about the time spent like this. He only wished he knew how to talk to Jaune and his grandchildren better….

But he'd be happy with this, just to spend the time with his grandson and good friend.

"Where's Aunt Kerillian?" Jaune asked.

"Oh, took Ciara out on a hunting trip." he paused. "They do it once a year to help her keep her heritage."

Henri nodded, understanding most of it thanks to the half-elf's name… a Half-Elf. Those were rare, though of course the Lords and Ladies of the woods were not strangers to 'dalliances'... and the lass was better company then her mother most of the time.

"Like, with Grimm? Or just animals?"

"Little bit of both." Sir Mandelot replied, with a bit of pride. "Between us I think she takes after me a bit more with her track record, but don't tell Kerillian I said that."

Jaune paused, looking towards his grandfather. "So… were you guys really knights? Like my great-Great grandfather?"

Henri understood part of the question and… did his best. "We were, once… your Grandmere could tell you all of it."

It was pretty good, he thought, but Repanse could tell the stories better. Victor could weave sermons about heroism and honor, but Repanse was the better storyteller. She could find a hundred ways to say the fact of "And the undead champion was slain!"

She was always more of a figure of the legend then he… not that he minded.

"She does have plenty of stories… When you get a bit older, I might share some of my own."

Jaune frowned as the kick-off started. "I'm not sure my dad would let you…"

Henri frowned… Well, he couldn't blame a man trying to keep his child out of danger, but some always found it… he'd been much the same way. He wished he could tell Jaune about it better but… Well, the Repanse had a better way with words.

—-

"And I'm telling you Ulric can kick Sigmar's butt to the moon and back! My grandpa says so, and my grandpa ain't a liar!"

"But how does the Lady fit into this?" Jaune asked.

"Do you guys have to have this argument every Pie Week?"

Jaune didn't have many friends; he was still wondering if Aldewolf and Pomme counted. Alde was a freckled girl with dark hair and light blue eyes, and big, very big. Bigger than Jaune… and had a bit of a gap in her teeth. Pomme was one of the 'half-lings', short, with curly hair and those weird feet of theirs meant they were barefoot most of the time. They mostly just played and went to school together but they were an odd sort: a tomboyish sort of brutish girl and a soft round short guy and… well, Jaune.

"YES! Look, some of them give us pie, and that's cool but it's not gonna help ya. Ulric, Sigmar, and Jaune's lady-god are all human ones, right?"

"Auntie Keriliian says that'-"

"I thought Ulric was a wolf."

"I don't care! Point is, Ulric is the best, and pie can't make up for that."

Pomme scoffed and brushed his hair with his fingers. "There's more to life than fighting ya know. Like food. I don't get why you big guys like it so much, that stuff attracts the Grimm!"

"I'll punch'em too!" Alde replied. "I'll punch'em all, just watch!"

Pie Week was a big celebration, apparently from the halflings to celebrate their deity. Lampstead embraced it, due to once being a small farming community. It still was, in a lot of ways but it was really just a normal town… or as normal as such things got in Remnant. There was the New Red Moon Inn and Tavern, the old Engineering Club ran by everyone's favorite Uncle Bardin, and The Franz Lohner's Museum and Keep, all of which contributed to the festivities of Pie Week, and some minor tourism (but if they were honest, most people just came out for the pie) and apparently, they even celebrate it at Beacon.

Jaune, Aldewolf and Pomme were just together to explore the festivities and enjoy some pie. He wasn't sure why Alde hung out with him. Pomme at least was outgoing and got along with most people until the concept of food came up. "Oh hey, I know! Let's play some midden ball!"

"But I just ate."

Pomme scoffed. "You'd never last a halfling house."

"He's not gonna stuff his face with pies and bread or go to a second breakfast or that other one." Aldewolf sneered. "He's already big enough!"

"Wait, humans don't have elevensis?" Pomme looked as if Alde had just told him humans denied the existence of Grimm. "No wonder you're all so grumpy! Must be hangry."

"I hate that word."

Jaune smiled a bit to himself… sometimes they were funny, Alde blushed. "Stop it you!"

They stopped by the Chapel to Sigmar; it was a small Building really, old fashion with a bright gold roof with a weather-vain on top, the rest of it was pale white marble… apparently Old Saltspyre managed to pay it off with help from his old exploits, and many people still came to hear the old man… and nearby was a game of kickball, a couple of people from school. "Hey! You guys wanna play?"

Jaune looked to the Chapel "A-are you sure it's safe?"

"It's kickball!" The tallest boy, probably a year older said. "C'mon it's just till the tourney starts. Chicken?"

Alde looked angry, and Jaune knew there was no other recourse. They joined in the game, Pomme already sweating nervously as he was only the second halfling there. And the game… went well for a bit… until Alde was up to kick. Alde kicked the ball with all her might, and for a brief moment, everything was quiet as she ran to the first 'base', but Jaune saw the ball going right for one of the windows in the back. Everyone heard the crack and then the thud and shout of anger.

Alde froze and everyone left… except for Jaune. "Jaune! Run you idiot!"

Jaune almost did but Old Man Saltspyre was already out as Alde bolted. And he was left alone infront of him.

"How many times must I tell you children not to doddle on holy-" He paused, looking at Jaune, his one good eye in his elderly face glaring at him. "... Aren't you Sir Henri's grandson?"

"Y-Yes sir. I-I'm sorry sir. I-I'll make it up to you."

Saltzpyre paused for a moment. "... I'll have a word with them." He sighed in irritation. "As the only one to take responsibility… you will help me clean this mess up."

Jaune hung his head. It was just his luck. "Yes sir."

—-

*A few years later*

Jaune used to be afraid of Mister Saltzpyre, to be honest it was hard not to; everyone thought he was the old grumpy man who'd confiscate your toys if they ended up on church property for disrespecting Sigmar. The Older generation and some of his friends were nervous about that, though the reason varied… Sigmar was hard to define it seemed.

Grandma told him the story was complicated. Like when Great Aunty Kerrilian said stuff like her god being the Lady, and in Lampstead that was just a sort of fact of life that the 'old country' was a little weird. All the kids questioned it but they would just shrug and figure something out, leading to the rumor mill that the adults tried to clarify… in their own way.

But once his 'sentence' was over he kept helping, that's when it all clicked for him. He wasn't so scary when you were helping him to clean up around the place, and he was actually quite nice… well, around his cats, Miss Fueganasus and the others. And around that toy tank Uncle Bardin got him but he wasn't supposed to mention that.

In the years Jaune had actually come to… well, understand him. Uncle Kruber knew him well, and while Repanse was understandably a bit confused on the topic she eventually came around to the idea. Not to mention… they were Hunters, Maybe retired, they never entirely said anything too detailed and grandma's stories were always a bit… out there but still. They'd have to understand. Or… he hoped.

Saltspyre looked at him, his wrinkled face in perpetual frown as always. "... you wish for me to help you go to a Huntsmen School?"

"Beacon." Jaune clarified. "I-I've got a good plan."

"A very cunning one, I'm sure." Saltzpyre 'agreed' before looking him square in the eye. "May I ask why?"

"B-because you're the only one who knows about… stuff like that." Jaune's face probably gave him everything he needed to know. "P-please, I-i'm just…"

Saltzpyre raised a hand. "I've known you for most of your life, Mister Arc. I know what you're capable of… But that's not the 'why' I was asking. Why do you wish to be a huntsman?"

"... My grandparents, on both sides, were heroes, right? They fought monsters, risked their lives and helped the world." Jaune replied. "I-I feel like… like it shouldn't end with them."

"There are many ways to serve the community, Sir Arc, heroism comes in many forms… From Sigmar, to Giles De Bretton, to the King of the Vale. And the price of this heroism is steep."

"I know! I know I know I-i just… Someone has to do it right?"

Saltzpyre thought about his answer. "Very Well, Jaune Arc. I will assist you."

"F-fine I'- huh?"

"I knew a man like you once… He wanted more than anything to do the right thing." He stood up from his desk. "So… I will help you as best I can, Mister Arc… Remnant is confusing at times to me but at its heart, there is still the courage that inspired those like Sigmar." He snorted a bit with the next line. "Perhaps this is a sign you will go on to do great deeds, or perhaps I'm just a foolish old man… but I will assist you, because that courage is the future."

He smiled… a ghoulish thing to anyone who didn't know him well. "Have a little faith, Sir Arc."

Jaune wouldn't describe himself feeling very devoted at the moment but he nodded. Right… faith…

—-

Jaune Arc was about to do something very stupid. He snuck downstairs, making sure everyone was asleep…

Except for her. He had forgotten about his grandmother, for a lot of reasons really. She usually kept herself to a tight schedule and now she was staring at him with an odd look he wasn't sure about. "Where are you going, Jaune?"

"Oh uh, y-you know, just… Uh…"

He looked at the sword above the mantle. "... Your father has a point you understand. You are his only son… he loves you dearly."

"... I know." Jaune said a bit softly then he thought was right before looking at Crocea Mors… a weapon used by a hero, something that he was... Just going to take and hope and pray for the best.

This was stupid. She was here to stop him, wasn't she? Then what was stopping her? He took the weapon gently.

"It will be the hardest thing you will do in your life, Jaune." She said, and she meant it. Jaune looked at her and her eyes were distant. "Huntsmen work means days without rest or shelter. It means cold, pain, and loss… It is not something you should take lightly."

"I know I just… I have to prove it. I just want to help people…"

"And if they don't want your help?"

Jaune sighed. "I'm used to it… It's better to be out there, you know? If I can do something, then I have to… does that make sense?"

"That much is true…" She took a breath. "So, now there is only one thing left to do; Vows."

"What?"

"A vow is a promise, Jaune." She said softly. "To fulfill or fail trying. If you're serious about this, then prove it to me."

Jaune paused for a moment, looking down at a blade his great-great grandfather used in the early parts of the war. "Alright."

"Will you allow any other obstacles to stop you in your journey?" She asked. "Will you refuse to help some against the grimm?"

"No… I-i mean that's kinda the point, right?"

Repanse smiled. "Oh yes, but there's a difference between what you're supposed to do, and what you promised to do… both are the same thing, but a Vow is Binding. Once taken, it's a promise to fulfill or die trying."

"Dying seems bad, uh…" Jaune commented, and for a moment, she remembered her own fear, coming across what the forces of Chaos had done to her home. A moment of fear before a promise to herself to fight despite it… and she wondered if Jaune's look of determination was the same one that was once on her own face.

"Alright, I promise."

She embraced her grandson. "Good, you would have made for a wonderful knight, Jaune."

He… wouldn't have been happy to be one, a part of her knew. Bretonnia, fair, beautiful Brettonnia… was not Lampstead, it wasn't Vale…

It wasn't a place with its flaws, but she hoped its values could remain. The values of Remnant were not completely incompatible with Honor, chivalry, or the virtues of knighthood, indeed it had its own versions but.

"Good Luck."

—-

"He WHAT?!"

"He left." Repanse said simply. "He's a man you know, he's able to make his own choices."

Mr. Arc was an unremarkable man in most respects; descended from a war hero, a face that was kissed by the sun, and being generally clean shaven… which of course made it easier to see the shock on his face. "I-I know that, but you just let him leave? He'll get killed!"

"Or he'll get cold feet." Jaune's mother replied gently. "Let's not assume the worst."

"Indeed." Repanse replied. "I have a feeling Jaune will be fine. Both of our families have a history of heroism and perseverance."

Mr. Arc's face frowned, looking over the now empty mount where Crocea Mors once sat. "You call it heroism and… maybe it is. My father told me enough about my grandfather. About that… look in his eyes. The things he saw in the war was something he wished to never see again…"

Henri and Repanse exchanged a glance as Mr. Arc continued. "... I don't want Jaune to end up like that. I've tried to stop it but… m-maybe it's just in the blood."

Repanse's daughter smiled. "W-Well… When he's ready, he'll be ready to talk to us about it, right? The Lady is watching over him."

Repanse smiled herself. "Jaune is a good man… I understand the burden and… perhaps I played a part in nurturing it, but he is the one who chose to take up your grandfather's blade. He will do the name proud."

"I-it's not just the name it's… it's him." He sighed. "Well… maybe he'll turn back… until then I… I suppose we'll have to wait and see… godsdammit…"

—-

*Some time later.*

Markus Kruber never thought he'd have lived a quiet life. Ubersreik, Helmgart… his life as a mercenary, that all made sense. Of course, if a soothsayer or prophetess had told him anything about his life he'd just have laughed in their face. Another world, Kerillian, and even a daughter… What a way to end up. Not to mention he still looked like he did thanks to the Grail and the Lady…

He had the house to himself: Kerillian chose to live in a tent on the roof (always drawing attention from some of the locals) but he had the bed, a Holo-screen and a room to himself. Usually he preferred to watch something on the screen before going to bed, which he usually went to early. It was a better schedule now that Ciara was a woman grown and out in Mistral… though he wished she wrote more back to them.

Still, this night should have been like any other; he was relaxing in his bed when he felt the tremors in the bristles of his mustache. That caught him off guard for a moment but he tried to brush it off.

"Kruber!" Kerillian called out from the window. He raised an eyebrow at the speed of her; even with his aura awakened She was always faster… elves he guessed. As he opened the balcony window. "Did you feel that?"

"Aye, I did…" He said, the worry in her black eyes getting to him as well. "You alright?"

Kerillian scoffed. "Do I look hurt, Kruber? I'm fine, the same cannot be said about the Weave… something has given it a wound."

She entered the house, the house where she and Kruber raised a child, and moved quickly to the ground floor, Kruber following, putting on his own clothes before following. "What is it?"

"For once I don't know." Kerillian replied, irritation in her voice was mingling with worry and doubt he hadn't heard since Helmgart. "We need to move."

A Knock on the door interrupted her, she just gestured for Kruber to get it as she went to get her weapons. Kruber opened it to see Saltzpyre…

Kruber never knew how to look at Saltzpyre as he aged, not out of pity but out of sympathy. He was dressed in his old armor, still strong despite his age… it was his will that kept him alive but-

"Valient Kruber… You and the elf felt it as well, didn't you?"

He nodded. "How did you even put that on so quickly?"

"One must always be prepared." Victor replied, noticing as Kerillian appeared and handed Kruber his 'new' blade; mechashifting was an odd thing, a quirk of the world, but he had to admit he liked it… Still, those pesky Grail vows meant it wouldn't be a gun… "Hmph, you should follow the example of the elf."

"One-Eye, I thought I told you I'm the only one allowed to criticize him anymore." She sighed. "I almost hoped the day would never come."

"As do I… but that's why I was ready." Saltzpyre said. "The Cathayan Dragons should be waiting for us at Beacon. We have a journey ahead of us…"

Even his voice seemed to lower a bit… as if even a Witch Hunter of Saltzpyre's caliber had hoped the Old World's problem would have remained there.

An: Hello there! For the next two weeks i'm going to be busy with a family vacation... but until then i hope this will do.

everyone was speculating about Jaune's ancestry and... Look i'm sorry for you Kruber supporters but I'm not sure Kerillian could produce a Jaune. (in fact I wasn't sure if Sisters of the Thorn could reproduce given the whole 'part tree' thing so hopefully Ciara is a good compromise) And while It's not because of Jaune being an Arc clone like Repanse but also that kind of background: Both take up swords and armor that didn't quite suit them, but they feel they have to go out, because it's the right thing to do. (admittedly Repanse had actual divine Guidance and while I did... consider bringing in an unnamed 'successor' to Lilieth... well, Haven ended up in AoS as the origin of some of their Elves and humans and more importantly Jaune didn't need that in canon... so why here?)

I didn't want Jaune's father to come across as a bad guy because I imagine to most civilians on Remnant they have an appreciation for the dangers of the Grimm and huntsmen life. And honestly... i think i had my cake and ate it as well by making them still friends with Repanse's family. Felix Jaeger is still there himself mind you but I wasn't sure how to work him in, same reason Bardin and Sienna are just mentioned.

 

[Yin-Yin Fan]

The Grimm were interesting; it was highly reactive to the winds of magic, which seemed to be why it was growing… Perhaps it was to meet a challenge, as whatever lead to the winds being upon this 'Remnant' was certainly to be a threat. Hekari found the Grimm to be like Odd Daemons, which was leading to her first project; repurposing the shells of the K'ddai. The Geists Salem had provided worked for the basic frames of K'daai that had followed her and her… kinsmen to these lands, but it wasn't the same.

The Grimm felt pain, she supposed; they knew when they were injured, but didn't feel it. They didn't feel fear. They simply were…

Her husband would have loved them, assuming he could tame them, and he'd try… Granted at least these would not kill him by putting his hat where a hat should not be….

As she stared at her Grimm K'daai, they right back at her, awaiting orders, like a rune golem of legend. The Power of the Runes needed the daemon's pain and anger to work. All daemons felt… so why didn't these?

"Do you even have thoughts in that head?" She asked, and the response was predictable.

"You'd have better luck speaking to rocks."

Irritated, she spun around on her step-stool to see the human intellectual servant entering the room, looking at her work with some interests. "... some sort of Grimm Cybernetics project of yours?'

"My expertise is wedding the work of Gods with those of mortal make." she replied. "It is an… accurate enough opinion, for one who doesn't have magic to make."

He paused. "... I suppose we did get off on the wrong footing."

Hekari's eyes narrowed, but allowed him to continue. "I am Arthur Watts, a man of science, much like you I suspect."

"Of a very different sort." The Dawi-Zharr commented. "... What is it you want?"

"To satisfy my own curiosity on your projects… A geist occupying some machinery is hardly novel."

Hekari rolled her eyes. Once her sentimental kin taught the apes the slightest bit of engineering, they thought themselves the rulers of all the earth. "You would not understand it if I were to sit with you and explain it to a child. Daemon-smithing is the act of inflicting the rational onto chaos, but there is a surprising lack of it here… even the magic that woke me is not enough for my runes."

"I've met people who think they could enforce or change the grimm myself… it's just how they are. No Magic from another world will change that."

Hekari frowned. "You know nothing of magic. You work for one, but you are incapable of it and come here to preach your ignorance?"

"What Salem can do is her own problem." It was a sore subject, Hekari noted… useful to keep. "The point is, They're like machines, I've worked with plenty, making them, programming them… they don't think beyond their programming. The Grimm are the same way. You cannot draw blood from them or change the nature inherent in the machine."
Hekari frowned. "Point taken, human… There is a beautiful efficiency to machines, but the K'ddai were empowered by being like your grimm… provided them the necessary pain."

"Why give it pain?"

"Pain hurts." Hekari said as if explaining to a child. " Pain teaches the simplest lessons… makes it easier to 'program' people, machines… pain is the key to order; it is the ultimate tool in lessons of obedience. A thinking being that knows pain will follow all orders without the mechanical 'programming' you do because it is afraid of that pain, it knows the consequences of failure… And if I could make this Grimm think…"

Watt's poor excuse for a mustache bristled a bit. "I see."

"Exactly… in fact, do you have any more scrap metal? I have many other projects that require resources."

"Asking for help?"

Hekari bristled at it. "I merely want your scrap. Salem had already informed me of your work and so you have the material."

"It's never a bad thing to ask for help from someone of my background." Watts sighed, turning. "I'll see what I can loan you… I have my own projects of course."

He left the room. Hekari sighed as she turned back to the Grimm K'ddai. "Humans…" *She shrugged, and then right back to testing the mechanics of the being.

—-

Dust, fascinating to work with. It seemed to be able to be used as a magic substitute. "Though," Salem had told her, with bitterness that would have done the Dawri-Zharr proud, "not anywhere close to what once was." Humans called it Nature's Wrath, but this was no Wutelgi nonsense. Indeed, it resembled a form of Warpstone in some ways… perhaps solidified, fossilized magic? Or perhaps whatever this world's gods did in their genocide lead to the formation?

Salem had been kind enough to get her all her own research and notes on it. Her experiments in particular on creating Dust-infused grimm were… fascinating. Especially when it came to people.

Aura, the Power of the Soul… The Grimm did not have souls, but she supposed the closeness to the neverborn in what could be called their biology explained that, They could in theory use Dust but it was impractical outside of a certain 'Monstra'... she had asked about it and Salem told her not to mind it; she'd see it for herself eventually.

That might have been a threat.

"You wished to see me?"

She turned. The big brute of an Umgi, Hazel she believed he called himself came within. Of the servants of Salem he was the most… confusing to her. "I have been told you know how to use Dust to empower yourself."

He frowned. "It's an old technique and hardly safe-"

"It is not for me, it is for my experiments. Salem's notes have been… quite enlightening."

She jumped down from her stool and showed him; the old legends of the Fire Rat Grimm, notes of using gravity dust to make some sort of command ship, and even using Dust to try and create different colors of grimm for the sake of camouflage. "It is capable of being done, but the process is difficult. As you have the experience of using dust, in the context of the body at least…"

"I see… I'm not sure I'm even remotely comparable to one of the Grimm. I don't even think they have the biology."

"I have noted that much." She agreed. "But Watts, for all his blabbering did allow me to see how Dust is better utilized… my kin could appreciate the work your species has put in, but i do not wish merely to arm the Grimm with weaponry… I wish to better integrate it into their bodies. If they cannot feel pain… then I should be able to better inflict it."

Hazel paused, looking at the Grimm K'ddai the floated with some of the gravity Dust salem provided… it looked like a puppet, on strings. "Using it as I do is painful," he explained. "My semblance dulls the pain-" He noted the dwarf-woman rolled her eyes. "- But it allows it to be used with full force… I could pry apart your machine there."

"Your warriors may be able to break a K'ddai, or a host of them… but thank you… You should not be afraid of the pain."

"I am not I-"

Hekari turned. "Do not misunderstand me, Karakumgi; pain is proof you are still alive. It is the fires of the forge that allow you to forge yourself into something greater. That is the greatest lesson Hashut taught us." She smiled, though Hazel didn't sense the warmth she clearly tried to affect. "... If you really could defeat the K'ddai as you usually fight, then you need to understand that lesson."

"... I'll keep it in mind."

—-

This Geist had promise, before it exploded. Hekari noted the problem when one rune seemed to glow ever so slightly more with the infusion of Fire Dust.

Swiping soot from herself she looked to her personal assistant K'ddai and went back to her notes only for someone to swipe the mechanical pen. Irritated, she barked something until she saw… it.

A rail-thin male smiling. "So you're the alien Watts has been telling me about."

Hekari studied him for a moment. "I am a Dawi-zharr. I am an alien to this world, yes, but I prefer to be referred to as such."

He smiled and cheerfully handed her back her pen. She took a glance at him, who seemed to now be looking at the K'ddai, as if sensing some sort of kinship. "Tyrian. Please, call me Tyrain."

"I prefer to give people names myself." She said carefully, noting the scorpion tail mutation around his waist… One of those 'Faunus' Salem had told her about when she explained mutation and the beastmen that haunted the Old World. Though given this man's smile she already suspected he had more in common with a certain type of Chaos worshiper then a Beastmen.

"You call Lady Salem Wyrrin… you have some affection for her, don't you?"

Hekari sighed. "It is a professional respect. She has a will to inflict her desires upon the world and damn anyone in her path… she would have been a wonderful ally to my people."

Tyrian smiled. "I see now… Thank you. For a few moments I was worried you were not showing her the proper respect."

Hekari knew better then to ignore someone of this… particular inclinations. Sensing the malice off of Tyrian she turned to him. "You… I believe She told me about you. Her most devoted worshiper…"

He nodded eagerly. "Yes, you could call me that… that is the utmost respect to her. We have that in common."

If he believed so. "May I help you?"

"Not quite yet." he said, walking away. "I feel we'll have a productive partnership! I'll let you know if I require your services…"

And so he left. Hekari frowned to herself as she went back to work, looking at the Geists. "I hate Slannesh's acolytes… the unknowing ones are particularly mad."

—-

"There is… one of my experiments that may yet satisfy your tastes. But for the sake of demonstration… a Beowulf."

Salem looked at the pool, the fountain of Grimm fluid hadn't stopped yet. Hekari connected it quickly to the magic that allowed her own spell to properly cease. She had to remain a safe distance from the pool, but wished to observe Salem conjuring one of her Grimm. It rose from the pool from a coalsing of a small part of the bigger pool, before it began to move. The hand, the arm, then the body was dragged up as it formed. The white-bone-like protrusions from its body formed its face, making it separate from the shadows as yellow eyes stared at Hekari.

It had no thoughts, it had no desires. A killing machine made by a God devoted to it's nature as a destroyer. "... they're never very good conversationalists." Salem said, taking a stand next to Hekari. "To be frank, I'm not sure their maker could have made them with a soul."

"And you can mutate them further."

"Mutation is… such an odd word for it." Salem mused as she paused for thought. "Hmm, perhaps…" The Beowulf sprouted horns, almost appearing as a bull, but reminding Hekari more of some chaos-afflicted hounds. "I prefer to think of this as a form of art. Any enhancement I can think of becomes reality."

As if to prove the point the beowulf grew wings and its tail became a spiky whip of bone. Hekari raised an eyebrow. "... And there's no way to standardize this process?"

"Not that I've found." She replied. "The Grimm have been in this world longer than I have. I have made Seers, and many varieties… but it seems that which is remembered by the grimm is the most efficient of weapons." she walked past her to look at the pool, the level the fluid had risen slowly due to the geyser. "Living beings who enter the pool die within minutes, utterly… any sample I give you will have a limited shelf-life, as it works slowly on the inorganic…"
"I see…This might seem like an odd question but I am curious about your blood. You have been changed by the Grimm, and you control them as easily as I could move my arm it seems."

Salem turned to face her. "My blood."

"I worked with a substance called the Blood of Hashut." Hekari explained. "A fancy name for it; treated by the Darklands itself, which has a few similarities to Divine Blood… a magical substance of which your blood should work close enough, if I understand the nature of your mutation."

"And what do you hope to accomplish with that?"

"The Grimm are tied with magic, and to you now… You cannot control all the grimm, and some grimm are so limited by their lack of true will and emotion… perhaps your blood is the key to tying that gap."

Salem smiled a bit. "I see… Hmm, I have bridged the gap before… I think it's time for you to see it."

She dismissed the Beowulf mutant, perhaps to haunt the forests of dead trees in the lands without, but she led Hekari as the two left the pool room. "You've met all the other servants of mine, aside from one… your thoughts?"

"Watts reminds me too much of younger apprentices to the Towers… all egoism."

"Fair, but it makes him easy to control. For your worry about their ambition it helps them to better align to my will."

"Until they think they have some leverage." Hekari replied. "Speaking of which, I think Tyrian was attempting to get that on me… the Faunus is an odd one."

Salem took it in stride. "Yes yes, but he is a very useful tool. Not the most subtle of them, but he does well in his tasks."

"He has a smile like a hobgoblin and the mannerism of a Hedonite." Hekari sighed. "Hazel however… he's not the sort I expected to work with you."

"You've already given him one of your nicknames. 'Karakumgi'" She noted with some amusement. "Which, if I recall , means something to the effect of 'mountain man'."

"You're a quick learner, but that's a bit literal. He's a large brute of a man… but his heart seems to not yet be hardened enough…"

"He knows of loss. His heart is also its own asset… can't have Tyrian going to someone i wish to approach diplomatically." She sighed.

"Your secrecy intrigues me… you have the power to take as you please."

"It was so much easier in the days of old, but Ozpin has moved the game into a much more… passive state." she mused. "He's captured most of the relics and engrained himself in human society… Special vaults, special guardians… the collection of which takes time and is done much easier in the shadows. As interesting as armies of Grimm could be and all of Remnant fearing my name, it is simply the most advantageous way to play."

"But he still knows about you, sending his dragon to your keep."

"Overplaying his hand… he's afraid." She chuckled. "The man has tried everything, and his minions don't even know what I really am. He tries it as much as I do… and yet he still tries. Even trying things from your world."

They walked for a bit more, passing the room who's gaping opening was still in the process of being sealed, and passed other rooms of which Hekari didn't know, nor cared what could be within.. They went deeper still into the depths of Evernight. "I have outlasted everything but him… but he's provided me with so many wonderful tools as well. He's tried to kill me before with Warriors with Eyes of Silver… They had a magic all their own to slay the grimm."

"I can see that it was a rousing success." Hekari replied.

"Oh indeed!" Salem laughed. "... He never learns. But it's been quite a boon to my efforts."

She opened one door and they both stepped into… a lab with biological specimens preserved in jars. Some held eyes that still bore the Silver of their owners and various organs. "I am no biology expert but my experiences in this have been fascinating… all leading to it."

Hekari watched the shadows as something lumbered to them, pained and struggling but with some grace, looking at the two of them with curiosity and obedience… Like a hound. Hekari smiled genuinely. "Oh Wyrrin… you continue to impress me."

AN: Hello Hello! just a short... i've been down with sickness and personal stuff, but i'm happy to have something!

 

[Yin-Yin Fan]

"... you've done all you could."

Yuan Bo stood before his Father, the Celestial Dragon Emperor of Grand Cathay… it should have been in the royal palace. It SHOULD have been condemnation of his failure, of his dishonor of allowing the Greenskin to ravage the lands of Cathay, of the destruction the Darklanders had brought to the Bastion, the rising tide of Tigermen and Naga striking against the South. All of them had failed, all of them were unworthy of the power they had been given, and no amount of their father's mercy would have been deserved…

Yuan Bo had never seen his father like this.

"There is only one Hope for this world and its people; the Compass."

Yuan Bo didn't let his feelings show. "One unbreakable shield against the coming darkness,
One last blade forged in defiance of fate, It is… my gift to lands of which we have ruled… and my final gift to all those I have failed."

"The Palace is swarming with our enemies' minions." Yin-Yin, never one to observe politeness too closely, said angrily. "Wei-jin might well be completely lost, and with us no way to enter the Celestial City!"

The Emperor gave his favored son a nod before he spoke. "There are paths to the Celestial City we have hidden well. Secrets only known to us…"

"And if those are found out?"

"It matters little. I have no doubt our eldest foes plot against us at this very moment…" The Dragon Emperor never looked so… old to his children. Even in his mortal guise it seemed as if he was showing his age. "... Take care… While I have been cold and distant, all of you are the greatest gifts I have ever given to Cathay or this world… Please, for the sake of this Old dragon, survive."

—-

"WAAAAAAGH!!!!"

Greenskins lived only for war. The Dimmed Sunz clan that had lived in the mountains were rallied under a new war boss, who called itself the Iron Hide. They struck down the charging Orcs, many still bellowing… most had retreated or migrated to the West, to where Yuan Bo had heard whisper of Nurglite invasion.

With one swift stroke the second biggest orc had its head cut clear off its body. Then the one next to it… Miao Yin kept them defended, the Iron Dragon setting the corpses and living aflame where he could…

He had a surprisingly good head on his shoulders though Yuan Bo suspected it was because of what had happened to the Empress…

The thought slowed his reaction to a blow from an Orc dressed black iron armor. Black Orcs from the Darklands, and this one was just as cruel and smart as its former masters as it went in for another blow just as fast… only for Yin-Yin to force it back.

"Brother, are you alright there?" Zhao called out with concern.

"What does it look like?" Yin-Yin replied with a growl before the greenskin felt it's armor heating up… and it seemed to relish it as it tried to kill him again. Yuan Bo took it's arm, to which it seemed to be more annoyed before throwing it at Li-Dao… but then it was struck by a familiar Staff.

"YOU!"

The Monkey King danced around the Black Orc, who was now very annoyed as his 'boys' seemed to be retreating or arguing with one another instead of dealing with the other monkey men. Yuan Bo shot his more… temperamental brother a look to keep him contained… he would prefer to deal with one headache at a time.

Miao Yin finished off the Orc with a bolt while the siblings turned to face the Monkey King… he was always a strange one. The one thing that, perhaps all the siblings could agree on was that he was a mad, cunning and strange sort of beast.

"Well, at least we can get along to slay invaders! I must say, I never expected them to get this far into your sacred lands…"

"What do you want, beast?"

"What? Did you expect my people to just watch the world end?" The Monkey feigned human disgust. "This is more than just your petty bickering or my own magnificence! These are the End Times! Do you think-" He pointed to Yin-Yin. "That I didn't notice the ships you were building? Or all the nonsense you-" He pointed to Yuan Bo. "were doing for the compass?"

"Of course I expected as much but I had hoped Li Dao would have kept you busy."

Li Dao growled. "Enough of this, monkey! What is it you want?!"

He smiled… a fear response but perhaps he was affecting it for their benefit. "A harem of women, the Imperial Palace, and all the world to know my name… But if we do not save this world, then it doesn't matter now does it, old friend?"

"I am not-"

"And of course, my old companion in Clan Eshin told us of the way into the Celestial City… it would be suicide anywhere else but you need a distraction and…" he paused for a moment. "He's not going to let you idiots die pointlessly, so this is my best bet to getting all those things, understand?"

"He makes a compelling point." Zhao replied. "Can't say I blame his reasoning."

Miao made a face Yuan Bo would have found amusing… if they had time to spare. "You will be allowed to follow us.. Make no mistake, Monkey King, once this is over-"

"It's never going to BE over." The Monkey king puffed up. "Unless we all die, and i doubt you want that."

Li Dao was already grumbling about it, his great fiery mein almost alight… but they moved on, followed by the hooting and hollering of the monkey men who followed their king. If Yuan Bo forgot for a moment, he could almost imagine them as humans… they were hardly different in many ways, simply more belligerent…

—-

They were not alone. The Greenskins had mostly left Wei-jinn as a literal dung-heap. The corpses of even Shuengan and Celestial Dragon Guards left to rot… Yuan Bo kept moving, though his siblings, even Miao Yin, seemed to shudder at the loss. If his father was right, and he of course always was then it would be worth it.

"I hate orcs; no creativity, no manners." The Monkey king spat at the corpse of one before turning to the fallen humans. The Monkeys seemed to… almost be disappointed, though Yuan Bo wondered if some were more sad at the waste of meat. They had a good score of them, and while they copied the mannerism of Cathay's warriors, they were hardly their equals in discipline. "... must have been quite the Green tide to bring this place low."

Li Dao grunted and gestured to the shattered forms of Terracotta sentients and their enemies, the great, now reduced to rocks. "It was less of that, and more that warboss… Dark Lander enchanted Orcs are always a problem."

"If rumor proves true," Yuan Bo said idly as they made their way to the hidden Gondola Stations, ones more intune with the compass. "They at least broke the Dawi-zharr holding the Bastion…"

"So that's why your father has grown more fond of his people as of late…" The Monkey's expression seemed… odd. As if a realization had just been had. "... I will never know what it will be like but… you have my Sympathy."

"The Bastion has been broken before." For once, Miao Yin didn't sound ashamed of the sentence. The very idea once made her look like she was a mortal bitten by a river serpent. "... He will live."

"Of course he will." Yuan Bo declared. "He is older than the gods! Enough of this talk… we go."

"Oh, now gods exist, I thought our cousins just made them up!" The Monkey king cackled. Yuan bo tried to ignore it… cousins, he called them. Well, Yuan Bo thought, when did that ever apply?

—

The City was in the hands of Tzeentch. Cultists shifted from nowhere. Some were once peasants branded by the flaming eye, others were perhaps once men… now chaos spawn… and the daemons, by his father the daemons. Blue horrors stalked the streets, fighting the monkey men with anger and jeers while Pink horrors watched on…

But they were never a match for Dragons. It was a sight to behold as they took dragonic forms… their ancient enemy would regret this intrusion and regret their very existence in this world. They had one goal… the compass. The Monkey King rode on Li Dao, as if he was an elf, the telescopic staff making work of any mortals and their daemonic allies… but something was very very wrong.

They wanted them there…

—

The Light of Hope, Shen Zoo stayed with her father, ordered to be kept hidden after her return from the lands to the North… she had changed, grown up into a fine young dragon… though in her father's eyes, she'd hardly been gone at all. It was perhaps… selfish of him to allow her to guide Cathay while her siblings performed the ritual but…

At this time, they all needed hope.

"Father?"

Shen Zoo had…been through a lot, to say the absolute least, but she was the one who was with her father at the very end… she knew she needed to be. The Dragon Emperor stood as the sun was setting and they sailed on… to where, no one knew.

He was older than the gods but… she had met many of them. All of them now had this expression… The expression of someone who merely wished to have more time before the end came. All things can die… but none despaired more then those who seemed to be able to last for eternity.

"... Do not be afraid of me. This world… is not the one I knew. As a child It was so cold, refreshingly so. The Mountains were still high, and the Warpstone Moon was not there… the stars were always so beautiful, even as they changed…" he paused, and Shen Zoo saw a storm gathering, the Winds of Magic tinged with the powers of Death and Chi'an Chi. "... Perhaps if those visitors from beyond had never come, we would have lived in peace, and none of us would have known Chaos… perhaps there is kin to us, wherever you go… I only… I only wish that she was here with me before I go."

"Father, you cannot win against them…"

"I never could." he admitted with a smile. "But… all of you, wherever you may go, simply trust that I will watch over you.

She watched as her father casted aside the form of a man to become a dragon. Golden splendor, growing to the size that could have dwarfed mountains… She could have helped him,s he thought but one last look from him told her what her fate was…

Her heart heavy, she left her father to her fate. They sailed on, ignoring the sparks and maelstroms of magic, sailing until the water had become like stardust… and sailing until they arrived somewhere else…

—-

The Terracotta sentinel was charged with the powers of the 8 Winds… the Defender of the Compass its gaze never lifted from the Monkey King, and it was only the siblings that prevented it from its desires to eliminate the radical…

It was made from white and black jade, working in perfect harmony, its 'eye' glowing with green light as it stood guard over the object it was made to defend… the last hope of Cathay… whatever it was.

Yuan Bo would do as he must… "First and Greatest of the Sentinels… it doesn't like you as much as we do."

"I can tell." The Monkey King barked back. "Why is it they always hide the best toys in the back?"

"It is not a 'toy', monkey…" Li Dao grumbled. "It is the first! Possessed of an intelligence that puts it's kin to shame, given the greatest honor… for a craftwork."

"I would have loved to have him in Lustra or the Southlands…" Yin-Yin admitted.

"Rumors of 'ancient titans' and 'dragon-eating monsters' are still not substantiated sister." Yuan bo replied. To which she said something about were he could stick his 'editied truths' which amused the Monkey King.

And something else. Something which set the room on edge. The Sentiel turned, the jade-light within it glowing as the Moon-faced Herald of tzeentch and it's minions manifested. "Hello again, or perhaps I should say greetings… you kept me wating for our one-sided reunion!"

"Kill the Daemon, We need to start the ritual!"

"Oh i wouldn't do that if i where you~" The Daemon spoke in a sing-side voice. "I know how this ends come let us have bant-" It yelped as it dodged the Sentinel's blade, with single-minded determination it set about to destroy the interlopers. "WHO FORGOT TO TURN IT OFF?!"

More Daemons were summoned and more tried to enter the room, but Yuan Bo steeled himself… it was time to put it into practice. The Words of the Daemon were simply a distraction… yes, just a distraction… The five siblings prepared the ritual to channel it, with Yuan bo leading… The plan to save Cathay was underway.

"Whatever your doing… keep doing it!" The Monkey King yelled over the comotion. The Hearld laughing, chanting really 'justasplannedjustasplanned' as it weaved and shot magic at the Sentientl, with proved to be a great distraction… perhaps, Yuan Bo thought at the moment, it was of some intellect…

The winds of magic gathered and he could see it… the destination but… Destination?

"What is this?"

The Herald lept off the Great and Last Sentinel before casting it's own incantation. "YOUR DAD LIED~! THIS IS NOT SALVATION! THIS IS COWARDICE!"

And Chaos broke loose.

—-

"Brother!"

It was Zhao's Voice. Yuan Bo looked for him in this swirling void of… of Chaos. By his Father he could see every possibility; being slain as a traitor, leader of a Cult of Execution. He saw worlds torn apart and reformed. A Great Eye breaking apart the stars themselves, and the laughter of thirsting gods.

"I will not die here! You hear me?!" Yin-Yin's voice shouted above the clamor. "I AM THE GREAT DRAGON OF THE SEA!"

More images flashed of Yin-Yin succeeding in Lustria and telling tales of her exploits. Tales of her defeating a mighty king of which none other could be his equal. Of a life with some mutant, who she bore some affection… of her falling to a one-eyed Mutant of tzeentch.

He saw the Great Cyclops with One-Thousand sons, marching across a desert world and turning humans to nothing but ashes, chanting that all would be dust.

"And all IS Dust. to be shaped by my master."

The Moon-Faced herald leered at him as he fell. "Do you see? DO YOU SEE?! Your world was an amusement to him. The Architect of your Fate toyed with your father, and has BROKEN him… but he is not done toying with you, Jade-one!

"No… no no no…" It was not his voice, but Miao Yin's and the Demon chortled.

"Would you like to see your father? He is HUMBLED by my master! He died screaming. He died begging for mercy. He died because YOU failed him!"

"Lies… All of this!" Yuan Bo tried to strike with the Dragon Fang, but the daemon merely caused it to strike his back… not enough to break him but enough to give him a dull pain.

"It's all true… there are trillions of worlds. One world gone silent among our kind is merely a disappointment… there will be other games to play, other eternities and other slaves… your father was a distraction. A snake who dreamed he was an Emperor…" It's smile widened. "He died to save humans. HUMANS! You think Cathay has a lot of them?! So useful… that human stock."

"You will not break me." The Jade Dragon spoke.

"You are already broken… but not to worry, you will see. Once you are on the Silent World, we will find you, and we will do the same. We will keep this game going for all eternity!"

Yuan Bo was struggling to see the Daemon now. "How does it feel to be a mark of the end?" It asked before fading forever… leaving him with that image, the voices of his family scattered around him and visions of possibilities.

In one, He was about to execute a traitorous Zhao Ming long since ordered. In another he saw another executioner fighting to sway his brother… visions of a million worlds, all their fates engulfed in Chaos and disorder…

… they had won, they had always been the destined victors, he thought after a hundred years of keeping it at bay… despair. He was nothing but a stumbling block to Chaos… no, not even that, simply a pest.

But he felt the fall ending soon…

—-

*Remnant, Mistral, the Great War Era.*

Protect… Cathay.

The Jade-Forged was heavily damaged, but it followed protocol. It was instilled with the souls of the best and brightest, it was made to defend Cathay and the Compass… it saw panic beneath it, of humans running from creatures of black and white… but wrong. These were monsters…

But this was not Cathay. It could feel it, the winds were gone from the wisps of it's masters spell, it studied the situation and thought; Cathay was made up of humans and thus…

Protect… humanity.

And it fought. Because it was as it's Emperor wanted. The humans thought it was horrifying at first… but it rallied them. It was made the target of the Grimm, but the villagers were fighting back… a leader-beast, large as a Mammoth, charged at it but it stood firm.

Unity, harmony… Its 'mind' felt weak, disconnected from the winds… but it would not allow it's charges to lose, as it was very simple, and made to be.

It would protect humanity at any cost, as any of its kind should.

—-

*Remnant, Vale, 40 years later.*

"Brother… Li Dao! Yuan Bo! Anyone? Sisters?... Hello?"

Zhao called out… and only one answer was there. Miao Yin… "Sister? Are you okay, where… where are we?"

Miao frowned as she floated herself up… the winds were weaker here but… she was alive. She had seen herself against the forces of Chaos within their realm… among other, more horrific fates, but the image of her father…

"Sister?"

"I… Am fine." Miao Yin lied. "... Where is everyone?"

—-

*Remnant, Vacuo, 40 Years after the Great War.*

The Savannah was hot and Humid… and the Monkey King didn't like that one bit. The others among them, his people agreed… one even suggested SHAVING of all things to keep the heat away.

But… there was something close by, The Monkey King saw the oasis in the distance.. And pointed. "Alright, BEFORE you ruin your beauty, let's actually get some water…"

Four eyes stalked them as they got closer. "... You're not going to let me shoot them are you?'

"No… We're all lost now…" the other replied. "I will not allow them to suffer, they have lost too."

"We spared the Dragon-man, i want to get SOMETHING that leaves something behind!"

"Sister, please control the wrath for just a bit… this is not our forest either…"

—-

*Remnant, the Shallow Sea, ????*

Yin-Yin fell into the water and swam to the surface… she couldn't take her dragon form and she was stuck in the middle of a shallow sea… and she saw land. With little choice, she swam there, grumbling all the way. She KNEW she could have won, she thought to herself as she replayed the images she liked in her head.

—-

*Remnant, ????, ????*

Yuan Bo fell and hit his back, hard… he had no idea where he was and he was lost… everything was lost.

"Father… why… was it… all for nothing?" he struggled to get up, the thoughts and visions of horror playing before his mind. He could not die here, he could not be broken here… he focused on where he was, who he was… the Jade Dragon, closest to both the Empress and Emperor…

He opened his eyes and took in the new world.

An: Yeah I spoiled where the others ended up… but not him, not yet… we'll get there eventually. Time and Space are Malleable to the Warp This side chapter has 'technically' been in the works for a while but Shadows of Change got me to finish it.

Now characterization wise i'm glad I waited; Yuan Bo is so far a very interesting contrast to his Brother, Zhao's more laid-back and human personality with the Emperor's execution who is more callous than the others seems like a good contrast… and well, he might just be interesting to see how Yang would interact with. Or Ruby for that matter, and especially after all of this.

Now i will have to go back and edit this with the other three: I like the Monkey King in concept, and he's been in so many things that i'm not sure how warhammer wants to tackle him, so i just went with my gut instincts. He's an egotist, a bit of an asshole but he does care about his subjects and everyone. Ruthless enough to hire Skaven, but not enough to turn to chaos…

Yin-Yin is my favorite of the Siblings; she's got an Ego to match, her provinces are multicultural and she's either very unfortunate or just kind of dense. Li Dao is cool as well, but… i'm sorry i just like the Monkey more. I need both of them to get in the game though as they seem like fun guys. Of the family I imagine Yin-Yin would get along with Raven and Li Dao would be the cool uncle who gets Yang irresponsible presents.

… on and you might have picked up on a pair of wood elven twins in Vacuo…

 

[Yin-Yin Fan]

"-I got a skeleton inside me too, Big Whoop."

Taiyang had told Raven that she had better watch what Ruby was doing… and she was. She was just watching TV. She never really watched a lot of children's television, given her upbringing but she wasn't sure what the problem was? Ruby liked it, which should have told Taiyang enough…

Of course that was before the heroine of the show fought her way through a horde of skeletons. She was told by Ruby that this character was a 'magical girl' and… honestly she expected something more wholesome.

It was still kid-stuff, but (for kids) it was pretty action packed. She faced down armies of skeletons, led by a woman on a great crimson dragon, with nothing but a rabbit and a machete-shotgun. Honestly if she grew up in the city she could have been a fan.

Now it was obvious the girl was gonna win, but Ruby was sitting there, eyes wide like Summer's used to be when she was excited… Raven just tried to focus on the kid show. "What did ya say this was called again?"
"Starbright and Galileo!" Ruby said cheerfully. "It's it cool?"

"I mean, I guess." Raven shrugged. Best not to say her actual thoughts. "Why is fight that Skull-dragon girl again? It's the finale right?"

"Yeah but… I don't want dad to think that just because she fights skeletons and stuff it's a bad show. She always wins in the end!" Ruby insisted.

Raven rolled her eyes and patted Ruby's head. "I know I know.. You'd think your dad would know it by now."

"Dad's just… you know, nervous. Doesn't want me to be sacred…"

"Look kid, you're gonna feel scared plenty of times in your life… at least the skeletons aren't real."

"You have a skeleton inside of you though."

Raven shrugged. "Mine's not moving without me saying so."

—-

Tai was looking at her funny. "... Look, we've talked about this."

"It's a kid's show, Tai. You gonna start looking at the ratings of the video games they're playing now?"

"Wait, you don't?"

Raven needed to pivot. "Look, I grew up in the woods around Mistral where I was told all about how going into the woods was more likely to kill me than anything in a movie." It was of course true: Raven… told very edited versions of her life to Taiyang… she suspected like Summer he read between the lines. She wasn't sure if Miao had told him about what she almost did… but looking at those eyes always brought that thought back. She needed the deniability but somehow…

"Look it's just… I'm kind of worried about Ruby given… You know, Summer and the magic she's studying…"

Raven bristled. "Miao told me about it before Ruby got started." Well, she tried, but honestly Raven didn't see the point in knowing about magic; the more she knew the more it hurt… even if it was Yang and Ruby's heritage that didn't mean that she didn't have enough experience with magic working with Ozpin to distrust it… "Look, you think Ruby is dumb enough to raise the dead just to roleplay as Starbit or something?"
"When I was a kid… after my mom passed away, Miao Ying tried to help me with it." Taiyang replied. "... She's helped Ruby too but… I'm worried if she's tempted she might try to talk with Summer."

Raven blinked… and then nodded, realization settling in. "Ah, i got it now. But she's, like, twelve."

"She's-"

"I get it, but she's a smart kid. She's got Summer's best traits, You and Qrow's best traits-" And absolutely none of hers, she thought to herself. "She's just watching a cartoon… I don't think she's doing anything wrong. Plus, Isn't Miao just trying to get her to focus on her own… uh, healing magic thing?"

Taiyang paused and rubbed the back of his head. "I guess you're right… Maybe I'm just overthinking things."

"You're just trying to be a good dad… Which reminds me, We're heading into Vale tomorrow right? Your dad is going to show Yang some magic tricks or something?"

"Magic is serious stuff Raven…"

If only you knew…

—-

Ruby idly flipped through the Weapon Catalog at the store. She insisted on it and just as well Omen could use some maintenance work. The Person running the store was… irritating and Raven always had to pay the Lien Price but it at least it was something to occupy the time before they met back with the others for lunch.

"It's technically an Odachi." Ruby said, idly.

"Sword is a sword is a sword." Raven replied before turning to the old man selling the equipment. "Kids these days."

With money from her most recent hunt. She paid for the maintenance supplies. One advantage of bringing Ruby along is she had a knack for this kind of stuff… even if it meant being corrected. "Thank you for doing business with us. Would you like to-"

"I'm not interested. Thanks."

People relied too much on charity these days. Ruby gently elbowed her and she sighed. "Fine, here."
And they left. Wallet far lighter than she would have liked, but it kept the kid happy. "So, what do you think Yang's doing now?"

"Probably bored that she can't breathe fire yet." Raven replied with a sigh. The Scent of Vale was nice, but she could just smell the machinery, the dependence on everything… Patch was better, she thought, but the best was out there in Mistrial. The real world were you felt alive every day.

"Do you think it'd hurt?" Ruby asked, a bit concerned. "Or maybe give her bad breath? Sulfur and Fire Dust doesn't smell good."

"She'll be fine. Zhao isn't gonna let her do anything crazy…" She realized what she said and corrected it. "She's probably just… I dunno, breathing exercises to psyche herself up for bigger stuff? Their magic is weird."

All of it was weird. Honestly the world was probably better off but… she couldn't deny that Yang wanted it… and if she could take it? She wasn't going to stop her… At some point, they had to grow up, and had to get out of the nest…"

They walked down the street a bit. "Where do you want to go for lunch?"

"Hmm… Uh…" Ruby paused to think about it. "I dunno."

"Well… Burgers are nice right? Yang and Tai like those."

With that setted with a nod from Ruby the pair continued. "So, uh… I'm going to see Great-Aunt Miao tonight too. It works better in the proper… mood I guess?"

Raven shrugged. "She probably knows the reason better than anyone." Something about Yin Magic being all about the cool, passive stuff. She'd long since given up on trying to understand it, but it was a tool in the arsenal for Ruby. "I'd worry about this when your there, kid."

"Yeah but… I mean, some of the stuff Miao warned me about… like, bad-guys use monsters and tricks, right?" Ruby explained. "Like Skeleta does."

"I told your mom this a long time ago; As long as you can walk away from a fight, you won." Raven ruffled Ruby's hair. She looked just like her in a lot of ways… but the feature she really shared was her heart. A heart that Raven never knew… "So, look, Miao's got her problems, but she's gonna teach you how to use your gifts to win. That's what matters here."

Her scroll rang, and they all agreed to get burgers.

—-

"She's a good learner… a bit too eager however. Hopefully this teaches her patience."

"I mean, she's a kid." Raven Shrugged. Miao Yin and her Niece-in-law stood on the Balcony… Tai took the kids back home, or as close as they could… but they had business too. "... You sure Ruby's a dragon-kid?"

"Well, you are free to illuminate it at any time." Miao used her 'chilly and formal' voice. "You have still not told me of her father. At this point you seem to wish I believed she simply appeared one day with Summer."

"Yep." Raven said with a smirk. "Would probably be for the best if you did."

"As I thought. She already has enough of a grasp of it to be sure of it… her blood is of the Dragon Emperor… but Summer would not hide the identity of her father in that case. She would feel obligated to at least tell my brother."

Raven nodded her head. "Did you ever wonder why Summer wanted you not to know, Miao?"

"She wished for Ruby to have a normal life… as much as one like her can." Miao replied. "And I have respected it… but she must be prepared to master it and her own future."

Raven closed her eyes for a moment, looking away as her mind went back to the kid's show… she really was a normal kid, a good one. Maybe a bit too shy around strangers but she had talent. "She wants to be a hero, like that girl and rabbit on the tv."

"The… oh that program she's so fond of."

"Yeah… Tai was worried you'd teach her to bring back the dead."

"What?" Raven tried to suppress a laugh as Miao's face was genuinely baffled.

"No, seriously… thought that show would inspire her to summon ghosts and whatever else to fight. But she has better sense than that."

"That… is advanced magic and I would only even broach the topic when needed… our magic is not like the Maidens, and there are consequences for it being violated." Maio explained. "And I've been very clear on why. She handled it well/"

Raven rolled her eyes and opened a portal to their destination, Anima. "... I can't call myself Ruby's mother. Summer was the better… person than me overall, but if there's one thing, I want Ruby to know, it's that I'm sure she'll do fine… and if there's one thing I want, it's for her to never get involved in Ozpin's stuff like we did."

"Her eyes tie her to that destiny in one way or the other… though we can try to stall it for as long as we are able." Miao's expression didn't change. Raven's just became a deeper frown. "You said it yourself; She wishes to be a hero."

They went through the portal, and once Raven breathed in the air of the forests… she was home… or what was once her home.

—-

"-You have to be tough, but no one is strong enough to handle everything alone." The Heroine spoke to her defeated rival. "You don't have to be alone. There's nothing a team can't handle."

Ruby smiled to herself. Starbright had finally defeated Magica-Mecha, and they were gonna team up to fight against the Skeleta! She was glad she stayed up this late-

Raven collapsed on the couch behind her, making Ruby let out a quiet 'eep!' and almost spilled some of her milk. She caught it quickly.

"Aunt Raven? Are you okay?"

Raven looked tired. "Yeah, Yeah, I'm fine… just gonna… crash here tonight, 'kay?" and Raven closed her eyes as the end credits played… Ruby figured she must be tired from the special hunt she went on with Aunt Miao, so she did the best thing she could think of; giving her the blanket she was using and sneaking back upstairs before Dad realized she stayed up late again.

She turned her head to her Aunt and smiled as she saw her already snoring. She wouldn't trade anyone here for the world…

An: Nothing overtly plot-like, just something fluffy for Ruby's birthday. Have a happy Halloween.

Starbight and Galieo are also not a reference to any warhammer characters, just to be clear. They are a cheesy magical girl show Hero and Supporting pet. I feel i should clarify this now (the show might have used the stories of undead for inspiration though)

I ultimately did this because... well i feel there's a lot of ground to cover with how Raven took part in Ruby's life, and something short and slice-of-lifey fit. I hope you liked it.

 

[Yin-Yin Fan]

She could still remember the Forge of Souls, the legions of daemon engines that assaulted her forces. Katarin remembered all of this… and saw it replayed. The blood of her people spilling in the very heart of hell itself, all to save their god…

It replayed before her in the streets of Erengrade. The Forces of Chaos had done what they never could before; they would destroy Kislev. Her Warsled barreled through the carnage… She could not retreat, but the situation was dire and her hopes were melting by the moment.

Her people fought on despite it. They could not save this land, but they could avenge it. Her Father, who recently returned, said that Kislev was strong…

But not strong enough. That their gods had a plan for them.

The world was coming at its seams. The realization hit her at the moment, as she continued to see the effects of the daemons. Stones bleed, the air crashed with contrary heat and cold, and the dead starred up into the sky, some twisted in disturbed grins or with bliss of pain…

Katarin joined with her people , defending the back… she couldn't turn back, for if she turned back she'd see what remained of her people and their butchers.

—-

The Motherland was loving and cruel. It was a harsh land, its spirits older than the Gods, who at least ruled somewhat justly. Mother Ostankya knew them all well. The Elves claimed differently, but they were deaf to the will of their lands or too easily bent to them. And now, it was all dying.

This was no place for her or the others any longer. It was… inconvenient to say the least and deep in her heart, she'd never forget the motherland… but it was the way of things. The Motherland was more than its physical influence.

She blamed the elves. It was ALWAYS the elves, mucking around in the natural order of things out of their perversion of wisdom. But such was the way of things. Everything packed her cauldron secure… she tapped her staff on the porch of her hut, and it rose on spidery legs… marching alongside some of the creatures of the forest and her fellow Hags.

Some of them had to protect the people of Kislev. They were the land, wherever they would appear may yet be the next Kislev after all… but they had to protect the nascent spirits and little things. They had warned her the safe point was a world where they would be dormant for a time, but such things mattered little to Ostankya…

All that needed to be dealt with was the Godslayer, but the spirits had said his fate was to be settled by the god he had slain. She simply needed to live, as she always did.

—-

None were worthy.

He was the Judge of the Worthy. A Herald of Khorne who did not waste time with the lesser warriors; the Kislivites who died afraid of his siblings were not worthy. They could not even raise up their arms in deference for their little godling. All Save one.

He stood before the Patriarch. Kostaltyn. "Daemon!"

He could not be easily banished. How could he? Such a cowardly act was already undone by the spilling storm of Chaos. Even this holy ground could not keep him out. The blade of flame trailed behind him as he approached. The lesser Bloodletters and the daemons of his enemy watched him. The daemonettes jeered and cackled, the Plaguebearers watched in bemused boredom, and the horrors shifted. It was pointless…

Would he ever find something worthy of him?

"STAY BACK!"

"I will not. If you wish to defend your idols, then you will stand and die." He gestured to the audience, Daemon and God alike. "Show us your actual strength. Show them the worth of such coddling Gods."

Kostaltyn composed himself, as much as a zealot can be composed at all. "As long as i live, you will NEVER break this place."

"Easily arranged."

He struck with fury, the blade crashing with Kostanltyn's burning mace. The judge's pale face reflected. Yellow eyes studied the Priest.

He will last long. His pure faith makes him a potent weapon against us. Why defend the Idols?

Khorne was not a stupid god, regardless of some of the comments of his fellow neverborn. Khorne hated lies; mortals lied to themselves, the other gods were made of the lies of hope, despair, passion… Industry, machines, entropy…

There was a minor truth to each, twisted from the purity of existence only Khorne knew. How could Kostaltyn deny the simple truth even as rage and curses fell freely from his lips. His righteousness diluting the purity of his hatred, Struck the judge on the right side of his head. It hurt… the impurity hurt, breaking a horn on his brow. The Preacher continued. As if filled by something else as much as himself.

He met the mace and another clash began. "What are you without them?! They dilute you…"

"You are incapable of understanding." He Spat back.

In response The Judge impaled Kostaltyn with his blade… of course it did not kill, but it hurt. Irritating but it could be corrected soon. "Indeed. I would not wish to understand it. You are strong, resilient… and yet, you depend on 'gods'."

The Priest's breath was slow, as he readied himself. "You are Worthy. So why beg?"

"I do not beg. Kislev will never kneel…." Kostaltyn rose and launched himself. The Neverborn around them cackled and booed and even laughed as the clash came to an end.

The Judge of the Worthy claimed his Skull, which continued to issue curses and insults… it's very existence is painful to it… before the soul vanishes to wherever the dead go. Khorne did not care. The Judge did not care.

Another worthy champion wasted on weak gods.

"Aw, don't sweat it." "Or Do," He turned to see the three heralds of the Dark Prince, the harlots preparing to create blasphemies against the idols… how drool, the Judge thought. His master hated these… things.

They did pointless acts to debase, when the mere execution was enough… The God Slayer would never have his approval. Perhaps the others would vote in his favor… but where was he? Chasing ghosts, ordering this pointless exercise for the degenerates among his kind…

No…he was still hunting.

—-
*Boris's Last Stand*

Boris had not been returned to this earth long when this mess happened. He tried, oh by Ursun did he try but… there was only so much he could do. Only so much one man could do in the face of Chaos… and it was not enough. Erengande as gone…

There is still hope yet…

He looked up into the sky… he could swear he could see the God-Bear, Ursun.

Kislev is more then us… It is more than the mother land… And it will survive.

Boris wasn't sure if he believed it… but he needed to have faith. His daughter had freed Ursun, had lead their nation through the wars against the northmen and went into the heart of Chaos itself… he had a bear and a Halberd, but both had changed the fate of his home before.

It would have to do so again.

He rode next to Katarin. She was stoic, cold, but he knew she must have felt just a little comfort to have her father again. She had grown up well without him… He wondered it it was for the best he was away… would she really be the same woman with him there? Perhaps the gods and the spirits of the land had their reasons, but it was hard to accept.

There were enough Ungols and Gospodars that their people would not fade away like so many others. Wherever the Gods were leading them… it would be safe. Maybe not forever, but safe enough…

Urskin seemed to know that too. His friend and companion was old, nervous… not of the daemons and marauders on chasing their retreat, but of not quite belonging in another place.

He turned back… black clouds followed, a host of daemons, of men and women who sold their very being to dark and cruel gods who cared nothing for them. Even this, he knew, was nothing to those enemies; a world, a people, a culture… merely a thing to possess.

"Katarin."

The Sled Paused, its guardians and the Golden Knight by it's other side dutifully allowing their Tzarina to step down. Boris stood, fully turned… many others in the refugees turned as well. Katrin frowned… some only had loyalty to men like her father… Boris put a hand on her shoulder. "... They will need you more then they need me."

"No, we must face this-"

"I must face them… many of us must. But you…" he tried not to show fear or weakness. Not in front of her. "You ARE the ice that makes us. The Motherland brought me back for a reason… You are the Tzarina, and the survivors will need leadership. You are the greatest daughter a man like me can ever have, and I know you and all who follow you will be amazing… they already do."

"Father-"

Warbear Riders, Hussars, and others. Hags, Patriarchs… those who knew that they were born on this world, and would die upon it. "Go, and no matter where you are, or what my fate is, your blood is ours. You carry the Motherland with you wherever it may be."

Katarin and her father knew there would be no further discussion… Neither showed one another their face, turning from one another…

I wish this day would never have come… I miss the cold forests of my youth. I miss the peoples who cared for me. I miss my brothers and sisters… But I have done what I could.

The Tzar and Tzarina, father and daughter, did not cry less it turn to ice upon their faces. They didn't have the time to weep.

—-


The God-Slayer marched. Slaughtering as he went, laughing. "You have met your God, and he is great and terrible!"

His redemption was going well… The Gods and the Everchosen had promised him that much… all he must do is to destroy Kislev… and what was that to him? He had seen his God brought before him, broken. He had been shown the weakness of morality, the promises of dark rewards… that he could be not just a mere Ungol Prince, but a God of his own making!

He stepped on one warrior who dared to get in his path, smirking as he let the poor sod think he ignored him… before crushing him. That was the future after all…

Why did they still fight? Was it not over? Was his glory not obvious? Was the world not coming to an end?! The Bears tore into his lines, the Plague drones went to face them. The Lore of Hags is called down upon him, and by the trinity of Heralds of Slannesh in his command, it is dispelled. One looked to him for desperate approval… and the Judge, the ever hateful herald of Khorne slew many champions, carving a path for his glory! The Moon-Faced Jester was away in Cathay, but he was surely watching him. His minions aiding his might, sending these damned souls to a fate worse than mere hells; failure…

He spotted the old Tzar, Still fighting, still so full of pride… and behind him, Ursun… and behind them… his quarry. He smiled and charged. Man, bear, god and daemon clashed. Ursun empowered Boris… this would be their end, but they would go together.

—-

"KATARIN!"

The Soul grinders were still there. The endless hordes of daemons coming to devour her very soul knew. Her. name. And at their head was Yuri… or rather, the thing he had become. He was gone… replaced by a horror that took everything good, everything she had loved from him. "YOU CANNOT RUN FROM ME!"

She had to… She had seen the Gods. Salyak, Dazh and Tor guarded the gate, to another land of frost and hardship, but safety… an ancient gate, older than she could know, but they knew perfectly… She had seen her Gods, and she still was too horrified by what she saw. What she still saw… Ursun's pelt adorning the Daemon Prince, almost fused to his very flesh, the dead god chained in the forge of souls…

She and the other Ice Mages summoned a blizzard, the ground behind them freezing…and the Daemon prince walked on. Toying with them… "Entire worlds await my ascension. What are your lives to eternity?!"


But he had forgotten one fact… one known to those of the Ice Court: a True Name is the weakness of the daemon… and she knew his.

"Yuri Barkov, You are named! You shall go no further!"

Thunder echoed, Tor agreeing with his might. Dazh and Salyak marched before their people… The Daemon Prince staggered back, Ursun's corpse may have given him strength, but the faith of Kislev, their devotion weakened him, bringing him down… just enough for them to slip past.

The last thing Katarin saw of the Old World were the eyes of a denied Daemon… with the barest hints of fear in those eyes.

She did not notice the moon-faced horror that picked up the gun… and threw it threw the portal as a blast of magic. A plan already set in the motion as he turned to grin at the Daemon Prince.

—-

*Meeting between Nicholas and the Tzarina*

Nicholas was in over his head. To be frank, he felt that way about 72% of the time by his estimate, but still, had to pretend to be a bit confident. The War was over, things were looking up for everyone, and no one had gone deeper into the Ice then he had. The Schnee Dust Company might just be a thing yet if he could keep everything together…

They were calling him a huntsmen. A newer term for his type of adventurer. He rather liked it; seemed very gentlemanly. The team he had aiding him were made up of a fellow huntsmen, and surveyors. He could do everything himself to a degree but a team helped you deal with the grimm or anything else.

Which is why he wasn't sure what to do even when they seemed confused by what they see. "I didn't think there was a village out here."

"I don't think that's a village." Nicholas replied, frowning. If it was, it must have been one heck of a place… Lots of people, still too far to tell but they seemed lost… But too many to be a simple village. Lots of people were trying to settle in odder places.some to prove that they could, others for something the cities couldn't offer…

But they were people in need of help. That much was clear to Nicholas. "Whatever the case, they seem like they could use a hand. This land is already hard enough.

Rudy was his second in command, a tall man, not too lanky. He wasn't handling the cold very well; his poor nose was a testament to that, but still, nothing a good deed couldn't fix… hopefully. He checked their supplies. "We're still a few days out from Mantle… It might not be the best idea, sir."
"Don't call me sir, please… That's my father, I'm just Nicholas for now."

They rode closer; their equipment wouldn't be enough to get them all home (indeed he'd probably need a train.) but it should be enough to at least catch up. Large snowmobiles like theirs held all the equipment they could use for surveying, scouting and bringing back Dust samples. Plus the Equipment needed to face the Grimm… which brought him to thinking why the grimm hadn't picked them off…

He wasn't sure he believed the answer when he saw it… they had a blizzard all their own. His grandfather used to tell him the stories of how the first people up north used frost Dust and the cold to keep safe from the grimm…

The crowd looked at them wearily, nervously… some readying themselves for battle, speaking in a language none of them could understand, though with careful hand movements they at least got across they weren't going to harm them…

Nicholas was now really over his head… "Uh… I don't understand…"

"You don't speak our language?"

He turned and held his breath at what he saw… A golden knight strode in front of what he could only have thought to be something out of a fairy-tale. She was tall, with eyes hard as ice… her face wasn't unkind, but it had been through a lot… It was a look he'd seen on some of the few friends he had that came back from the great war but not… compeltely broken. He lost his tongue and tried to find it again.

"I-I suppose not no." He replied. "Ahem, I am Nicholas Schnee… you uh… you don't look like you're from around here…"

That put the ice queen in a thoughtful expression. "You could say that." she paused, looking to the Golden Knight who seemed to be equally unsure of what to do next. "... I am Katarin Bokha… Though I doubt my titles would mean much to any of you."

"It must mean something…" He gestured around him. "You… must have quite the story to tell at least. We can lead you to civilization if you want… You all look like you need it."

Right about when that left his lips, he actually noticed the problem… they looked a few centuries out of date… "I'm not sure… we would be a able to get along with your people." The Frosty woman said. "... there's too vast a gap it seems… even with your world's daemons, you…." She frowned.

"No, no no, I don't know… much about what's going on, but I can see all of you need help. No one deserves to be lost out in the cold."

He pulled out a map of the areas he was planning on surveying. Showing it to Katarin who seemed a little shocked and yet intrigued. The others followed suit as he showed them… some of the soldiers (well, if you could call them that, with their antique guns and weaponry) confused at the landscape. "Here is Mantle… it's a few days away, but we could guide most of you to some of the settlements around it, should be easier to adjust and I'm sure they'd help… and I… might have enough ties to the Government to maybe work something out?"

He paused. "I-I know it's idealistic but… well, you look like you could use a little hope these days."

"... I don't think we have much of a choice, Tzarina."

"Indeed… Thank you, sir-"

"Sir is what they call my father. Like I said, it's Nicholas Schnee… an entrepreneur of sorts." he smiled. "And Huntsmen of Solitas! We'll… try to get you settled, Right gentlemen?"

They knew better than to question him when he set his mind to something… Something Katarin seemed to see…

—

*20 years later*

"This man is a genius… a mad one, but a genius."

The Schnee Manor was finally a place to relax… a hidden shrine to Ursun was finished, designed to his wife's precise construction, and hopefully a training room for her Magic…

Honestly, he wasn't sure if Willow was the type: The Girl was still sweet as can be, and Katarin could flip between kindness and warmth and stotism… apparently it was just what that sort of magic did… he was assured Willow would still be Willow at the end of the day… but it did make him wonder about Katarin herself. Maybe she used to be the same way… though he has trouble imagining it. She could be downright scary when she needed to.

"Another letter from that man in the Vale?" She asked politely, sitting down. "Did he try to drink it again?"

"He tells me he got it to work. Even offering a recipe…" He chuckled. "Honestly he seems to have a pretty good grasp on most of the science behind Dust… just not sure if it's proper. Nothing illegal at least."

"It would be unwise for him to send that to you."

"True…" he paused. "And… Well, he's at least interested in the field. Still, he worries me. If dust is as connected to magic as you say it is, then it's something no one should play around without a license."

Katarin just relaxed by the fire… She could see still Erengarde sometimes, in the embers, or the Forge of Souls… "Remnant is oddly peaceful compared to home… i doubt the consequences for failing to use Dust are as severe as it was in the Old World."

"... I'm still not entirely sure I believe it… At least the people of Kislev are safe."

"In no small part because of the kindness of Remnant." Katarin agreed. "I'll never be able to make it up to you or to Atlas."

"Kat, there's nothing to make up for." Nicholas smiled, sitting down next to his wife. "Besides, haven't you given me enough? A beautiful wife, a wonderful daughter… I'm the jolliest man alive. I don't need much else."

Katarin closed her eyes, smiling. "Well, that may be true but that will never prevent me from trying, Nicholas… Willow should be away for a bit now so perhaps we should go to our private little chamber for a bit…"

Nicholas usually felt very chilly when by Katarin… but at that moment, he could feel the heat of the fire a little more closely. Moments like this were the ones he would carry with him… it made everything just a bit easier.

—-


Anthurs the Unpleasant grumbled. The Herald's plague-fly buzzed in irritation as well. The God-slayer did not pledge to any God. He offered the lip service of the Gods, but he cared only for himself… What a jerk! Slow and steady was his appeal. It was more than Moony mc Moon Face over there could do, and the Judge! Oooh how the other minions of the gods could be so pushy.

But… well, they had to represent their Gods in this 'trial' in the warp. It had happened, it will happen, and is happening. Time had very little meaning to most of them, but they had to try for mister Former Mortal here.

"Here here! We stand here to try… ugh… D-Daniel?" he squinted his one yellow eye before flipping the page. "Oh sorry, uh, The God-Slayer?"

He twisted and roiled in his chains, before him, four plinths stood. On one Stood the Judge, the bloodletter looking down upon the Daemon Prince with contempt. On another stood the Three Daemonettes, the one who seemed to be his most eager sycophant looking pleading, on the point of misery while hir kin mocked her and pinched at her. The Moon-Faced Herald chortled with amusement… and Anthurs frowned. "Right so… Your case? You killed the Gods, but…"

"I have slain Ursun, his pelt adorns my flesh!" The God-Slayer half-boasted, half pleaded. "The Gods of Kislev are gone! I have slain them with my own hands!"

"Yes! Yes! All this is true" the Daemonette argued before their kin smacked her down and laughed.

"Order! Order!... wait… no that doesn't make sense…" Anthurs burbled. "Uh.. oh rot it, SHUT UP! By my Grandfather, can we not simply work together for once?!"

There was a pause, before the five other daemons in the room burst out laughing, only the Judge found it crude.

"Anyone can kill. You do not kill in the name of our lords. You kill for yourself. You think you have a purpose beyond war."

The room fell silent as the Judge spoke, pale flesh glowing in the fell light of the chamber. "You were favored by all our lords, because you could choose. You were not a Norscan runt, raised to bring praise from birth. You were a Prince. Skilled in War, and all the lesser skills these moronic excuses for neverborn value… yet you wished not to devote yourself, as if you were above those impulses that feed us… And now, I judge you unworthy. To the Basilica of Torment; you are not worth Vashtorr's infernal contraptions, you may yet prove useful to Chaos as a whole. But Khorne rejects you as do I."

"Well…" Anthurs pet his mount. "Ughh, guess that's his statement… Well, I'll admit, I think given a little time in the oven you could be a great prince of our Grandfather."

The God-Slayer growled, but said nothing. "Buuut well, even Nurgle must rush. A little time out, I think, is very fair."

"So it is a tie in your judgment?"

"Don't jinx it please…" The supportive Slaanesh Herald replied under whispered breath. Hir sisterbrothers pushed her aside. He could not really tell them apart… all bore something off Katarin, but also of his brother, and of himself… When more aligned to the dark prince, they were easier to look at.

"Look, once I get Me'lpom'ene here to agree with her betters-" "You prude…" "-She'll agree with our judgment; The God-Slayer can slay gods, but he rarely thinks of things our Seductive Majesty agrees with… so many odd little thoughts. A font of Ego, do not misunderstand, but not as succulent as we would usually desire."

"It's his best trait-"

"You're out voted, the Prince is fickle, but She has decided that the God-Slayer will have to earn it more before Joining Hir ranks. Mayhaps the Basilica would be the best place to each him the proper joy in agony."

"And before I get to you… uh… Moon-Faced Jester?"

"Hmm?!"

Anthurs tried to swallow his contempt… it came out on another end, but he just sighed. "Right, so be straight forward for once in your eternal life; what is Tzeentch's ruling?"

"He has played a part in the Game and must retire until he may play another." Moon Face giggled.

"Oh thank the primordial Chaos that gives me form…" The God-Slayer's eyes widened as Chains surrounded him, binding his body. Searing his flesh, as if the will of all the four dark Gods hated him in one moment… Yuri wept, The God-Slayer begged and pleaded, but the lie was revealed before him in a moment…

Furies, great multitudes of Furies flew down, grabbing the chains and raising him into the air, to the Basilica of Torment, which would more than live up to its name…

"... And another one of your so-called Champions goes to their punishment."

"THIS DOESN'T PROVE ANYTHING!" The Daemonettes would have begun to mutilate each other… but Moon-Face opened his hands and all three fell through a portal.

"... Where did you send them?"

"Not here."

"... see this? This is why people hate your kind."

The Judge simply turned and left… passing by a verminlord who seemed to think he was invited or wanted… he would find Khorne a worthy foe, or champion, he almost (as much as a Daemon could) sympathize with the daemonette.. But only just. She didn't know what made a proper Champion of Chaos, nor what she actually sought. He went on to another battle; for why would he ever desire rest?

—

The forests of the land were misty. Not quite cold as she would have liked… but nice and quiet and quite private… just as she liked it.

The spirits were still young here, oddly. Not very chatty either, which also suited the Hag Mother just fine. Less demands, more time to mourn her the only things in her old world privately… she would be needed again, one day, but Kislev did not need her at the moment… nor did this new world.

An: You know in hindesight call this the Winter Chill Was a bit much... I like the song mind you but Winter is literally named Winter and so i'll save if If i ever do something with her int he spot light. Anyways this serves two purposes: to set up some things for the future (far future mind you) and to tell the backstory... it's a complicated thing to transport people across time and space. and Even Post-War Mantle/Atlas is still probably more advanced then most places in the Old World.
I will say that i suspect the Ungols took to the more rural parts of Solitas (which is hard but people do live in artic conditions in real life) and the Gospodars Live mostly in Atlas and Mantle. The Golden Knight tradition is hard to maintain but I would suspect there is an heir to her...

It's been a long time coming and i hope it was worth it here.