Winter Schnee POV
"That's not an answer!" I grounded out, focusing fully on this.....woman who had barged into our fight. Not that I was not extrely grateful for the assistance, but she was infuriatingly dismissive of my questions.
"I stabbed it with my spear, what more do you need to know?" She looked at like I was a child. "Pointy end goes into soft flesh." She gestured to her....creepy looking spear. "Even Setanta could figure that out after telling him once."
I didn't know who this 'Setanta' is, but I felt like it was an insult.
I had rely wanted to know about the other Mutant Grimm she had fought and how she defeated it. By the sound of it, it seed to have been so cross between a Alpha Beowolf and an Ursa.
And I had no idea what Dust she used to give the spear that....aura that surrounded it. I could feel the hairs on my arms stands up when I gazed at it. I was an expert on the subject of Dust, but I was coming up empty.
"How did you perform that attack with your spear? Was it so combination of Dust, or Aura Manipulation?" I was duty bound to ask questions regarding this unknown woman. The General would want to know everything about her, or as much as I could get.
Her spear, while exotic, looked to be just a plain spear, I was doubtful it had any hidden chashift weapons, so perhaps Dust was not a likely thod answer to her attack.
"Semblance." She said simply.
"Then how were you able to move that fast!?" I replied.
"Semblance."
I felt my eye twitch. "And that kind of strength or ability to jump so high?"
"Semblance."
I rubbed the bridge of my nose, realizing this was going nowhere. I instead made a ntal note of every detail about her. I made sure to retain my composure, I was a Specialist of the Atlas Military, I would not get irritated by a....civilian who had just helped us.
Who had just so happen to have slain one of the biggest Nuckleavee I'd ever seen in addition to it being experinted on by that rlot bastard.
"And you claim to have no formal training." I said dryly.
"I confessed to being no Huntress. I have never stated to having no training. I have trained and trained many others in my long years."
A recluse then? That wasn't....impossible. The General had told a few tis about so reclusive people who cleared certain areas of Grimm around their hos. They generally wanted nothing to do with the kingdoms and are content to live outside the walls.
"You said your na was Sca –" I paused, trying to recall it.
"Scáthach." She finished. "I suppose the naming conventions of my people are different than what you are used to." She laughed.
"And your last na?" It would help in finding any information on this woman.
"I do not have one." She replied, rather nonchalantly.
That could have a number of reasons behind it. I didn't know if the reason was one brought about by a bad experience, so I decided not to push it. It was just another note to file away for the General.
I looked around at the other mbers of my team. They were receiving field aid, and it appeared that none would die. I hated to admit it, but we had been taken completely by surprise. Our intel said the nearby base was abandoned, but that was far from the case.
No, if this woman hadn't shown up, I feared the majority of my team would not have made it back. I had already spent a considerable amount of Aura before that Nuckelavee appeared. rlot had so other....test subjects within the lab, hidden away. It took us by surprise when we returned to the surface from his underground lab, to find that monster waiting for us.
It was by chance that we had even discovered rlot in the first place a few weeks ago. Amid our hunt for that thief that the General seed so set on, we stumbled upon one of rlot's research facilities. Since then we had been scouring specific locations for his other labs.
Mutant Grimm.
To think that soone had been making these right under our noses.
Who knew what sort of damage he could have caused had he built up his disgusting armies and unleashed them upon us without warning.
"Are your n going to be okay?" I was broken from my thoughts as the strange woman asked about my team.
"Y-yes, thank you. If not for your help....." I sighed, not wanting to speak the thought out loud. None of us were unaccustod to losing teammates – friends, in this line of work, but it wasn't sothing we liked to speak about.
"It was no trouble." She let out a small laugh. "You are a group of brave warriors, battling that creature in the hopes of preventing harm to the innocent. It was my pleasure to lend a hand."
Despite the way she phrased it, it was nice to hear. We rarely received recognition from civilians.
Still, I couldn't let my personal feelings get in the way of my duty. We had secured the objective, and we had the coordinates. It was ti to regroup back at Argus where the remainder of our forces were still set up. The General would want to know everything, especially about the thod this rlot devised to block Scroll signals from leaving the area.
"You never said what you were doing this far out in the wilderness." It was....convenient that she appeared when she did. I didn't want to think the worse, but we were taught to always be cautious.
"I was rely wandering. I heard the sounds of fighting and saw what was occurring. Had it appeared that your group were able to handle the beast without much risk, I would have not revealed myself."
I couldn't help but furrow my brow. Another noncommittal answer from her. She was good at answering questions without actually giving an answer.
"Without any supplies?" I questioned again, noticing her severe lack of food, water, or anything other than her spear. That suit of hers didn't lend itself to concealing anything either...
She just twirled her spear with a chuckle. "I have my spear, there is nothing else I require. There is food if you know how to hunt, there is water if you know how to read the land. And shelter is a matter of working with my hands."
I.....didn't know how to respond to that. Even the most seasoned Huntsman wouldn't dare go into the wilds without enough preparation. It made wonder if she's just taking for a fool. Yet.....I also saw her combat ability. There was absolutely no denying that she was strong and experienced.
"We have our Bullhead nearby." I spoke up. "If you want, we have enough room to give you a ride over to Argus?"
She looked like she was considering it. "I've never been to this Argus." She humd. "Perhaps I shall see it then."
Good. It would give more ti to get so information out of her. And if possible, we may be able to get her to stick around once she saw our base in person. Soone of her talents, I didn't think the General would be against extending an invitation.
***
Scáthach POV
Flying on this tal contraption was an experience worth having. I was hesitant to follow along as they wished to return to a city of so sort, but I had no destination in mind. The whims of fate led to them in the first place, so exploring a town or city for a day would not be remiss to .
And I would admit, it was fun watching this young girl try to gleam secrets from my words. I feigned ignorance of her attempts just out of the enjoynt I received from her continued disgruntled looks she made when she thought I wasn't looking.
As this machine began its decent onto a cleared area amongst the bustling civilization, I briefly wondered if I could ask my man to procure such a vessel for my own enjoynt. I did believe I would quite like taking to the skies in one of these – bullheads.
As we landed, I casted a simple illusion over myself. It appeared as though I stood off to the side when we walked off, but I was actually already leaving the area and was walking towards the the center of city. My illusion would later take the opportunity to disperse when no one was looking.
Perhaps it was a bit cruel of , but I did not wish to spend too much ti eting the people that woman answered to.
The sights were....interesting. They were similar, yet different enough to hold their own charm along with the uniqueness present. I could recognize so of the architecture that could be compared to that of earth. So Greek designs coupled with so Eastern designs here or there.
Without any true destination in mind, I decided to follow the flow of the crowds. The large gathering of people seed to be moving with a purpose in a certain direction.
I appreciated that no one batted an eye due to the fact that I carried my spear so openly. No, it seed I was not the only one as many others carried weapons freely around the city. A culture of warriors that were respected and acknowledged.
"Is she here?"
"I heard she's inside."
"Who?"
"The invincible girl, man! She won the regional tournant four tis in a row!"
"Is she gonna sign autographs?"
I listened in on the conversations to figure out what was gong on. It appeared that they were all trying to glimpse at a local celebrity. If the large poster that sprawled alongside the side of the nearby building was anything to go by, she was a young won with red hair that reminded of Wilhelm.
Hmm, well it was none of my business and it held no interest of mine.
While I was here, perhaps I should find an establishnt for good food and drink? It would not be an adventure without sampling the local delicacies.
Though, I would have no idea where to start looking. This city was sprawling and had all manner of shops and taverns. I'm sure I would be able to find sothing, but the quality was left up to chance.
Hmm.
"Elder." I approached an older won sweeping outside of what appeared to be a flower shop.
She perked up, giving a gentle smile. "Well, hello there, young lady. Are you looking for sothing?"
"Elder, may I ask for directions to a shop providing good food and drink? I'm new in town and wish to quench my thirst and fill my belly." How humorous that I was actually many tis older than this woman who had a head full of white hair.
"So polite." She continued to smile warmly. She slowly lifted her hand, pointing down the street. "If you head that way, take a right at the corner, then cut through the park, there's a good restaurant that my husband used to take to."
"Thank you, Elder." I bowed my head respectfully. Regardless of how old I was, it was polite to respect a kind elder.
Let's see, she said right at the corner after walking down the street. Ah, there was the 'park' she ntioned. How quaint, there were lots of different foliage that I was unused to. Should I take samples back as Wilhelm has a habit of doing so.
I knelt down to sll the scent of a flower I hadn't recognized. It seed to be a cross between a rose and a lily.
Would Wilhelm get flowers if I asked? The thought was....enticing. I stood back up, about to leave, but I once more heard the sounds of a weapon cutting through the air. Of movent and shouts of effort as soone was certainly swinging sothing about.
Curiosity took again as I followed the noise to see who was causing such a ruckus in such a public place.
I was mildly surprised as I walked past a few trees and bushes to find a young woman swinging her weapon about, stabbing into the air, moving around as to practice and train herself. I was surprised because she matched the girl in the images I saw earlier.
I leaned up against a nearby tree as I watched, her movents were natural and she had not taken notice of my presence.
She leapt through the air, spinning and slashing about. The shield on her arm swung with a noticeable practiced consistency to it. I nodded as she seed to engage her whole body into her motions, not just focusing on only her weapon or shield as she went through her movents.
She let out a long breath, her chest moving up and down at the intensity of her actions. She finally stood straight up, letting her arms drop to her side. She turned slightly and turned stiff upon noticing , her eyes snapping to . "Ehhh!?" She let out a noise of surprise. "W-who are you!?" She exclaid.
"Just a passerby who noticed you training." I shrugged. "I was amused so I decided to watch for a mont."
She opened her mouth and closed it again. "D-do you want an autograph or sothing?"
I blinked at that. "Child, why would I want your 'autograph'?"
"W-well...so you don't tell everyone where I am?" She said ekly.
"Why would I tell anyone where you are? I do not even know your na." What a strange child.
"You don't...?" She tilted her head, seemingly shocked at my words. "O-oh...this is awkward."
I couldn't help but laugh at her expression. "I see, you are the girl who has her face on the pictures I have seen. There was a large crowd gathered around a building down the street. Are they perhaps waiting for you?"
"Erm...yes..." She turned a little red. "Soone leaked where I was training, and they all suddenly showed up. So I just.....slipped away and ca here."
"Your dedication to your training is praiseworthy. It is indeed a good thought to focus more on it as you should work on fixing those bad habits you have developed." My hands felt a little itchy after watching her.
"B-bad habits!?" She squeaked out.
"Mmm, even without the preponderance of your face plastered everywhere, I can guess that you are a famous combatant. No, you are used to that fake fighting that happens infront of crowds, yes?"
"Fake fight!?" She frowned. "Those are ant for the best of our age group. The best of Remnant cos here to compete and it's a tough competition."
"If this is the threshold of 'the best' then I have overestimated many people." I quirked a smile, intentionally riling her up.
"You take that back." She frowned deeper, gripping her weapon. "Every person I fought in the finals had put everything they had into winning. They bled and sweat to get to where they were."
"What If I refuse to recant my words, Child?" I raised an eyebrow, pushing off the tree I was leaning against. With my spear in hand, I took a few steps. "Shall you test your blade against mine? If you have enough fortune on your side, perhaps you can force to apologize with your skill."
I had no intention of taking anymore students for the ti being, but I was more than happy to teach a few lessons. My hands have beco quite itchy recently.
This young girl was talented, even if she was more used to the playing they did in her arena. Well, I had ti to spare and I was in no hurry.
She took a stance, seemingly accepting my provocation for a bout.
Let's see if I could remove those bad habits before they beco detrintal for your growth.
***
Wilhelm POV
"I don't know how you were able to convince of following through on such a ridiculous endeavor." Salem scoffed.
"It's not your fault. Not many can resist my dashing good looks and my roguish smile."
Well, we played around with Runes a little bit, but then I suggested a stroll through Vale. I didn't think she'd been out of her castle or its surroundings in a long ti. Figured so 'fresh air' would be good for her.
"Yes, I'm sure that's the answer." She drawled. "This is not the first ti I've done this, I suppose I shall prepare an illusion."
"An illusion, why?" I questioned.
"Do you think it wise for to walk around amongst those humans looking as I do?" She quirked an eyebrow. "My curse is obvious to any who can see."
"Would you be offended if I said I found you beautiful regardless?" I asked.
"...your complint is....welco." She said evenly. "However, you wished for a stroll, and such, my current looks would draw far too much attention." She waived her arms, and the Magical Energy swirled around her body.
Gone was her pale skin, red marks, and white hair. She now had golden locks flowing down her shoulders, and unblemished milky skin. She put her hands on her hips, swaying them slightly from side to side, a smirk on her face. "This is how I looked many years ago."
"Oh, wow." I didn't even try to hide my stare.
"Don't worry, I made sure the illusion was...accurate." She smirked, spinning around, swaying her butt just a little bit for to see.
It took all of my self-control not to truly test that.
"Hmm, I should weave an illusion around myself as well. I am a wanted man afterall."
"Yes, your 'Youthful indiscretion'" She snorted, a faint look of amusent on her face.
"Yeah, yes." I didn't believe she would let that one go. "Lets see.....how about black hair?" I snapped my fingers, watching an overlay of my hair turn black.
She gave a once over. "Acceptable." She nodded.
"So, you like it?" I asked.
"It is acceptable." She crossed her arms, reiterating.
"I'll take that as you like it." I grinned.
"Take it however you want." She rolled her eyes. "I care not for the fake appearance you wrap yourself in."
"That's true, you already said I was handso as I was before."
She let out a huff, hands resting on her hips. "Are you finished? You spoke of a stroll, this is anything but."
I quickly changed a few more things. My facial structure and so features before nodded to myself. With a wave of my hand, opening a portal to vale.
Salem looked impressed as she eyed it.
"Shall we?" I offered my arm again.
"Very well, I shall accompany you." She took my arm again as we walked through the portal.
***
Salem POV
This was the city that Ozma currently resided in. I had no intentions of coming here so soon, yet, it appeared that this man was capable of convincing . It would be amusing if he caught sight of walking around his 'territory' without a care in the world. He would surely run himself ragged trying to find out how I just appeared without any warning.
Regardless, I went along with this foolishness purely to gain more information from him. I most certainly had no other intentions when I accepted his proposal for a stroll through Vale. I had initially been content for just a mutual debate on magic, however, plans seed to change. I don't know what ca over to allow a man to touch in such an 'intimate' way as it had not happened in many -- many years.
But it worked for my benefit.
He was young, it was easy to use certain....assets to loosen his lips. His eyes were unable to leave my rear. Not that he made any effort to hide his lecherous gaze.....
It was strange how forthcoming he was with his own acknowledgent of such a thing. I rembered n seed to be shyer about their proclivities before.
I leaned into his grasp as I began my inquires. "I have so questions you have yet to answer.
"Questions? Sure, hit ."
Easy.
"You said your grandfather taught you magic, yes?" That portal he made, it was sothing I was unable to mimic. Teleportation, to be anywhere at any ti, it was sothing in the realm of the Gods and not available to mortals, yet he so easily broke that sentint.
"Sorta." He shrugged. "He taught so things, but I picked up a lot from other people."
Hmm, he ntioned 'others' but no other ntions of actual people or places. It was astonishing to think that a whole society thrived in secret after humanity was wiped out. I thought Magic truly was gone from the world, yet here was an example of another.
It made .....reconsider certain plans I had. If Magic truly still existed, did I not have a duty to make it flourish? To bring about true humanity back to the world?
We had no destination in mind as we walked the streets of this city, as the insects scurried about their daily lives, not knowing that their most hateful enemy walked among them. How they would cower and run in fear if they knew that the Queen of the Grimm was but in speaking distance.
Should I ask about the Relics as well? He had two of them ,and it would take ti to acquire the other two. No, I should approach this slowly. If I imdiately ask about the Relics, it may tip my hand too soon. I had a flurry of questions I wanted to ask, but I dared not scare him away this soon.
"You never did say why you approached in the first place." His motives were still a mystery to . I should start from the beginning, and see what more secrets I could unveil.
"I think I said the reason?" He tilted his head, looking thoughtful. "I said I used the Relic of Knowledge to learn about the Grimm, which showed you. I was curious so I wanted to et you, and here I am." He smiled.
"You approached the Queen of the Grimm.....on a whim?" It sounded...incredulous. I believe I do recall him ntioning this before, but I believed I was understandably distracted by several other revelations at the ti.
"Well, I do have so confidence in myself."
"Hmph, you think weak or soone not to be feared?" How arrogant. To think he had no stipulations about walking into my domain and confronting .
"You're looking at it the wrong way."
"And what way should I interpret your words?"
"I walked into the Grimm Lands, I stepped into your place of power." He reiterated. "All so I could just et you. I wanted to et Salem, the Grimm Queen enough to potentially be sward by unending grimm and beset by all manner of nasties that hid in your realm."
"....what foolish sentint. False flatter to hide your true intentions, I'm sure." I huffed.
"Uh, huh."
"Stop smiling." I scowled.
"Stop being cute." He said with a cheeky look.
Cute!?
He dared call the Queen of the Grimm Cute!?
T-this man!
How insulting, I cannot allow this to abide. I was still debating if I should pry his secrets or let it be, to make inroads instead. I had decided to take everything of value from him. To ruthlessly pluck every secret and piece of information from his mind.
.....I shall endeavor to win his trust. Even if I must spend extended lengths of ti with him, I would bear with it and continue down this path. And I would certainly not enjoy it, nor look forward to such occasions.
A ridiculous notion.
It's all for the sake of my plans, nothing more.
***
And I'm back. Still really exhausted by my move, but i'm here again. Couple more chapters of RWBY and then we're back to DxD
If you want to read 7 chapters ahead or support , visit my /astoryforone
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