"Hi, you've reached Zoey. I'm not available at the moment...or I've lost my phone again, meh. If you're a scammer, get a real job, you worthless scum. If you're someone who actually needs me, leave a message after the beep and I'll get back to you." BEEP. I sighed as I heard that same sound for the 26th time.
"Hey blondie, it's me again. I'll keep this short, call me as soon as you get this. Bye." I hang up, I had been trying to get ahold of her for the past three weeks. I know she can take care of herself, but I still worry about her, no one’s heard from her since she stormed out of her house.
I put on grey shorts, black shirt and white running shoes, and go on my morning run/search for blondie. I was a pretty slim girl but not weak, just not that imposing compared to other people. I could go for quite a while before I get winded, but that's where my physical strength ended. Noticing a red strand of hair in my face, I put it in a short ponytail and press on.
After a little while, I came across an area that looked like an explosion happened. A while back, sure how long ago, an unexplainable incident happened here. Apparently this was the epicenter of an unnatural earthquake, I say unnatural because only this house was affected by it. Shortly after the bizarre earthquake started, something that resembled a E.M.P came from this house. This caused a country wide power outage, and caused a number of problems. After that, the house literally imploded into itself, then vanished into nothingness. After that, a burst of energy exploded from the same place the house imploded into, causing strange problems to pop up left and right. Apparently someone by the name of “Michael” was occupying the house at the time. And after all that was done, six little kids appeared in the crater, but were taken before the authorities could find out about them. How would I know about this? Well…
“Hey Katana! Any word from Zoey?” I hear a familiar voice ask. Looking to my left, I see the source. She had light amber skin, and her hair was a mix of red and brilliant yellow. She was wearing a purple shirt with a picture of a red and yellow shimmering sun on it. She was also wearing an orange long skirt with purple and pale yellow stripes on it. She also had on black shoes with purple trimming.
“Hey Sunset. No, not a single word from her. I really hope she’s ok.” I moan. Sunset puts a hand on my shoulder.
“I’m sure she’s fine.” She says, a little too casually for my liking.
“Then why hasn’t she tried contacting us!” I snapped at her. She backed up in surprise, her eyes now wide.
“Sorry.” She quietly apologized. I sighed at that.
“No, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have snapped at you like that. It's just, people have been disappearing left and right, and nobody has seen them since. We’ve checked the place she was last seen, but came up with nothing. And she wouldn’t exactly go down quietly, if anything, she’d probably use her phone as a weapon. Actually…now that I think about it, that’s probably what happened.” I groaned, Zoey wasn’t one to actually think before she did something, unless it required her to.
"I don't have to do shit, you basic beta-bitch! You can take your excuses and shove them up your-!" Some women yelled, bringing our attention back to the crater. Suddenly we heard a little girl talking.
"Zoey, you have every right to be upset, I am too. But he was-." She says before cutting out.
"Did you hear that?" I asked Sunset. "Or am I going crazy."
"No. I definitely heard that." She says with a frown.
"You think it could be our Zoey?" I asked, with more hope then I should use.
"Well, basic beta-bitch is definitely something she'd say, but the voice is off." She says with a shrug.
"…I'm gonna check it out." I say before running down the crater. Sunset doesn't follow me, it wasn't a secret that she's given up any chance of finding Zoey. After all, if her psychopathic dad and sociopathic mom couldn't find her, what chance did we have? I get that line of thinking, it was completely logical, but I just couldn't accept it.
Reaching the bottom, I look around, only to find nothing except what I saw the first day I met Sunset. Just then, a light glare hit my eyes, bringing my attention to a metal object embedded into the ground.
“Hey! What’s going on? Did you find something?” I heard Sunset ask/yell.
“I think, hang on a sec!” I yelled back at her, then proceeded to walk towards it. Getting closer, I see that it resembles a rose. In fact, it looks like the pin Ruby used for her cape. The poor guy that used to live her must’ve been a fan of RWBY. While I look the pin over, I hear a weird sound, like when you cover a running vacuum cleaner's hose with your hand. I absentmindedly pick it up, after clearing away the debris, at least I tried too. The dang thing wouldn't budge, grabbing it with both hands, I pull with all my might (while making sure that my legs were doing the lifting, don't wanna throw out my back).
"Come on...you..stupid!" I grunted in a strained voice. After almost a minute or two of pulling, the pin finally came out. I cheered in satisfaction before looking at the area it was previously in. Pocketing the pin, I take a closer look at the area the pin was in.
"Is that hole getting…bigger?" I asked myself. Sure enough, the hole WAS getting bigger, and starting to glow in rainbow light. Most people (who have common sense and basic survival instincts) would get AWAY from the abnormal rainbow glowing vacuum (especially considering what happened here), but unfortunately for me, my group of friends and I lack those things. So of course, I stick my finger right in it, as Sunset walked up to me.
“Hey, what are…?” She starts to ask before looking at the hole. She then grabbed me by the arm, and pretty much dragged me away from the hole (ok, so I guess she’s the exception in our group). “Were you dropped on your head when you were a foal!?” She (rudely) screamed at me. “In what world does that seem like a good idea, especially considering where we are!?!”
“One: it’s ‘baby’, not ‘foal’.” I corrected. Her eye twitched. “Two: rude.” I say with a huff. Her hands start to smoke…I should probably stop before she actually hurts me. “Three: I’m fine, see?” I tried to assure her by showing her my finger, but my hand and forearm was gone. Looking at the stump, I noticed it’s disintegrating into particles that are in the same colors as the hole.
“…Well considering how your not screaming in agony (in fact you didn’t even notice it), it’s safe to say it’s not lethal. Try to stay safe wherever you end up, I’ll try to see if I can bring you back. I’ll need some of your hair to use as a baseline for whatever spell I come up with.” She says, before ripping off a good chunk of my hair, without my consent. Before I could express my displeasure, the rest of me is disinterested, though somehow I could still see for a few seconds. Then everything goes black.
Author's Note
1095
1095
"Your majesties, the coronation will begin in 10 minutes, please make sure you're ready." I heard some old guy say as I started to wake up.
"We'll be ready in time, don't worry." I heard some girl say. "Can you get somepony to clean up all these rose petals on the floor?" She requested.
'Somepony? I haven't heard someone say it like that since Sunset stopped...' I think, as I open my eyes, only to find myself in a dark cramped room.
"My eyesight must be failing me in my age." The guy says. "Could you perhaps enlighten me on where those petals are? I only see a spotless floor." He requested. For a few moments, all I hear is the poor girl stammering. Another, much younger sounding girl, spoke up.
"I assure you, your eyesight is fine. But I can confirm that there were indeed rose petals littering the floor, there just…not here anymore." The younger girl says, trying to help the first girl out, but failing. It was kinda hard to listen to, to be honest.
"Is that so?" He asked in a tone adults would normally use when kids say something outlandish, and don't wanna be mean. "Well it's quite fortunate for the staff that those petals suddenly vanished without anyone noticing." I snorted at that. It wasn't because what he said was funny, it was the way he said it. I can't help but imagine the looks on those kids' faces right now.
"Did you two hear something?” The first girl asked, causing me to cover my mouth. Considering how they don’t seem to know I’m here, chances are, I’m not supposed to be here. I’d rather not find out what would happen if they found me here.
“I didn’t hear anything.” The old man answered. I quietly sigh in relief. “Now hurry along, you have a coronation to attend. I’ll catch up with you, I have something I need to take care of here.” He says to the two.
“Very well, we’ll see you there.” The first one says. I hear a door open, then close. I then hear footsteps approaching me, causing me to tense up.
“You can come out now, I won’t hurt you, unless you try to hurt me.” The guy said.
‘Well, since he already knows I’m here.’ I think with a frown. “Alright.” I say before holding my throat in shock. That certainly wasn’t my voice…I’ll worry about that later. Feeling around for any way to get out, I push open the door to what was apparently a cabinet.
"Well that's certainly a surprise, I never thought I'd see someone from your race in my current lifetime." The man says. The man himself was wearing a gray business suit, and black shoes. His hair was brown with gray patches here and there. His skin was pale white, and his eyes were green. I also noticed he had a weird looking cane with him, which he was holding with both hands, and was using it how anyone would normally use a cane.
The cane’s handle is embellished with a bizarre pattern, and there is a large knuckle guard that reaches down the bottom of the handle. The larger area at the bottom of the handle contains small gold-colored gears. The shaft of the cane has a gray-black coloration and looks square, instead of round like most other canes. Just then, what he said finally clicked.
“My race?” I asked in confusion, still a little put off by my voice.
“Oh yes, most wolf Faunus tend to stay with their own types, as do every other type of Faunus. I’m actually here as an ambassador for the humans, do to my ties with the newest rulers of the pony Faunuses. My job is to try to form a peace treaty with them.” He explained, much to my confusion.
“Then why are you here, talking to me? Wouldn’t it be better to go to the meeting?” I asked, only to receive a chuckle.
“While a treaty is all but guaranteed at this point, stopping an attempt for their lives certainly wouldn’t hurt my chances.” He said with a smile, making me go wide eyed.
“I wouldn’t do something like that!” I say quickly.
“If that’s the case, then would you care to explain the gun holstered on your lower back?” He asked with a raised eyebrow. I look behind me, and sure enough, there’s a gun there. I also noticed my clothes were different, but that’s not important right now. “And could you explain why you’re in a restricted area without those two knowing?” He asked me after a few moments. After stuttering for a few moments, I responded.
“W-well…if that was the case…why haven’t I done anything?” I asked, grasping at straws. He motioned for me to continue. “Well, they didn’t know I was here, so they wouldn’t be ready for a surprise attack. And I (apparently) have a gun, but I didn’t attack them when they were all alone.” I say, more than a little nervous.
“I suppose you have a point there. Nevertheless, the point still stands. You are here without permission, are carrying a firearm, and was until now, hiding in a cabinet in the same room as two members of royalty.” He lists off, causing me to feel a sinking feeling in my stomach. “Sorry, but I’m afraid I cannot ignore those facts, even if what you say is true.”
“What are you gonna do?” I asked cautiously.
“That depends on you Ms…” He trails off.
“Katana.” I say.
“Ms. Tana.” He says with a smile.
‘Did he just call me a shelf?’ I think to myself.
“What I do all depends on you. I see a lot of potential in those silver eyes of yours, maybe we can work on an arrangement, after the coronation of course.” He says with a smile. Not seeing any other nonviolent options, I agree. With that, we exit the room (with the man vouching for me to the guards). But while we walk, something else he said finally clicked.
‘Did he call me a wolf Faunus?’ I think in confusion.
“Oh, by the way, call me Ivan. Since I’ll be preoccupied with the coronation, I’ll be leaving you with a good friend of mine. His name is Starswirl, he’s a little grumpy when you first meet him, but he’s nice once you get to know him.” Ivan says with a chuckle. And with that, we continue in silence.
Ivan had left me with a pony Faunus named Starswirl, he has pony ears and human ears, though his hair concealed his human ears if you're not looking close enough. He was as pale as Ivan himself, but unlike Ivan, Starswirl was more scrawny looking. He was wearing a blue wizard hat and cape, both of which have various stars, crescent moons and bells. What caught my eyes were the bazar different and somewhat clashing colors (Red, dark orange, bright orange, yellow, green, dark blue, blue, pale blue, cyan, black, purple and white). I also noticed he had crystals and vials with the same colors. All that looked especially strange considering he was wearing a simple grey shirt and pants. Also with plain old dark grey shoes.
"I get loving many different colors, but isn't that over kill?" I decided to ask him, since we have a little time before the event starts. He rolled his eyes.
"Yes, yes, I'm aware of how ridiculous I look. But I assure you, it's well worth it. I'd rather be prepared for anything, then be caught off guard just because I wanted to look fashionable." He says with a smile.
"Prepared?" I asked in confusion. 'How's tacky clothes, along with colorful crystals and vials, gonna help anyone?' I think in confusion.
"Come now." He says with a mock huff. "I may be old, but I can still use Dust. And if that's not enough, I can always use my semblance. Gods, you kids are so quick to count those my age out." He says with a chuckle. Before I'm able to decide which part of that I wanted to ask about first, the princesses (as they were apparently called) made their presence known. But instead of Faunuses, two miniature horses came out. One was white (not simply pale, but full on white) with pink hair. The other was dark blue with semi light blue hair. They both had wings and a horn, and they both had shoes, a necklace and a crown. With the white one's being yellow, and the blue ones being black. There's more, but I'm too far away to fully make them out.
"What the-?" I started to ask before I was cut off.
"Shhh!" Starswirl sharply shushed me, before looking back at the miniature horses.
"Now announcing Princess Celestia and Princess Luna!" I heard someone (who's apparently got a great set of lungs, since I could actually hear him from so far away) yell, causing the crowd to quiet down. Then the white one steps forward.
"Faunus of Equestra, we humbly ask for your attention!" She yelled, causing me to flinch at the sudden volume.
'Dear God that's loud…' I think in shock.
"Many of you know me, but for those that don't, I am princess Celestia." The white one, who's apparently named Celestia, said.
"And I am princess Luna." Luna (apparently) says.
"I cannot begin to express our honor of having the privilege of being chosen as your leaders. We know it's been trial after trial for you all, what with the Grimm becoming more of a problem as time goes on." Celestia continued.
'Grimm? There are Grimm here!? Then why were they all alone in that room? And where are their weapons? Shouldn't they be armed in case of an attack?' I think in shock. After a few moments, I realized I had a hand on the gun. Feeling a hand on my shoulder, I look at it's owner, only to find Starswirl. For some reason, he has a knowing look.
"Do not be alarmed young one, I assure you, the Grimm won't make it within 10 feet of here." He says with a comforting smile, which turns into a grin. "And even if they do, I'm sure a fighter like you will have no trouble with the likes of them." For some reason, I grin as well.
"But-" Luna started, causing me to flinch again as I feel two things press against my head. "-you needn't worry. We shall do everything in our power to eliminate that threat once and for all! We will not stop until every Grimm has been wiped off the face of this planet."
"Of course, we cannot do this alone. For that dream to become reality, we must band together with other powers. So from today onwards, we will be forming an alliance with as many creatures as we can, starting with the humans." Celestia said. The audience was not as thrilled as those two were.
"You can't be serious!" Someone from the crowd yelled.
"The humans are one of, if not, THE most negative race out there." Someone else yelled.
"How is working with them gonna decrease the Grimm problem? Wouldn't they just make things worse!?" A third one asked.
"Calm yourselves. We do not want to attract the Grimm, now do we?" Celestia asked, causing everyone to quiet down. "Thank you. Now I could go on and on about how it would be beneficial to have them as allies, but I believe it would be much better to hear it from the mouth of a human. It is with the upmost pleasure, that we introduce Ivan, the ambassador of the human race." She finished. With that, the princesses stepped back, and Ivan stepped forward. He then took out a microphone, and did a mic check.
"Greetings Faunus of Equestra! I, am Ivan. Now I know the humans and ponies have not seen eye to eye since the fall of Zorgarth." Ivan started to say (in a much better volume). The Faunus in the crowd began to murmur, but allowed him to continue unhindered. "And while I will not make excuses for what course of acts the human king at the time decided to do concerning Zorgarth. After all, what he did was stupid.reckless.arrogant.idiotic.childish. And overall, an embarrassment that will forever stain the history of human kind." During that section of his speech, everyone in the crowd got slack jawed.
"Humans are known (by most anyway) to put their own race ahead of others. To hear a human speak so poorly of their own royalty, so openly, it's not something most nonhumans would ever conceive." Starswirl elaborated, probably noticing the confusion on my face. "I guess it makes sense for a wolf Faunus to not know about that, given your history with the humans."
'History?' I think in confusion. As much as I wanna ask, I'm pretty sure I'd look stupid for asking a pony about my (apparent) race's history. "Thanks for clearing that up." I say.
"It's no trouble at all." He says with a smile. We turned our attention back to Ivan, though I noticed the crowd giving him their full attention now.
"I will however, ask that we not let the actions of an old fool, control the course of our future. And while both sides may hate the other, surely both sides can agree that that very same hate would be better directed towards the Grimm. As you have said, humans produce a lot of negativity. But with that, we have had to deal with the Grimm much more frequently, and have had to advance much quicker because of that fact. I seem to recall ponies being just as negative as my race, to the point where the Wendigos appeared, and that's something not even my race have accomplished. And yet, through the friendship of three ponies, the Wendigos were banished from this land. So if something like that is possible, why wouldn't it be possible for our races to become allies? With my race’s technology, and you race's knack for Dust manufacturing, we could drive the Grimm back to the depths of Tartarus where they came from. I already have someone who I plan to enlist to help us in this endeavor. Of course I still have to talk to them about it, but if my eyes aren't fooling me, I have no doubt that they would be willing to help." He said before allowing us to digest what he said.
'...I have silver eyes. He's talking about me...' I think in shock.
"Honestly…" Starswirl groans in disapproval. "Did he really have to say that before clearing it with you? I know you're a warrior of light, but still."
"Took the words right out of my mouth…" I muttered in agitation, earning a chuckle from him.
"Let us cast aside the folly of the past, and become a beacon of hope for future generations to come!" He finishes with passion. While the crowd wasn't exactly going nuts, they did seem more open about the alliance, if only a bit sour about it. He stepped back, and the princesses stepped forward.
"That was a wonderful speech, Ivan." Princess Celestia stated in that booming voice again.
'Why couldn't he have been the end of the coronation?' I think, flinching at the volume.
"We will be having an announcement at the humans home land, and will be making a similar speech there. For now, enjoy the celebration, make it a moment you'll never forget!" Princess Luna said with a smile.
'Celebration? But I don't see any…' My thoughts trail off as I noticed the guards starting to usher the crowd through double doors (which I didn't notice until now), which lead to a much more festive looking room. 'Not gonna lie, it's kinda weird that they didn't host this in the room that the actual celebration would happen.
"Ah yes, I'm sure I know what you're thinking." Starswirl said, gaining my attention. "Ponies tend to become overwhelmingly emotional at the most smallest of things. So it's best to tell them something they aren't gonna be happy with, in an area where they can't grab anything to hurl at the one giving the news. This way is just easier on the staff, and those giving the news. And with how enclosed this area is, deploying sleeping gas would be much more effective then in an open area." He explained.
"Makes sense." I say with a shrug. When everyone else in the crowd left the room, the princesses and Ivan approached us.
An offer, and a wolf's hubris
“So you’re the wolf Faunus Ivan told us about, and one with silver eyes to boot.” Celestia says with a smile.
“I love wolves, why couldn’t the wolf Faunus have sided with us in that war...” Luna creepily sighs, though I’d never actually say that to a princess.
“That was flat out creepy, your highness.” Starswirl bluntly states.
'Ok seriously! Is his semblance mind reading or something!?’ I think in bewilderment, before something clicked. ‘That's right, semblances are actually a real thing. I’ll have to figure out mine, and if what those two said was correct, it has something to do with rose petals.’
“I’m more of a cat Faunus myself.” Celestia says.
“…Are you two seriously discussing which types of Faunus you like better?” Ivan asked in a put off tone.
"Never mind that, tell us about yourself." Celestia said while looking at me.
"Um…I'm Katana, I like to run…uh…I'm a decent writer (or at least I think so), aaannnd...I wanna be a game designer." I list off.
"It's nice to meet you, Katana." Celestia says with a small smile, which turned into a frown. "Though I have to ask. Why a game designer? I don't see how making a board game would help you in today's age. Sure you could live off it pretty well, but not as a warrior, what with all the expenses that come with it." I was about to ask what made her think I was a warrior, but then I remembered I had a gun on me, in plain sight nonetheless.
"As interesting as this conversation is, we should probably get to the reason we're still here. Namely, whether or not Katana is willing to help in our cause. Now before we get off track, no, I have no intention of making you handle the political side of things. I merely aim to have you bring awareness to our cause, and perhaps fight as well." Ivan says before leaning towards me and handing me a piece of paper.
This is not an ultimatum, should you choose not to join, you’ll be let go on the condition that you’re not found in a governmental restricted area again. I will tell no one of what had occurred, you will face no repercussions, and you will be allowed to roam around as any normal citizen would. But should you violate this condition, you will not be given another chance.
If you understand and fully accept this condition, please sign your name at the X:
X_____________________________
I go wide eyed at that. Back home I would have been shot or sent to jail. Just as I finished writing my full name, I hear Starswirl right beside me.
“What’s this?” He asked while looking at the paper. My heart stopped, I didn’t notice him there, and Ivan must’ve missed him too! “What is all that scribble scrabble? I know it’s meant to be some kinda contract, given the line on the bottom, but the only thing legible on this paper is Katana’s name.” He finished, causing me to race a brow, then look at the paper again.
After looking closely at it, I realize that what he wrote down was in plain English, what I wrote was in some weird language that I’ve never seen before, but knew what it read. In fact, I wrote more then I meant to.
Katana Catherine Jones of the Black Wolf Tribe
I’m not sure why, but the “Black Wolf Tribe” part filled me with immense pride, and a bit of heartache.
*Chuckle*
I jumped a little at the sudden sound. It sounded cocky, but with a little hollowness in it.
“Oh…so it is. Sorry about that Ms. Jones. I guess I should have checked it before handing it to you.” Ivan says with a small smile. “Though since it’s illegible, it’s not something to be concerned with.” He finished. I nod in confusion.
“Not gonna lie old friend. As far as first impressions go, you're not exactly painting a good image of an ambassador. While I doubt it’ll phase a wolf Faunus (given their history with humans), you should be more aware of something like this with other, non human friendly, races.” Starswirl tells Ivan, who in turn, chuckled.
“I suppose you’re right.” Ivan says with a shrug, then looked at me. “So how about it? Would you like to join our cause?”
“But why me? I haven’t done anything to give you the impression that I’d be a good candidate.” I asked.
“Your eyes?” He asked right back with a raised brow. I’m unable to argue that. “Besides, it’s not like I’m asking you to fight. All you’d really need to do is learn how to use your eyes, and spread the word of our cause. But if at any point you feel like actually fighting, I’d be a fool to not accept.”
I’m not sure how to answer.
*Katana, don’t react.* Someone suddenly said.
I made a confused face, but otherwise, made no reaction.
*Tell them you need some time to think this over. Once you’re alone, I’ll answer any questions you might have, and offer a suggestion.* I heard some unknown girl say. Seeing that I didn’t have a better idea, I decided to humor her.
“I need some time to think.” I say.
“I understand. Please, take the night to mull over my proposal. I eagerly await your answer. Feel free to enjoy the celebration at your leisure.” Ivan says with a small smile. And with that, everyone joined the party.
Several hours later
Trotting Inn - Katana’s current room
“Alright, I did what you wanted, you owe me an explanation.” I say to seemingly no one.
*Thank you, and yes, I’ll give you an explanation. Call me Katherine, that’s Katherine with a K by the way, not a C.* The voice said.
“Alright Katherine, care to tell me why you’re in my head?” I asked her.
*I latched onto you during your transition to this world.* She says.
“And how were you able to do that?” I asked her.
*Oh, I’m dead.* She bluntly said, catching me off guard. *Let’s just say I put faith into the wrong Faunus, and leave it at that for now. That’s actually the reason why you have wolf ears with everything else. By the way, there’s normally a mirror in these types of Inns. It’s better to come to terms with your changes sooner rather than later.* She finished. Wanting to finally see what had actually happened to me, I head to the bathroom, and cut on the light. Stepping inside, sure enough, I see a mirror. I stare into the mirror, only to have Ruby Rose stare right back, though she now has cute wolf ears.
"These look pretty cute..." I muttered with a smile.
*They're not cute, they're badass.* Katherine says with a huff. Rolling my eyes, I continue my observation. Like I had seen, I definitely saw Ruby's face, but I also saw some of my features too. The hair, while in Ruby's hairstyle, still had my red hair (natural, not dyed). And my face, while having Ruby's structure, had my tan skin. However, there were a couple oddities. For one, I had a beauty mark on the center of my cheek. Another was the tattoo of three five pointed stars on my neck.
*Stars are known for accompanying the night. They represent the fight against the darkness, like the Grimm for example. Some see stars as a symbol of truth and spirituality. They can also represent the divine relationship a mortal has with the Gods. Even now, mortals look to the stars for security and direction, completely captivated by their beauty. Three stars together symbolizes the growth in life, achievements or goals. Aim for the stars after all.* Katherine said with a passionate tone.
"Odd time for a lesson about stars." I muttered.
*Sorry about that. I just love stars.* she's says, and for some reason, I started to blush. *Huh, that's strange. I guess we're closer then even I thought.* She adds. Shaking my head, I continue what I was doing. I was wearing Ruby's cape, which was being held together by that metal rose pin. Under the cape, I was wearing a black short sleeve shirt and grey pants, along with grey shoes. I was also wearing a utility belt, with no reason not too, I decided to check them. Some contained dust crystals, some contained dust vials, some contained weird little balls. I also found what looked like a taser, and things that look like they belong in a first-aid kit. I also found red bullet cartridges with various symbols on each of them. And that brought me to my most important equipment. Reaching behind me, I grabbed the gun, though my hand grazes two objects. A quick look showed them to be two strange daggers.
*Piercing Night. Those daggers can become one, and either become a short sword, or a hand gun. I mean, it has a third feature, but I never managed to work out specific problems with it.* Katherine explained. With a nod, I put Piercing Night away, and take out the bigger gun. After a quick look over, it doesn't take me long to figure out it's Crimson Rose. Putting it away, since I doubt I could do much with it here, I address the voice.
"So…what's the suggestion you talked about earlier?" I asked.
*Simple. Join Ivan's cause. I'm not saying that because I believe that harmony can be achieved between the races. In fact, I give it about a year until it backfires, give or take a few days. I'm saying that because something about Ivan rubs me the wrong way, like he's hiding something from not just us, but from everyone. I've been around the block, and learned how to notice certain patterns, and double meaning phrases.* She says, causing me to raise a brow.
"Sure some of his decisions have been strange, but I wouldn't go that far." I say with doubt.
*Most of that was when I was alive.* She says nonchalantly, which is kinda off putting, considering what she’s talking about.
“Alright…” I say quietly.
*And look at it this way. Would you rather be someone who has barely any way of defending yourself against the Grimm, or anyone else, and have to hope that someone more experienced is willing to help you. Or do you want to learn how to be a proper huntress, and kick the ass of anyone who’d attack you. You’re gonna be hunted either way because of your eyes, the only real choice you have is either to work with Ivan, and figure out what he’s hiding, while getting stronger. Or go it alone, and trust me when I say, that path isn’t as awesome as normal people make it out to be. Sure it’s definitely awesome at the start, but eventually, it gets lonely. You’re not sure who to trust, and you become so cautious, that you're basically just an empty bitter shell of your former self.* She says.
"You sure like to make speeches…" I commented dryly.
*Well it's not like I can do much else, you know, considering the fact I lack my own body.* She retorted just as dryly. Shrugging, I go to bed, not seeing anything else we could talk about (you don't just ask how someone died, that's just insensitive. And while I could ask about her latching onto me, I just can't muster the energy to stay up any longer).
'I really hope Sunset finds a way to bring me back soon.' I think somberly, then I'm out like a light.
I regain consciousness at the sound of three-no-four people arguing.
"Oh! She's coming to, well this is gonna suck…" I heard Katherine moan. Opening my eyes, I'm greeted by two unknown people, and two familiar Gods. Looking around, I noticed we were in a white void. The Gods themselves are translucent humanoid beings with featureless faces. One was yellow (or gold depending on who you ask) tall and well built with deer antlers on his head. He, was the God of Light. The other is lean, purple, slender and has ram horns on his heads. He, was the God of Darkness, and the younger brother of the God of Light. Needless to say, suddenly appearing in a white void with them was (personally speaking) not a good sign.
The next person was the same race as Celestia and Luna, but much taller. Her coat was light goldish grey, her mane and tail were moderate amaranth, and her eyes were moderate arctic blue. On her back legs (I think it's called a flank? I don't really know much about whatever she is) were tattoos of a quill in a jar of ink.
And finally, the last person looked like an anthropomorphic black wolf. Not a Faunus, but an honest to God(s?) wolf. The wolf stood on its hind legs with ease, and it was wearing the same outfit I went to sleep in, minus the red cape and gun. It had the same tattoo and beauty mark I had gotten, in the same location to boot. It's eyes were also bluish grey. And it may have just been my imagination, but I swear that it looked to be rippling.
I just stand there, looking at everyone present, with them staring right back at me.
"Uh…hi." I squeaked, having felt the tension in the air(?), which dissipated aft I started talking. Feeling a bit more calm, I continued. "I'm Katana." I say with a bit more confidence.
"I am the God of Light." He said with a calm tone.
"I am the God of Darkness." He said with just as much calmness.
"Call me Faust." The one with wings said.
"I've already told you who I am." The wolf says with a grin. I go wide eyed when I hear Katherine's voice come from the wolf, which turned into a flinch when the tension rushes back, twice as potent as it was before. And while I'm thankful the it's not directed towards me, I was confused about why it was directed towards Katherine.
"Katherine!?" I asked in shock.
"The one and only." She says with a smirk.
"I have so many questions…" I stated in bewilderment. She looks at me.
"Fire away." She says nonchalantly.
"Well for starters, what did you mean when you said me coming to was gonna suck?" I asked, though for some reason, she flinched at that. "And why are they upset with you?" I asked, gesturing to the three angry people, only to watch her sweat drop.
"Good to see one of you can get the conversation back on track." The God of Darkness commented dryly.
"Fortunately, both of your questions have the same answer." The God of Light said. "Faust, if you would?" He asked the lady, who nods and lights up her horn. Suddenly a holographic like screen appeared at our side.
Recording
Everything with this: ( ) is commentary, everything without those things is the actual recordings.
We see Katherine in a black void, floating away from a weird bubble.
"DAMIT! That piece of crap! l trusted that bastard, I did everything he asked of me, and he pulls that bullshit!?" Katherine yelled in rage.
("Is this…?" I asked, letting my question trial off.
"Yep." Katherine says. "This was a few moments after I just died." She finished with a huff.)
Katherine turned towards the strange bubble.
"There's gotta be a way back." She muttered. "There's always something I can do to pull off the seemingly impossible, I don't see why now would be any different…"
("That's kinda arrogant sounding." I say to Katherine, who just smirks.
"Yes, but I assure you, that arrogance is well deserved. We wouldn't be talking if I didn't find a way back." She says with a chuckle. Though I noticed an irritated look on Faust.)
"I'm sorry to say, but I'm afraid this is where your story ends." Katherine jumps in shock as Faust suddenly appeared in a flash of light.
"Dear Gods! What the hell!? You trying to see if a dead person can have a heart attack!?" Katherine shouts at Faust while holding her chest.
("Can they?" I asked.
"It depends on the universe, but yes, in some realities, the dead can have heart attacks." The God of Darkness answered. "Don't think to much about that though, it's not something you need to worry about." He dismisses.)
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. I just intended to guide your soul to the afterlife, so you may rest." Faust says with a small frown.
"Huh? Isn't the one does that for my race supposed to be a wolf, not an Alicorn?" She questioned Faust.
('So THAT'S what she and the princesses are.' I think, relived I didn't have to ask one of them myself.)
"Normally yes, but something came up that requires his full attention. I assure you, had it not been for that, he would be the one guiding you." Faust says with a small smile.
"Well I don't mean to be rude, but I got some things to take care of back in the realm of the living. So if you could give me a hoof with that, I'd much appreciate it. Or at least tell me how to do it on my own, then I'd be out of your mane." Katherine requests with a shrug.
"I'm sorry." Faust says with a frown. "But I cannot do that. The balance of life and death is a crucial part of the natural order."
"Then explain Ivan and Salem, or the eradication of the first line of humanity." Katherine challenged.
"I don't really know what you're talking about. There's only ever been one line of humanity, and I don't know who these Ivan or Salem are." Faust says with a frown.
("For the record, I actually didn't know anything about what Katherine was talking about, and I still don't." Faust says with a huff.
"I do, as far as Salem goes at least, and the eradication of humanity does sound familiar. But on both accounts, I thought they were fictional events." I say, scratching my head, trying to wrap my head around all of this. "What's next? The four Maidens?" I question, only to see Katherine go wide eyed.
"You know about the existence of the four Maidens!?" She asked in shock.
"So they're real?" I asked, she nods.)
"So you won't help a sister out." Katherine grumbled.
"Unfortunately, no, I won't." Faust sighs.
"That's fine I guess." Katherine says with a shrug. "Hey can I ask you some questions?" She asked.
"Sure. This is only a proxy, so 'I' have time for some Q&A." Faust says with a smile.
(Proxy?" I asked.
"Well how else would beings like me be able to guide so many souls to their specific religion afterlives. Granted, it takes a certain amount of focus per proxy, but with enough guides, it's hardly an issue." Faust answered with a smile.)
"Am I right in assuming that there's an invisible force pulling me away from my world, and there's nothing in my power that I could do to overpower that pull?" Katherine asked. Faust nods. "As long as it isn't towards my world, could I shift my location?"
"As long as it's not towards the world of the living, I suppose so." Faust says.
"Would something, moving fast enough to produce a visible aftershock, slamming into me be enough to overpower that pull?" Katherine asked, Faust gave a confused look.
"I guess so, but something like that would most definitely obliterated your soul, or worse." Faust says with a raised brow.
"What are the chances of someone not being obliterated by it?" Katherine asked.
"Astronomically low." Faust says with a deadpan.
"But it's possible, right?" Katherine asked.
"I guess?" She asked with a confused look. "What's with this line of questioning?" She asked Katherine. "You're sounding pretty insane right now."
"Oh. Well to answer your question, it's because of this." Katherine says, before lunging to her left. Just then, before Faust could react, a beam of red light shot past her, and hit Katherine. And by the looks of it, it doesn't take Faust long to put two and two together.
"ARE YOU CRAZY!?" She yelled in shock.
"YEAH I'M CRAZY, WHAT MADE YOU THINK I WAS SANE!?" Katherine yelled right back. Before Faust could say anything else, Katherine preceded to dissolve into the beam of light, which was heading towards her world.
End of Recording
"After that, I woke up in the area those sisters were in (they weren't there of course) covered in rose petals, with me in control while you were still asleep. After realizing someone was coming, I searched for a place to hide, and hid in the cabinet you woke up in. And you know the rest from there." Katherine said, while examining her claws.
"You know, now that it's been laid out so bluntly, I've fully realized that you are in fact possessing me. I guess you've already told me that, but a part of me simply believed you were just a delusional voice in my head. Now I've completely realize that I'm being possessed by a psycho." I muttered in shock and realization.
"Ok, first of all, I wouldn't call myself a psycho." Katherine grumbled.
"Then what would you call someone who's willing to risk the almost absolute possibility of their soul being obliterated, just to get their way?" I asked her.
"Ambitious. Determined. Hardcore." She says with a grin.
"Don't forget humble." I say with a deadpan.
"That too." She says with a wink, pointing a finger gun at me. I just rolled my eyes, then turned my attention to the other three.
"So I take it that you're here for a specific reason." I say to them.
"That's correct." The God of Darkness says.
"Despite the implications of her actions, no one deserves to have their afterlife taken forever. Even Salem will be allowed to have an afterlife once she learns the importance of life and death." The God of Light says. "This is to make you aware of her current problems, since she is clearly unable to properly grasp the situation, and the fact that she seems to lack any self preservation instincts whatsoever." He finished. I raised a brow.
"Problems? As in multiple?" I asked in concern. He nods.
"Since it's your life force that's keeping her together, should you die (be it from natural or unnatural causes) before her soul is fixed and stable, she will dissolve into nothingness." The God of Light said, causing a chill to go down my spine.
"And should you both not be careful, you're soul will absorb her's. All of her memories and abilities will be yours, but she herself will fade away." The God of Darkness says.
"Why tell me that I could gain something from that?" I asked.
"While I'd rather she be around long enough to face a proper punishment for her actions, especially since it could have had a negative impact on someone other than herself. It would be poetic justice for the one she nearly got destroyed, and intended to use for her own ends, to turn around and make her pay for her hubris and lack of foresight (or care) about what could have happened to said individual." The God of Darkness says.
"Well then I'm in quite the bind, I mean, who wouldn't want to inherent my badassery?" Katherine asked with a dramatic sigh.
"Would it make the situation worse if I slapped her?" I asked the three, Katherine just snorted in amusement.
"Unfortunately yes, though while she's been making it very difficult to restrain myself, I too would rather she face a proper punishment." Faust groans. "Whatever coarse of action you take concerning only her, you will face no repercussions. After all, I gave her a warning, and she blatantly ignored it (and even bragged about it). Whatever you do with her, is completely up to you." She finished with a huff. Then turned to Katherine. "And Katherine?"
"Huh?" Katherine asked.
"You bring shame and embarrassment to that mark on your neck, you're clearly not matured enough to have it." She says with a disappointed frown. Katherine actually glares at Faust, I guess those stars have special meaning for her culture. "And if I was your tribe leader, or connected to your tribe in some way, I'd personally remove it myself." She stated.
"Excuse me? I passed the Maze Gauntlet!" Katherine seethes.
"Intelligence and physical prowess are not the same as maturity, which you clearly lack. That gauntlet has nothing to do with what I said." Faust explained.
"That sounds pretty smart for someone dumb enough to not realize the obvious trick I was pulling. Especially given how specific I was wording everything." Katherine snapped.
"Well excuse me for trying to be nice! You had just died and were clearly in a very emotionally unstable mindset, so I tried to be nice and ease your mind by answering a few questions! And instead of taking a moment to appreciate what I was doing, you instead used my kindness for your own end! And to top it off, you nearly dragged poor Katana down with you, you selfish brat!" Faust snapped right back.
"Ms. Faust-." I started to say, but decided not to when she gave me a withering glare. "Eeep!"
"Let her talk Faust." The God of Light says. Faust sighs.
"…Alright. What is it you wanted to say?" She asked with a forced smile.
"Well…while I understand your upset with Katherine, and especially upset about what could have happened to me (which I am genuinely grateful for), you can't let what she says get under your skin." I started.
"…I…suppose you're right." Faust says with a frown.
"And I understand you feel betrayed because she took advantage of your kindness, I would be too. But some people are just like that. But in doing so, she's now in a worse situation then she was before because of that, and now she has no control over what happens anymore." I say. I noticed that while Faust is looking at me, Katherine's eyes turn into pinpricks.
"That's true." Faust says while rubbing her chin.
"And for what it's worth, again, I am very grateful that you were so concerned about what could have happened to me." I say. "Thank you." I finished with a small smile, which she returned.
"You're quite welcome dear." She says back, missing the gagging gesture Katherine was doing.
"In any case." The God of Darkness started, gaining our attention. "That is all we wanted to discuss with you."
"Farewell." The God of Light said.
"Wait!" I quickly said before I could stop myself. They gave me a curious look. "I have a friend named Zoey Smith, well technically it's Reed Mamiko, but she goes by Zoey Smith now." I explained. "Do either of you know what happened to her?" I asked. With a wave of the God of Light's hand, another screen pops up, after a few minutes, all my questions are answered as I finished watching the recording. Needless to say, that took so much weight off my shoulders. She was still alive.
"If that is all, farewell." The God of Light said. And with that, everything goes dark.
Author's Note
Just to clarify something, yes, Katana has seen that vision of Ozpin's past. She's just too dense to make the connection between Ivan and Ozpin, despite them both having "The Long Memory", which is apparently the name of the cane.