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COMMENTS:
Imdisturbed[fanfiction]:
This will be my rebound story after reading Not this time, Fate.
Avip:
That's high praise!
----Chapter Cover----
[Professor Luna]
The hike back is uneventful at first, the crunch of leaves under our feet and the distant hoot of an owl the only sounds breaking the silence. The students follow close behind, their earlier chatter replaced by determined silence. The moon casts a silvery glow, guiding our path through the dense forest.
"The fuck is that?" Mutters Russel pointing at the dirt road that leads to the village.
I focus on the direction and I spot it. A hulking shadow lumbering towards the village.
"Grimm." I say to the rest of the group. "A really big one."
My body tenses, muscles coiling like a spring ready to release. It's bigger than anything the students faced during the initiation.
I turn to the students, my voice a low growl.
"CRDL, head back. Warn the others."
Cardin steps forward, his eyes wide but determined.
"But, Professor, you'll need help-."
"Go," I bark, cutting him off. "This isn't a debate, Cardin. Get the others."
Cardin nods, a newfound resolve in his eyes. He turns to his team, issuing quick orders, and they dash back towards the village, their forms disappearing into the night.
I can't see the monster as clouds block the moon, casting the towering Grimm in patchy shadows. A shiver runs down my spine, but I clench my jaw, drawing my sword and shield. Aura surges through my legs, muscles pulsing with power. I launch forward, a missile aimed at the beast.
As I close in I finally spot red eyes burning in a big reptilian head.
"Thats it." I whisper ready to strike.
I leap, sword alight with Aura. The blade shears through the creature's neck, head tumbling to the ground with a dull thud.
The moon finally emerges from the clouds, casting silver light upon the Grimm.
"No..." I mutter my jaw dropped.
The beast isn't decapitated, at least fully as it's multi-headed. The severed neck writhes, as a new head sprouting from the stump like a grotesque flower.
"This can't get any worse."
Seven grimm heads focus on me, opening their mouths hurling acid in my direction.
"Crap baskests." I say rising my shield.
Acid splatters against it, sizzling like bacon on a skillet. The stench of melting metal stings my nostrils. I grunt, pouring more Aura into the shield, desperate to keep it from disintegrating.
"Come on!" I shout, urging it to hold.
I grit my teeth, Aura flaring, desperate to hold out. Acid splashes onto my arm. Pain sears through me, a burning, melting agony.
"You're a real pain in the ass."
I glance at the Hydra, its heads weaving, jaws snapping. There are too many to take on at once, especially with half my dominant arm melted away, but I must get the students ready.
[Weiss Schnee]
I round the corner, Ruby by my side, as a distant roar echoes through the night.
"SKRRAAUGH!"
But before I can even question what that sound was Cardin and his team burst into view, panting, faces flushed from their mad dash. Cardin bends over, hands on knees, gulping air.
"Professor... Luna..." he gasps out, chest heaving. "Grimm... at the village entrance..."
My heart pounds, but I keep my voice steady.
"What kind of Grimm?"
Cardin shakes his head, still breathing hard.
"Big… never seen anything like it."
Ruby's eyes widen, but her voice is firm.
"Weiss, take CRDL, help Professor Luna. I'll rally the others."
I nod, no time for debate. I turn to Cardin, his team already recovering, ready for another sprint.
"Show the way," I order.
Cardin grits his teeth, pushes off his knees, and we're running, pounding down the dirt path, leaving Ruby behind.
The village entrance looms ahead, eerily silent. Then, a roar gets our attention again, a chilling, multi-layered sound that sends a shiver down my spine.
"SKRRAAUGH!"
"What in the world..." I mutter, drawing my weapon. "Is it more than one?"
I stare at the Grimm, the hydra rears back, seven heads swaying, acid bursting from their maws, focused in a single point. It's a nightmare, a writhing mass of black scales and teeth, unlike any Grimm I've ever seen.
Cardin and his team open fire, a hail of bullets and bolts peppering the creature.
"GYAAAAH!" It roars, a cacophony of fury, and the acid stream cuts off.
I seek the opportunity. I dash forward, Glyphs forming under my feet, propelling me faster. I skid to a stop, Myrtenaster's blade kissing the dirt. A wall of ice shoots up, a shimmering barrier between us and the hydra.
The acid sizzles, eating away at the ice barrier. I grit my teeth, pouring more aura into my Glyphs, reinforcing the wall. But it's not enough. Cracks spiderweb across the surface, and a chunk tumbles down, hissing as acid devours it.
"Good work, Weiss." says a low, masculine voice, coming from behind me.
I risk a glance over my shoulder. Professor Luna stands there, armor corroded and gray, like he is wearing that old rusted armor set from his first days at Beacon.
Acid drips from his form, sizzling as it hits the ground. He's breathing hard, but his eyes... they're fierce.
[Image]
He limps closer, leaning heavily on his sword like a cane.
"I tried cutting the heads off," he pants, "but they keep growing back."
My mind races, sifting through everything I know about Grimm.
'Regeneration… how do we stop it? ' I start thinking, trying to remember something from my books and Port classes.
And then it clicks.
I turn back to the barrier, now barely holding together.
"We need fire," I call out, voice steady despite the chaos. "To cauterize the wounds. Prevent regeneration."
The professor nods, understanding.
"You bring the fire," he grunts, turning to CRDL. "Cardin, Russel, Dove, Sky cover me from distance, your aura still low."
"But you are limping." I protest. "You are hurt."
"If I still have Aura I can do this." Says the professor, starting to glow white.
Through the holes and cracks in your armor I see his wounds healing.
"A healing semblance?" I ask in awe.
"We can talk about it later." Says the professor rushing against the creature breaking the ice wall.
CREAK!
"SKRRAAUGH!"
"Eyes on me you stupid lizard!" Shouts the professor's shield bashing one of its heads.
I prefer to mix Water and Wind dust to create ice, but to use fire I need to change the Myrtenaster capsules.
And professor Luna may not have the time as two heads hiss with the sound of frying liquid.
"Hisssss..."
I reach into my pocket, fingers brushing against cool metal. I yank out two red Dust vials, the crimson crystals shimmering even in the low light. I eject the Water and Wind capsules from Myrtenaster, the spent cartridges clattering to the ground. I slam the Fire Dust into place, the chamber clicking shut just as more acid splatters against the remaining ice barrier.
But before I can act, a barrage of shots hits Hydra from a different angle than CRDL, making the Hydra swallow the acid.
BOOM! BOOM! RATATA!
Nora and Yang charge, each aiming for a different head. Nora's hammer swings, connecting with an explosive strike. Yang's gauntlet cracks against another head, the force of her blow sending it reeling.
The hydra thrashes, a writhing mass of fury and confusion. Professor Luna seizes the moment, barking orders.
"Pyrrha, Jaune, Ren, Blake engage and distract it! Ruby, with me we'll cut the heads! Weiss, you're on fire duty! Nora and Yang…" He says turning to the blonde bruiser and ginger hammerer. "Smash it!"
"BEST TEACHER!" Shouts Yang and Nora with a wide grin.
Jaune and Pyrrha form up, shields locked together, a wall of steel between us and the hydra. Ren and Blake flank them, weapons ready, eyes scanning for any sign of attack. Nora and Yang dance around the creature, a whirlwind of chaos, their strikes landing with heavy explosions.
The hydra rears back, all seven heads swaying, trying to track the fast-moving duo. Acid bubbles at their mouths, ready to spew. I raise Myrtenaster, Fire Dust at the ready.
Professor Luna charges with Ruby behind. He darts in, sword a blur, slicing through one head as ruby gets another one.
SLASH!-WHOOSH!
Before the heads hit the ground I trigger the Dust in my rapier, a pillar of fire roaring to life, engulfing the stumps where the hydra's heads once were. The creature shrieks, a blood-curdling sound that echoes through the night.
"SKRRAAUGH!"
But the fire does its job, cauterizing the wounds, preventing regeneration.
The hydra thrashes, its remaining heads whipping around, acid spraying wildly. I dance back, avoiding the deadly spray, but the creature's flailing forms smash into Jaune and Pyrrha's shields, sending them skidding back.
"You guys are doing well, keep up the formation!" Professor Luna barks, as he rushes, sword a blur. He hacks at another head, severing it cleanly.
SLASH!
I summon another pillar of fire, once again ensuring that the head doesn't return.
"Three down, four to go," shouts the professor, reading his sword. "Keep up this pace, and I will talk to Ozpin, make him give you Friday off."
We were all committed to defeating the Grimm, but the promise of a long weekend lit a flame of excitement in all of us.
The battle continued at a similar pace, but more intense. Quickly, more heads fell, as I summoned more pillars of fire, ensuring the Grimm wouldn't regenerate.
With a final attack ruby takes the final head.
WHOOSH!
And I burn to keep it from healing.
The hydra lies defeated, as it starts to disintegrate. Professor Luna calls out, his voice steady despite the corrosion eating away at his armor.
"Gather 'round, everyone."
We approach, a semi-circle forming around him. His eyes sweep over us, pride shining in his gaze.
"You all did exceptionally well today." Says the professor.
"Yeah, some of us more than others." Yang snickers at Cardin and his team.
Blake silences her with a sharp jab to the ribs. Yang winces, rubbing her side, but the grin doesn't fade. Professor Luna ignores the exchange, his focus unwavering.
"I mean it," he says. "A hydra... that's not an easy Grimm to take down. We had the advantage of numbers, sure, but you used it well. You worked together, adapted to its abilities. That's something to be proud of."
He gestures to his corroded armor, a grim smile playing on his lips.
"Normally, fighting a hydra ends with someone looking worse than I do now."
Nora tilts her head, eyes scanning the rusted plates.
"Yeah, it looks like that armor you wore on our first day."
"It reminds me of something..." Blake nods, her voice thoughtful. "Like the armor from the Rusted Knight."
Professor Luna's eyes widen, a cough catching in his throat. He splutters, lips moving soundlessly.
"I-uh…huh," he stammers, catching himself. "N-no one's ever told me t-that before. Imagine me, looking like the Rusted Knight."
Blake tilts her head, eyes narrowing as she scrutinizes Professor Luna's corroded armor.
"Actually," she murmurs, "I didn't mean you look like the Rusted Knight, Professor. Just your armor."
The professor sighs with relief, but Ruby chimes in, her voice thoughtful.
"But now that you mention it," My leader starts as the professor's eyes widen again. "Some of the art from the book does look like you, Professor… at least the original ones made by the author."
Professor Luna coughs, a sharp, abrupt sound.
"Alright, that's enough chatter," he says, voice firm. "You all need to get some rest. Head back to the communal wood storage, sleep. We'll debrief in the morning."
Yang crosses her arms, brow furrowing.
"What about you, Professor? You took the brunt of that thing's acid. You need rest too."
Professor Luna waves a dismissive hand, a small smile playing on his lips.
"I can keep going," he says. "Besides, I want to make sure you're all topped up on aura before I turn in."
He jerks his chin towards the village entrance. We turn, steps slow, bodies weary. The village entrance looms ahead, and as we approach, a sea of faces greets us. Villagers, young and old, line the path, eyes wide with a mix of awe and fear.
Our group falters, steps slowing. All expect Nora that take a step further and wave enthusiastically.
"Hi there everyone!" Nora chirps, voice sweet.
From the group someone comes forward, the little girl from earlier, the one Ruby gave cookies to. Her voice rings out, high and clear.
"You saved us!"
Around her, the villagers erupt into cheers, their claps echoing through the night. They're weak, hungry, but the smiles on their faces... they're genuine, relieved. It warms something deep within me, and I can't help but smile back, pride swelling in my chest.
Beside me, Professor Luna steps forward, raising a hand for silence. The cheers die down, the villagers' eyes turning to him, hope shining in their gazes.
"These heroes need their rest," he says, voice firm yet gentle. "I'll keep watch. You all can sleep easy tonight."
A murmur of gratitude ripples through the crowd, and as we turn to leave, I catch sight of the little girl. She's beaming, her eyes shining with unshed tears. She waves, her small hand fluttering, and I wave back, my heart swelling.
Ruby falls into step beside me as we make our way back to the communal wood storage. Her voice is soft, thoughtful.
"You know," She starts all happy. "Now that the village's spirit is lifted, this place won't be a Grimm hotspot anymore."
"You're right" I reply with a hopeful smile. "And maybe these people can get back to their normal lives."
"Yep." She states nodding. "And we can continue camping with all our friends."
"Yippee" I add sarcastically, already feeling a back pain from sleeping on the floor.
[Professor Luna]
"After the Hydra we just had to deal with a few Beowolves on the next two days." I state between coffee sips. "We stayed in the village for a few more days, but we haven't had any more confrontations or signs of Grimms in the area."
I rest the mug on the large table while professor Ozpin on the other side ponders with his eyes closed for a few seconds.
"I imagine you and your teams either caught all the Grimm or the village was so overjoyed that they ended up repelling the ones in the vicinity." Says Ozpin, as a he takes a sip from his own mug.
"You mean like an anti-grimm 'Beacon'." I say waggling my browns.
"Realy?" Says the immortal wizard staring at me. "Thats a awful pun, mister Arc."
"Don't call me that," I say, gaze dropping to the steam rising from my mug.
"Why not?" Ozpin asks, arching a brow.
"When I first arrived, I thought... maybe there was a way back." I say, voice steady despite the turmoil inside. "Especially with you alive in this timeline."
"I see." Ozpin nods, understanding flickering in his eyes. "But still, time travel is beyond my reach, John. Even with the Relics aid."
"Figured as much." I lean back, accepting the reality I've been dodging. "I'm getting used to it here. Might be time to... put down roots, or at least think about it."
"You have my support, in whatever you need." Ozpin's words are sincere, his gaze firm.
"Is it good to have around someone like me?" I ask with a smirk tugging at my lips as. "Someone who knows the Shadow War is just a spat between lovers?"
"PFFFT!" Ozpin splutters, coffee spraying across the table. He glares at me are deeply annoyed.
"Sorry." I say not feeling sorry at all, as I try to not fall into laughter, shoulders shaking.
"That's an over-simplification, mister Luna." Ozpin wipes his mouth, still scowling. "And not one I appreciate."
"Yeah, yeah." I wave a hand, still chuckling. "But it's not wrong."
"No, it's not." Ozpin sighs, leaning back in his chair.
An uncomfortable silence settles between us, and after a few seconds, I decide to break it.
"Did you think about what I told you when I arrived here on the first day?" I ask in a serious tone.
"I did, Mister Luna," Ozpin says, avoiding my eyes.
"And?" I insist, raising my voice.
"You are right, but it's not easy for me," the immortal wizard admits.
"You owe them the truth, at least Qrow and Glynda," I add, raising my voice.
Ozpin sighs wearily, but nods in agreement.
"During the extended weekend you gave your students," Ozpin says wearily. "I will reveal everything to my most trusted allies."
--------------------------------------------------------------
E ai gurizada?
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[#] Just a quick, important heads-up regarding where you can find my work moving forward.
Where to go from here:
From now on, everything is consolidated over on Patreon
Link: patreon.com/cw/avipray
I appreciate everyone who backs my work, and I appreciate your patience while I getting used to Patreon.
How will it work?
The stories will be organized in the collections section. Subscribers will be able to access the PDF that will be attached to the post.
Is there anything on that Patreon?
Yes! This month's posts and some pokemon smut.
Anthrostate VS Isekai Hero:
Ch. 31 - Her way
Dick the Builder:
Ch. 10 - Barbie Girl
Multiverse-Crafter:
Ch. 60 - Redemption Arc
Rusted Professor:
Ch. 20 - Reverse Kabedon
Who's that Pokemon on my "D":
Ch. 01 - HMOFA phenomenon
Ch. 02 - Bunny Bounce Nerd
Ch. 03 - Muscle Dommy Mommy
Ch. 04 - Disaster Claims Her Rescuer
Ch. 05 - Thicc and High
Ch. 06- PUNK VS METAL
Ch. 07 - Good Girl
[#] You can reach me on X/twitter, @AvipBr