Warning.

There may be some gore in this chapter... and pretty much the whole story. Depending on how you look at it.

Now to the chapter.

Hunters tend to look at me like I'm some kind of criminal.

Like all the good I've done just doesn't matter, Hunters only see the bandits I've killed. Too many of my friends have died protecting the kingdoms, sent to die like dogs for people that will never be thankful. Spoiled rich snobs that have never worked a day in their lives, and Atlas' has only sent us as hired dogs to work for the companies that supplied their military with fancy toys.

What about us? What about the thousands of men and women who serve under General Ironwood?

We were sent to die like dogs for corporations, and Hunters look at me like I'm some murderer. What really set me off was when Atlas painted a friend of mine as some traitor... truth is he was innocent as a newborn.

I learned the truth that day. That Atlas is filled to the brim with liars and aristocrats. They've turned my friend into some kind of traitor in the eyes of the media. I was there when that oh so special specialist cut him down when they raided his house, right in front of his family too. The only reason he even resisted was because he wanted to clear his name, but in hindsight him becoming a vigilante wasn't helping.

So I left the specialists of the Atleasian military for a life in the wilds, where people really need help. Drifting around from village to village and eventually finding my way south to Vytal. Until one fateful day while I was drowning my sorrows in a local watering hole when I heard the alarm bells meaning one thing... Grimm.

Soon enough the village I was at was overrun, the Hunter there was barely out of combat school. Somewhere in his mind he did the most honourable thing he could think of... oh sorry I meant dishonourable. The kid ran... leaving those people to death.

So I did what I could, though the Grimm were still too many. I almost gave up myself when I ran out shotgun shells, though what I've learned in my travels is that in the darkest of times light can still find a way to pierce the darkness.

The Rangers came running when they received word that the village was under attack. While the kingdoms always get there when it's too late, the Rangers got there in time. Patrols moving around killing anything hostile, Rangers stationed at outposts close by to anywhere, they're always ready to rush to a town in need.

When have the Hunters... or the kingdoms ever done that?

That's what motivated me to join their order. They're not degenerates committing murder... they're men and women who fight for people who actually show gratitude for being saved.

Sure I moved around a lot but it reminds me of something my friend used to say 'our home is where we are. Our place of origin is not relevant, only where we choose to go together.'

Ash 'Ratchet' Ryker, Ranger sergeant of the Lancer Legion, four years ago.

-X-

Deep in the wilds.

Smoke and ash.

That's all I could smell apart from the foul stench of seared flesh, left to burn in the houses now reduced to burning husks of rubble, after being torched by those that authored the horrid sight before me. With the only thing keeping the fire from raging out of control was the heavy downpour from the night's sky. Countless people were lying in the mud with varying wounds showing how they most like likely left this world. Far too many then I'd want to count right now considering I have more pressing matters to worry about now.

Each body beared wounds similar to the last for anyone not holding a weapon in their hands. Slain without mercy. Regardless, those that still carried weapons still weren't given a kind fate as some of the corpses slain in combat had wounds obtained from blades that seemed too dull to even cut paper.

'Guess I should be happy I wore my good coat tonight.' I thought to myself as I felt the water slide down my back over the black leather of my coat. Examining one of the bodies with my gloved hand, brushing my fingers over the flayed skin of the man lying face down in the mud. His shirt torn so the things that tortured him can have unhindered access to his back. Skinning pieces of it off, and most likely doing it when he was still alive based on the way his flesh was cut. Though from the amount of blood that pooled around his body didn't show that he bled out, most likely his heart gave out from the shock of loosing so much skin.

'These people didn't deserve this... none of this.' I bitterly thought, feeling sorrow of how this happened... again. Families slaughtered, innocents deformed, and an entire town in ruins.

This town wasn't even that far away from Vale compared to other settlements, yet it fell, to one of the things that plagued the wilderness outside the walls of the kingdoms. The amount of brutality that was unleashed on the town's population was something that is from neither human nor faunus. As well as having no love for them either. Even the most brutal of the cells in the White Fang weren't this 'devoted' to their causes to do this. Meaning that this was done by something even more cruel.

That much was obvious.

Considering every body left behind in the mud, lifeless and bloody, crossed out beasts from the list. Only sentient creatures would commit torture for only one source... entertainment. Which crossed out the vast majority of things found in the Ranger's bestiary.

Just by looking at the bodies from where I'm kneeling, it's easy to tell the ones bearing no weapons were made to suffer. Like a mouse being played with by a cat before becoming its next meal, and there was only one thing that enjoyed doing that out of everything else.

A creature that I knew all too well, a Post-Conjunction creature that never tried any kind of diplomacy when they first showed up... if what Tizane told me was actually true. Monsters in the forms of grotesque and deformed men. Brought into creation from ways that remain a mystery even to the Brotherhood I fight for, and bred for a single purpose... war.

Creatures that people in the kingdoms tricked themselves into believing them as little more than fairytales. All because of the sheer lack of any of them being seen close to the kingdoms. When in reality they've dwelled very deep within the wilds, with any attacks they've done left few survivors, while capturing the rest as slaves or hostages.

A bigger question I should ask myself is why there are so many bodies lying on the ground if it's the latter? Why not keep them as slaves or hostages?

Sadly the thing that interrupted my pondering was the blade that quickly found its way against my throat, only being a small slice away from letting loose all the blood from my body. If it was something else then my throat would already be open, so that meant it was something that wasn't as hostile as them.

Though, the stench of alcohol that filled my nose was strong enough to outweigh the smoke and ash that pollutes the air. One of the woes of being a wolf faunus... you smell everything.

'This is what happens when I stay in my own head.' I berated myself as I reflexively tilted my head back from the blade, having it only stay lined up against my neck. Though, looking downward onto the blade I could tell it was no normal sword once I saw the cogs where a normal cross guard should be. Along with the rings that adorned the hand of its holder.

The putrid smell of alcohol, the sword, and those rings... 'of all the Huntsmen in the world of Remnant he's the one that's here.' I may not be very fond of Hunters but I still would've taken anyone but the drunk that was standing behind me... and is he growling? ...guess he ain't happy to see me... that makes two of us.

"Long time no see, Qrow." I bitterly stated out which only received a growl in response while pushing his bla- scythe furthing against my neck, and probably drawing blood. I'd probably do the same considering the circumstances.

"How do you know my name?" He questioned me with a growl being present within his deep, raspy voice. Though I could tell there was a slight shakiness to it, most likely from looking at the bodies that lay in a different state of deformed. "What happened here?" He followed up as I raised my hand upwards to pull back the black hood covering my mop of black hair, revealing my face to the bird that stood with his blade against my neck as well as exposing the other set of ears to the world as well... they always get sore when they're under my hood for so long.

As soon as my hood dropped to my shoulders I'm not sure how I felt when I saw the look of realization grow upon his face when I turned to him, my grey eyes glaring into his crimson orbs of... whatever he feels now a days.

A few moments pass by and the look of realization upon his face soon morphed into suspicion at the question of me being here, though I doubt he was gonna ask me that above from the other questions within his mind. Like the obvious one of what happened here... I may have not have been here when the town was sacked but I've got a pretty good idea of what did happen, unlike the crow.

Plus it may have to do with the fact he still somewhat knows me... or atleast he used to. That time ended after he hurt her. "Someone's a long way from home." I stated to him in return which only got me a look of annoyance from him. True, there were occasionally times when he would venture out of the kingdoms for whatever purpose he does, though I hardly remember the last time we've met face to face, or if he even travels anymore.

"I'm here on business, Pitch." He replied before looking behind me to the lifeless bodies on the ground, "or... I was."

The only response I could give to him was a sigh before I started walking to the tree line around the town, "com'on, My camp's about a mile from here." I quietly stated to the bird. Best not concern the dead with our nonsense, though the lack of footsteps behind me told me he hesitated.

"What about them?" He questioned as my brief walk to the trees paused. "Can't just leave them here."

"There's already militiamen on the way... not like the two of us can bury a full towns worth of bodies." I replied to him as I began my walk again while still not hearing any footsteps behind me, "before the smell of decay draws a pack of Necrophages." I stated which actually gained some results, as now I could hear light footsteps following me.

"What happened here?" The crow mumbled to himself as we entered the forest, heading for my camp.

'A lot more than you know, drunkard.' I thought to myself as I knew something was coming. Something that didn't feel good, or peaceful. I just had to hope that heroes could rise up to stand against it.

-X-

Beacon, dorm rooftops, no one's point of view.

A lone boy sat alone upon the edge of the rooftop. Nothing special was seen among the area, apart from a small backpack laying beside an old sleeping bag.

If one would look to the distance around the rooftop they'd see the outlines of other buildings that were used by the academy, dimly lit by the silver glow of the shattered moon above. Though the clouds that were approaching from over the mountains seemed to bring a chance of it not being as clear as before. Even the humidity within the air made it feel like something was coming, meaning the boy at the She of the roof needed to find somewhere new to sleep soon... or sleep in the rain.

'How did I end up like this?'

The boy thought that question to himself many times within the last month, a large handful just in the current week. And it was only Wednesday. He only wanted to come to the prestigious academy so he can help people whenever their time of need arose. Yet the supposed 'heroes' of the school only left him in the dirt, while the other students of the school only saw him as what he truly was... a liar, a fake, and a cheat.

Forging his own transcripts was what allowed him to enter this school, the only way to realize his own dream was to come to this school and learn to become a Huntsman. To become a hero, just like his ancestors. As a child he grew up hearing stories about his great-grandfather, his grandfather, even of the exploits of his own sisters. It was just not meant to be for the boy's father to train him like the rest of his family. Though, they weren't proud of him when they heard about how he entered Beacon.

As soon as they heard about his transcripts his parents took the first bullhead to the school to personally take back the family heirloom he unrightfully took from his home. Even taking back the armour he brought with him here as well, leaving him with only the few clothes and belongings he brought with him to Beacon.

Now without even a weapon to call his own, no armour to defend himself with... and no team to stand behind him, he was only a sitting duck for torment from his fellow students and upperclassmen. Sure the teachers put a stop to anyone beating on him in the hallways, though that was only where they caught the student red handed and he could tell the teachers didn't even want to help him just by the look in their eyes. They just popped up at random, bullies found the boy when he least expected it. In the library, the gym, the halls, no matter where, they'd just find him and pepper him with insults or beat him down.

Remember when it was mentioned he had no team to stand behind him? Yeah, when they found out about the boy's transcripts, they didn't exactly stick by him. His teammates were even the first to leave him behind, along with another team from his year, didn't even take them a day to hang him out to dry. Almost as if they were looking for an excuse to leave him.

The first of his team was a pair that, from what the boy could tell, spent a large amount of their lives together before they came to Beacon. He could still see the rage in the man's eyes as well as the betrayal in the girl's. Though, he knew that if they were his friends... they wouldn't have left him.

The second to leave him behind was his scarlet haired partner. The champion that somehow looked at him in an odd way, he just never figured out in what way that was, ever since the first day on initiation. And their partnership started when she pinned him to a tree. When the secret came out and the two friends from his team stormed off she assured him she'd stay with him. It only took her a few days to leave... guess the champion wasn't as person of her word.

He could still recall when his 'friends' from the other team first found out about his transcripts.

The leader of the other team had to stop her older sister from knocking his teeth in, though he knew she only did that because she knew the teachers would hold her responsible for the actions of her sister. So she walked away without even looking into the boy's eyes, as she only saw his actions as a betrayal, to both her and every one of his 'friends'.

Her white haired partner followed up by casting him an icy glare and spewing out a few quick, but hurtful, insults just like the ones she kept saying to him since day one. Followed by turning around and following her leader to whatever destination they were leaving to. No matter how much he searched within his mind he could never remember the reason why he fell for the one and only Ice Queen, once after one of his attempts to get a date with the heiress she dragged him to the headmaster's office then demanded that his partner be put in charge in his stead. Though, the old man refused and told her to leave the decisions on matters concerning teams to him, while bringing up her childish attempts to usurp her own leader's position at the start of the year... and from what the boy heard from that argument was true the heiress tried to do the same to him when her attempts failed.

The next to follow the leader was the black haired girl that always wore a bow upon her head, though if someone would have gazed at the bow long enough they'd see that very bow twitch. The term 'friend' seemed to be very... loose when it came to that black haired beauty, considering she never even talked to the boy. Before she even found out about the boy's transcripts she just merely neglected his existence whenever she never had to interact with him. Only doing so because she saw him as a weak individual and thusly not worth her time. Whenever she saw him on the ground after a fight or didn't stand up for himself she just glared at him for that very reason. He had to endure the disapproving glares and hurtful insults from her ever since she found out regardless of the fact that she hardly even knew him, and can anyone say that she shared her secrets with her team?

Then came the blonde brawler of the team. The one that pulled him up by the connecting straps of his breastplate and held him over her head, keep in mind that happened before the boy's parents arrived. The girl that used him as some source of entertainment even before she learned of the transcripts by using him as the butt end of her jokes. Teasing him when he failed to serenade the white haired partner of her sister. Then going so far as to actively challenge him during combat class just so she can pummel him. It was hard to believe that she, someone who tormented the boy so much, would eventually become a protector of Remnant.

Though he himself began to see himself as insignificant, even before the nature of his transcripts came to light. Being tormented by others only for being weaker, seen as a joke by a team that he thought he was on good terms with. As well as not being worth the time of his friends, he knew they wouldn't have said that to his face... but he could tell they thought that about him.

Just who is the boy that keeps receiving this torment from those he once trusted? The one left behind by his family and teammates? Being treated as an outcast by his fellow students on a daily basis? All with trying to keep his sanity in check, alongside trying, and failing, to keep his dream intact.

His name is Jaune Arc.

He knew on the day the school bully first found out about his transcripts it would start a long path that he'd need to walk alone. Though now... he was truly alone. He had nothing now, no friends, no family, and next to nothing to his name. All he had left was his solitude, and the only thing he could do with it was to look out from the edge of the roof.

Weirdly enough whenever his gaze turned downwards to the earth down below he somehow felt an urge to just let go. He just wanted to step off the ledge, so he can be free from all the hardships that he had to shoulder for the past two damn months.

All of that torment was what caused him to slowly lean forward, inch by inch, closer to the edge that he sat upon. The things that kept him from leaping off were gone now; friends and family to live for, a dream to give him a reason to get up in the morning, no image of self worth. All those things were gone now, like rain over the mountains.

"Mr. Arc... You should know that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel when it come to problems such as this." The stern and authoritative voice of the teacher the Arc came to know the least of all stated to him before he can actually let go. As the Arc turned to set his gaze behind himself he was met with the piercing emerald eyes of the Headmaster's assistant, professor Goodwitch. Who surprisingly had her riding crop unholstered from her side. If the current situation was within combat then I'd be understandable, though now on the roof was what confused the Arc.

Until he turned his gaze back over the edge of the rooftop, and his mind finally made sense of why she had it out.

"I-I, Uh," The boy tried to speak out before the teacher held up her hand not wanting to receive any excuses from him.

"Jaune, originally I was here to retrieve you for an assignment that professor Ozpin has for you." The disciplinarian began as she was sending a glare to the boy causing him to flinch under the teacher's hard gaze. Though it quickly softened considering the circumstance she was facing. "Is there anything you want to talk about, Jaune?" She asked, though the look of hesitation upon the boy's face showed her how much the Arc wanted to talk about his problems. True the Witch wanted to have the boy expelled from the academy when she first learned about how he entered the school. Though... she mostly changed her mind about it after seeing just how badly the students treated him... or just what the other student truly were under their facades.

Every student in this academy has trained their entire lives to attend this school and realize their dream to become a warrior. Sacrificing their childhoods to master the art of combat. Though as their skills in combat grew... so did their egos. Many of them felt their positions in the academy were deserved, but they felt Jaune never earned it.

Even when Jaune trained within the gym they only saw that as a sign to beat him down harder, when the boy attempted to fight them off they'd only increase their efforts to break him. Every bully in the school tried their hardest to keep Jaune under themselves for the assortment of reasons they used to fuel their quests.

Though, many of the students aren't exactly deserving of their positions themselves.

Cardin Winchester for example.

Ever since he came here he's constantly tormented other students, mostly ones who were faunus to be more specific, solely because of the fact they were somehow weaker than him. She should've known from the start that when Cardin found about the boy's transcripts, holding it over his head for blackmail, that it wouldn't lead to any sort of good ending for the dilemma.

Though other students have been seeking out loop holes to have the Arc expelled, just like Cardin as well as his 'friends', and this situation that the professor found him in would seal his fate in the academy. If anyone had seen Jaune on that ledge they'd only have to bring it to the headmaster for him to have the boy take a psyche exam to determine if he was mentally stable enough to stay in the academy.

"What did Ozpin want me for?" The Arc asked the teachers while trying to avoid the problem before himself, though he knew the disiplinarian would bring this up again.

"He needed to speak to you about an assignment which team RWBY, your team, and yourself will be sent on." She answered the boy as she quickly gained a neutral expression upon her face. "Though now I'm questioning whether you would be up to the task or not due to the circumstances."

"I-I'm fine, professor." The blonde 'knight' quickly stuttered out as a response to the teachers statement though the boy himself didn't even know if that was an answer or a question for himself. While the glare of emerald suspicion he received was hard against his own resolve, he tried, and surprisingly succeeded, in keeping a stern mask to hide his true emotions from the teacher.

Currently the teacher side of the witch was debating with herself whether to take his word or not. Though, she'd leave it for Ozpin to decide... for now she had to escort the Arc to the headmaster's office.

Now she had to prepare herself for the confrontation that will eventually take place, once he gets to the office.

-X-

Many kilometres east of Vale, first person P.O.V.

Murkpoint. A settlement to the Far East of Vale, over on the other side of the mountain range protecting the kingdom. A town home to hardly two hundred people. Though they still get their fair share of trouble. Which is why Rangers are a common, and welcomed, sight within the town, due to the fact that the Crimson Legion has been shipping out supplies or training the towns Milita in order to ward off Grimm, bandits, and any other... things. Funny thing is the local Huntsman doesn't like Rangers... in general.

Though, to be fair we don't exactly like Hunters either.

Most of the time when a Ranger is called in it's when there's a beast prowling around or a pack of orcs gets too rowdy in the area. Local militia are able to handle Grimm, though Rangers are still trained to handle anything that comes our way while walking the wilds, while Hunters only know how to fight Grimm. Giving the militias aid in whatever problems they got... plus the fact we never charge is a common factor of people welcoming us in their town. Which leads to today, the local commander of a militia and as well as a retired Ranger called one of the Captains at home to send someone to look into the deaths of some villagers.

"Hey Onyx!" A voice called out to me. "How bad do you think the situation is?" My partner asked me through the sound of the heavy downpour. Both of us were riding beside each other on horseback, moving just under a gallop as my partner's walnut coloured eyes gazed over to me. "There's lots of things that can be responsible for killing people." He stated to me.

"The commander'll fill us in when we get there, Harper." I stated to the man now known as Harper, while my crimson eyes briefly turned to gaze at him through my hood before returning to the path ahead, keeping an eye out for any Grimm that could spring out of the tree line. Though I could tell the both of us were ready for anything willing to go against us, if Harper keeping his right hand on the .44 holstered on his belt was any indication for that.

"How far till we get to Murkpoint?" Harper questioned as he obviously wanted to be somewhere dry soon due to the bark coloured poncho wrapped around his neck and trailing down his back resembling a cape being soaked through. The only thing still keeping him somewhat warm was the brown leather duster, with a pair of leather bracers strapped to the lower arms, held closed by the belt he wore, around his waist holding his .44. I know for a fact that it can change into something else but I've never seen him in a situation that it's needed in. But on his back his lever action rifle was attacked to his back because of the magnetic plate under his duster. Though, the blue Jeans he wore were obviously soaked through just like the poncho, and behind him his coyote tail was resting on the back of his horse's saddle. "We usually don't get this much rain out in Vacuo." He complained to me thinking he'll change the situation with just a few words.

"Okay first off." I began while giving him my crimson gaze once more, "We've got a few kilometres before we get there." A replied as I held up my hand, shifting my black cloak to the side in order for him to see me holding up a finger. "Second, this is Vale. Which means there's far more rain than the desert. So if you don't like it here then go back to Vacuo." I stated again while holding up a second finger. "Or wear something better suited for the rain next time we go out on a hunt."

True I may have been wearing a cloak but I was still unhappy about the rain, I just wasn't gonna complain to my friend and let him know he's right. Though unlike Harper I was clad in my coat which only went down to my waist, with my wolf tail coming out under it, kept closed in the same fashion as Harper with two belts. One around my waist holding my handcannon, and a few pouches holding bombs and other supplies. My handcannon, like Harper's .44, was able to shift into something else... though that was for when I need it. The other belt was keeping my sword strapped on my back, along with a single strap backpack keeping a change of clothes, more ammo, and oils for the different categories of beasts that roam the wilds.

The only parts of my outfit that beared armour was the pauldron on my left shoulder and the leather armour covering my torso, both coloured black. As well as a pair of shin guards being strapped to my shins was the only protection I needed there.

The only thing either of us had to hope for was that the rain would let up soon. Or for Harper, it was that the spare clothes he kept in his saddle bags are still dry.

Me? ...I just rode quietly through the heavy rain which was actually common in this part of Vytal. Usually when either of us come out here it's just for traveling, not many of the more dangerous creatures are seen out here. But you never know what can happen, Grimm can attack the village or... something... else can band together to sack it.

Don't get me wrong, I'm okay with any of the peaceful sentient creatures that inhabit the world. Godlings, Doblers, The higher vampires that I've met around Remnant ...even succubi, I'm fine with whatever is out there... just not the hostile things. Ever since they first set foot in this world there's been a bumpy road with any of those races, though there's always something that tried to kill the innocent. Just like Helgen.

Though that's the past... and now is the present. Harper and I have a job to do, be it man, Grimm, monster... even demon, we'll kill it, skin it, and bring it back to whoever sent us to kill it.

"What do you even think caused all the carnage, Onyx?" Harper asked me as he turned his head over to me, The rain pelting the cowboy hat over his short black hair and what was under it, while the water flowed off it. His hand raising up to his face in order to vainly wipe the water away, going over the light stubble on his chin as well.

"Fiend. Werewolf. Grimm. Who knows?" I replied back to the coyote as my horse started becoming restless, at first It confused me until Harper's mount began to mirror mine. "...We might not be alone here." I stated while I drew my sword from my back. The blade shining in the moonlight almost to the point that it created its own glow, and the blade as wide as my hand if I put my hand onto it parallel with the blade.

Starring into the bushes on both sides of the path I could make out several pairs of crimson jewels, each of them watching both Harper and I. "I count seven on my side... you?" Harper asked me as he drew his .44 from his belt, though he stayed on his horse while I dismounted.

"Six." I replied to the coyote, though from the way these Grimm were growling at us I could tell they were beowolves... "where's the alpha?" I asked to Harper.

"Can't tell." He stated back as he cocked back the hammer of his revolver. "How do you wanna do this?"

"Get to Murkpoint. ...Tell them I'm preoccupied." I replied to him though I could tell he wasn't up for leaving me here. Part of me was happy that my partner wasn't keen on leaving me behind. Although the rest of me knew I could take the pack.

"You sure?" Harper sternly asked to me while keeping an eye on both sides of the path just like me.

(Insert ost 'Hunt or be Hunted', if you want to feel free to do a metal cover.)

"Relax, I've fought worse... remember?" I've asked him. "Take Singer with you, I can't look after him when they're all coming at me."

"Just get to town in one piece." He sternly replied to me as he moved his mount up to my horse and reaching down over to grasp the reigns, while still on his. Though before he could ride off one of the beowolves sprung from the tall bushes, onto the path leading to Murkpoint. The moonlight being either absorbed by the monsters black fur or reflected off the bone mask or spikes sprouting from its body.

Taking aim with his revolver at the lone wolf that was dashing at him and firing at the Grimm's knee forcing it to stumble to the ground with a high pitched yelp. As the beowolf's head looked up towards the cowboy he moved his thumb over the hammer of his .44 once more that day.

Though before the wolf could raise itself to its full height Harper raised his other hand and flicked his wrist to smack the reigns causing the horse to begin in a full sprint, along with Singer. Both horses barreling towards the downed and crippled wolf.

Soon after the mounts began their sprints they quickly approached the Beowulf and before the creature could react the horses trampled it.

Unfortunately the horses hadn't killed it, though when Harper was escaping three of the pack started after him leaving me with the rest. Great.

'Okay so... eight beowolves and a cripple versus one Ranger. This outta be fun.' I thought to myself as Harper and the horses were quickly receding from eyesight along with the Grimm behind him.

Quickly reaching to my left leg to grasp one of the three throwing knives strapped to it and raising the hand close to my head. Sharply whistling towards the crippled Grimm to get its crimson gaze, though it received a knife between its eyes penetrating its mask for its attention.

"And then there were eight." I stated out loud as three more of the beowolves creeped forth from the bushes from each side of the path. 'Are they trying to come at me in waves?' I mentally asked myself as each of the demonic wolves glared at me through their crimson eyes.

Bending by elbows and turning my sword towards the first of the beowolves that charged at me believing it will have an easy kill. 'Cocky little beast.' I mentally stated right before the closest Beowulf raised its clawed hand upward to diagonally swipe at my chest, though it was quickly evaded by stepping and leaning to my right. Using the momentum from stepping to my right to spin on my heel and slide my blade along its lower torso earning a yelp for a response.

Sadly for myself it was merely enough to stun it, if the blackened beast attempting to swipe at me again was any indication of it. Evading backwards to avoid a second set of claws coming at me soon after and unsheathing the second throwing knife from my leg. Taking the chance to finish one of wolves off I flipped the singular knife in my hand to hold it by the blade and let it loose into the air to find a new home in the first Beowulf's throat.

Though as I heard the bushes behind me rustling I dashed to my left while bending down into a role, as the claws of a fourth Beowulf missed me by a hair.

"Heh, almost caught me there." I state to the darkened creature as I reach to one of the pouches on the back of my waist producing a small bomb the size of a grapefruit. I could only hope it wasn't soaked.

Growing a smirk on my face when the beowolves still on the path starred at me in confusion, I simply pressed my thumb against a button on the side of the bomb and hucked it into the bushes that I could still see the crimson eyes of more of those demonic wolves. Growing pleased with the fact the bomb detonated sending shrapnel into the three wolves still in that bush. Though I was both surprised and confused by seeing both an electric discharge and frost forming on the leaves of the bushes. Sadly the explosive only killed one of the wolves.

"What did Rico put in my bombs?" I questioned out loud to no one in particular, though each of the wolves tilting their heads was indication enough that they were confused. "Wasn't talking to you."

'I guess I could say this was a little warm up to whatever I'm going to be doing at Murkpoint.' I thought to myself as another Beowulf stalked out from the bushes, with more armour attached to itself on the more vital areas, 'now the alpha comes out to fight.' I internally told myself as I readied myself for the fight ahead.

-X-

Guess who's back?

So it's been a little bit since I first posted this story, disregarding the Bio chapter that I mistakingly posted then deleted. This story is pretty much something that has elements from other different franchises, The Witcher, LOTR, Game of Thrones, and For Honour to name a few. But because of the comment that 'srosnan99' posted I can say I learned something, so thanks and sorry.

Though now to questions.

To 'Dragon Lord Syed 101' That's stuff you gotta read to find out. In the future chapters of the story you'll find out how each Legion will operate and what else is within the world of Remnant in this story. Though I see Ruby being a Huntress because of her mindset of happy ever afters, then have that mindset set on fire if she ever sees the grim reality in the deep wilds... and we all know from what species of fucked up evil.

To 'Distur6edGuy', thankyou. But I didn't tell that I put Elder Scrolls stuff in there until I reread the Legion fortresses, I'm pretty sure that's a place in Skyrim... right?

To the first guest reader that didn't sign in to comment, thanks for the comment. To the second guest reader... maybe.

To 'Shashenka', thankyou, to your first question... you'll have to read to find out. But to the second, oh ho there's gonna be a lot of differences. But the pairings you asked for... since there were only two named maidens I could probably have one of the maidens be Triss or Ciri. But I'm not sure.

The Witcher's, I'll be going into detail about them in later chapters.

To 'Donnie Darko', glad you like the story... just keep it in your pants. I wasn't saying Jaune will be a stand in for Geralt, I said be 'like' the white wolf everyone loves. But I can see the confusion, though how he joins the Ranger's brotherhood is something I've already got an idea of doing, you just gotta wait till that chapter comes.

To 'VV', I know the premise is overplayed, but it's something I like doing/reading. I really like the angsty Jaune fics, so you can see where I'm coming. Also when his 'friends find out about the transcripts is before Blake's past or Yang's dirty deeds.

To that other guest reader... you know what the Witcher is, right? There's no monster girls in it... unless you count succubi.

Then the next guest reader, technically that's what all Rangers are... wanderers.

To 'meeyaaargh3412', 'March2Dis' and 'CRAZYD1AMOND', thanks for the praise.

Now it's time to start the next chapter of the fic and continue writing the next chapter to 'Arc of the Guardians', wish me luck.