The Knights of Grimm - Act 5 - The Oncoming Shadow

Chapter 35 - An Old Man's Dream

Ruby

She stormed through the castle, her eyes focused on her objective.

Where are you Kragen?

What did you do?

As she walked with fists clenched, she could hear Qrow catching up with her behind. She slowed as he jogged towards her. "Ruby, wait!" He called out. She didn't stop, but she slowed her storm to let him walk beside her. She turned and looked at him. "What happened? What did Umbra say to you?"

"That someone used the Relic." She answered immediately.

"W-Whoa what?" Qrow stammered.

"I don't know, but that was the last thing he asked me. He just stopped me as I was about to walk away and asked me what we made with the Relic of Creation. I don't have a clue of what he's talking about... maybe he's messing with me... but... Kragen has pulled stunts like this in the past." Ruby explained as she followed the halls.

She wasn't wrong to think like this.

Kragen Nox has always been one to play fast and loose with strategy, doing things completely unconventional to gain the upper hand. It was what made him so effective against Vir Nominis Umbra, Demons and this whole conflict in its entirety.

"Okay... let's ask him then." Qrow agreed, patting her back and clenching his other hand into a tight fist.

"That wasn't all that Umbra said to me..." she said in a shaky voice.

"Okay?"

"He... well... wanted the same thing as the last times. Tried to persuade me to give up the Relics without a fight, and I refused. I think he knew I would... but now he's promised me that come midnight, when we see that campfire on the hill go out?" She stopped by one of the windows, which was in clear view of that campfire in the distance. Qrow stared at it with his daughter beside her. "... he's going to unleash the full force of the Oncoming Shadow on us."

"By the gods..." He stammered.

"We won't stand a chance..." Ruby stammered.

"Then we need to get those Relics out of here as fast as we can. Need their power contained and get them to the Embered Grove." Qrow reassured, placing his hand on her shoulder. Ruby looked up at him with genuine fear in her eye. But he smiled at her. She could tell he was just as scared as she was.

But she pushed her fears aside and kept walking towards Kragen's Office, and she slammed the door open, walking inside with purpose. Kragen jolted when he heard the bang, turning to see Ruby stood there. "What did you do?" She questioned, storming across the room towards one of her old mentors.

"Miss Rose? What are you talking abo-"

"Don't bullshit me, Kragen. Umbra asked me what we created with the Relic and I know damn well that you are the only person who would do something like that, and you have had access to it for the past few years. What did you create?" Ruby questioned.

Kragen raised his head, and he exhaled. "I can't tell you that."

Both Ruby's and Qrow's eyes widened at that one.

"You're fucking kidding me, right?" Qrow scoffed.

"After everything, you're still holding things back from me? EVEN NOW?" she yelled with anger. "You didn't even consider the possibility that Umbra really couldn't see where the Relics were through that spell protecting from outside forces? You just did it anyway?" Ruby questioned.

"That's where you are incorrect... you should know me well enough by now that I never make an action without considering the consequences." Kragen replied, standing firm.