The Huntsman of Red V2

Chapter 66 What It Means to be a Hero: 5

The skies rumbled at his ascent, a tumultuous mix of warp phenomena and magic combined.

To bend rules between time and distance, causality itself, was a miracle born from the sheer magic energy stored within a Command Spell. In a world bereft of magic, the initial magic used to create the seals harnessed vast mounts of the world's energy.

In turn, the compulsion to obey a single order was absolute.

The marking engraved upon the back of Ruby's hand flared red before gradually fading.

Space twisted and distorted, producing reverberations that echoed throughout the horizon. Lightning struck from up high, long bands of light pouring down and stretching into winding branches that nettled out into tiny forks and bends.

"...What is this?" Cinder let out an anxious breath.

Standing atop the Grimm Dragon from the Grimmlands, the second of its kind to invade Vale, Cinder shielded her eyes from the fierce gales.

"What have you done?" Cinder hissed, glaring at Ruby with magic laced eyes. The symbol of the Maiden erupted from within her, setting her pupils ablaze.

Thunder echoed, and from the void, his form appeared under Cinder's growing horror.

"I am the Bone of my Sword."

A shiver travelled down Cinder's spine, spreading out into her limbs and making her knees go weak.

I-It couldn't be. Not him. Impossible.

A mantle billowed in the wind as an unmistakable figure superimposed over Ruby from her back.

The colour red, both a reflection of the cloak Ruby wore, and the primary garments of a legendary figure of Remnant.

"The Huntsman of Red." Cinder swallowed audibly, hurriedly urging her mount to create distance.

With great leather wings flapping to create strong gusts, the Grimm Dragon ascended to the clouds, bringing with it its army of Grimm.

The direction Cinder was heading was directly towards Vale. A wise choice if anything, considering she lacked the confidence to face off against Shirou. Then who else could?

Even Ruby could read what was on Cinder's mind.

Cinder hoped to regroup with Salem and the others attacking central Vale amid the Vytal festival rather than engage in direct combat on her own.

Fueled by a growing desperation, the Maiden's magic Cinder possessed naturally channeled the assistance of the elements around her. Her preferred element, fire drastically propelled Cinder and the Dragon forward.

The image of a burning comet was produced, flames wafting off of the Dragon's wings and highlighting an effect that emphasized the Dragon's fangs and claws.

The Grimm followed behind the burning comet while Ruby stared up at Shirou with mixed feelings.

Relief and regret, relief that he was here, and regret that she'd given up another mark of the bond she shared with him.

"Shirou," Ruby said before she trailed off. Yet, even without words, the meaning was always properly conveyed.

Uncaring for Cinder's retreat, Shirou offered his hand to Ruby.

"By your will, Master," he spoke with a heavy solemnity.

Ruby took Shirou's hand, and he hoisted her up over his shoulders. "Let's save Vale."

"Mhm," Ruby hummed with determination. Shifting to better secure her position, she shifted Cresent Rose into its high impact sniper rifle form. "Bullets ready, do you have enough swords?"