Honour and grimm: Rwby grimm fanfic

Calming waves

Everyone returned to Beacon with increased confidence and bolstered egos. The death of Wolf at the hands of Erebus held more significance than anyone had anticipated. It had been decades since humanity had dealt such a significant blow to the Grimm, and the fact that it came from Erebus was equally surprising. Yet, with the fall of one of the most legendary Grimm on Remnant, both humanity and the Faunus found themselves in an advantageous position.

Erebus stood just outside the amphitheatre as the students were assigned to teams. He had several reasons for choosing to remain outside; although he had proven himself and demonstrated his loyalties, his presence might have provoked negative emotions. Nevertheless, the grimm knight listened intently to the announcement of Ruby and Yang's placement.

He wasn't surprised to see that Ruby and Yang were placed on the same team, that was when Ruby was named team leader of team RWBY...

Erebus was filled with pride, confident that Ruby would undoubtedly emerge as a commendable leader. She needed only straightforward guidance and advice, as well as a check on her penchant for showing off. Although content with Ruby's progress, Erebus couldn't ignore the undercurrent of negativity from Weiss. The grim knight mentally bookmarked to inquire about this with the Heiress later.

With the teams assembled and prospects shining, Erebus observed Ozma exiting the amphitheatre, a cup of coffee and his signature cane in hand. The ageless figure approached Erebus, a faint smile gracing his features as he gazed up at the grimm knight.

Ozpin: I see you haven't shown yourself to the students?

Erebus: it would be best for me to stay hidden, many people still think I'm a threat and a danger.

Ozpin: I think today has proven the opposite Erebus, thank to you there were no deaths, you were willing to Sacrifice yourself for the students, for that I thank you.

Erebus: You needn't say sorry Ozma, it was my pleasure to defend those students, besides, I promised Summer I'd protect Ruby and Yang, I wasn't about to fail.

Ozpin: That's comforting to know Erebus, I'm...sorry...that I didn't trust you from the start...

Erebus placed a hand upon Ozpin's shoulder and chuckled.

Erebus: You had every right not to trust me Ozma, but you gave me a chance that I'm forever grateful for, without you and Summer, I would have probably been hunted down and killed.

Ozpin offered a smile before gesturing for Erebus to follow him. The ancient immortal might have preferred to continue their conversation then and there, but with the multitude of students present, it was not the wisest decision.

Withdrawing to his office, Ozpin and Erebus entered the expansive space and settled in. This was a place where they could converse openly and without inhibition. The grimm knight gazed out of the vast windows encircling Ozpin's office and let out a soft sigh...

Erebus: I couldn't save him.

Ozpin: You speak of Wolf I presume?

Erebus: He was like a brother to me Ozma, he helped train me into the person you see before you, I owe him my whole life, yet he is dead because I couldn't convince him that staying with Salem would only lead to his death.

Erebus knelt and closed his eyes briefly, his golden gaze returning as he calmed from the battle with Wolf. Yet, their significance remained enigmatic; the aged grimm knight could not fathom their potential. Perhaps they required an external catalyst, but for now, it seemed inconsequential.

Erebus: For all the power at my fingertips, I wasn't powerful enough to save an old friend and mentor.

Ozpin's expression grew stern for a moment; such stories of self-doubt and second-guessing were all too familiar to him. It was a common juncture for warriors to arrive at a point in their lives where they perceived themselves as weak.

Ozpin: You cannot blame yourself for everything Erebus, you tried to save Wolf, yet he forced your hand, you did what you thought was right.

Erebus remained silent for a moment; although it was true that Ozpin had a way with words, it did little to put him at ease...

Erebus: I'm sorry to tell you but it'll take a little more than mere words to make me feel better Ozma, but thank you anyways.

Ozpin stayed silent for a moment before Erebus spoke up yet again.

Erebus: In the depths of the forest, I feared losing myself. But as I rose to confront the battle, anger and hatred consumed me. My only focus was defeating the Wolf, even at the risk of my own life's second chance.

Erebus's hands tightened quickly as grimm dust seeped through his fingers in mangled agony.

Erebus: I thought I would turn into a mindless beast, maybe even hurt one of the students, I let my emotions get the better of me, it worked in our favour now, but what of next time? who would be in my sights should I fall into my rage again?

Erebus turned around to Ozpin with a hardened glare.

Erebus: that's why we need to think of ways to take me down, even kill me if it gets to that point.

Ozpin spat out his coffee and locked eyes with Erebus; the request was unexpected and downright unacceptable. Erebus was the only one who could defeat Salem's Grimm. Humanity and the Faunus couldn't afford to lose him, no matter the cost.

Ozpin: You know I cannot-

Erebus: Ozma...we cannot take chances! If I fall back under Salem's control somehow, I fear the end of the world, can you afford that? to fight me when I'm 10x or 100x times stronger?, you saw what I was capable of in the Emerald forest, what happens when I grow stronger?

Erebus walked over to Ozpin's desk and sat down upon his knees, now eyelevel with the old wizard.

Erebus: You know Salem has ways of making people serve her, she twists them and corrupts them, I WON'T be her puppet again, but it never hurts to make sure there is some failsafe in case I should fall.

Ozpin reflected on Erebus's words, it was true, if the grimm knight fell, there would be few who could even hold up to him, let alone stop him, Ozpin however couldn't do what Erebus was asking...

Ozpin: I still cannot agree to this Erebus, I have faith you won't fall, please have that same faith in yourself.

Erebus grunted in an annoyed tone, that wasn't the answer he was looking for, yet he couldn't fault Ozpin, the old immortal was the only person who knew Salem personally and over time, Erebus saw a kindred spirit within Ozma, reluctantly, Erebus arose to his feet for the last time...

Erebus: I hope your right Ozma...

With that Erebus left the office, leaving just Ozpin and his thoughts...

____________________

In the heart of the dark lands, Salem observed the unfolding events of the Initiation. The revelation that Wolf had been not just defeated, but slain, filled her with both fury and bewilderment. Erebus had, against all odds, become powerful enough to vanquish her finest warrior.

That complicated things...

Artemis: Wolf has been defeated my queen, what is our next objective?

For the first time in centuries, Salem found herself uncertain on how to proceed. She had believed Erebus would be defeated and captured alongside Ruby, but the reality was starkly different. Erebus had not only gained a second wind but had also developed a new ability, as if someone was aiding him. This piqued the Grimm queen's curiosity.

Salem: There's no need to rush into battle just yet, Artemis. Let Ozma and his fools believe they have the upper hand. Cinder will undoubtedly locate the Fall Maiden, and then everything will proceed in our favour.

Artemis: I have faith we will defeat them my queen.

Salem smiled for a second, oh yes, they would win, not even Erebus could face down what she had in store, yet the grimm queen did have a plan B...although it was dangerous...even for her...

They would be her plan B...