Honour and grimm: Rwby grimm fanfic

The calm before the storm

Erebus was hastily scrolling through his contacts, swiftly locating Summer's name and calling her immediately. His body was seized by panic; Ruby had been captured by Artemis and was at risk of being taken to the land of darkness if he didn't act fast.

Erebus was resolute in his determination; he had vowed to Summer to safeguard Ruby and Yang, even at the cost of his own life, and he was not about to renege on that promise.

Summer eventually picked up and soon Erebus could hear her voice.

Summer: Erebus? it's not like you to call?-

Erebus: Ruby's been taken Summer.

The silence that engulfed the conversation was overwhelming. Erebus found himself at a loss for words, unable to respond. He had vowed to protect Ruby and had failed. Part of him anticipated Summer's fury.

yet that was the furthest thing from the truth.

Summer: Shit! we need to act quick! who took her?!

Erebus: Artemis attacks us while we were searching for miss Belladonna, I promise you one thing however, Ruby won't be held captive for long, Artemis is using her to lure me out, when we engage in combat and I defeat her, I'm trusting you to console Ruby...  

Summer: you really think you can beat her Erebus?

Erebus remained silent for a moment, acknowledging the truth: Artemis was immensely powerful and resilient, capable of cheating death with her techniques. Yet, Erebus had confidence in his newfound powers, believing he could defeat her. This, however, led to one lingering question...

Would he survive the aftermath? How could he be certain that he wouldn't be diminished to nonexistence once more?

Erebus: I won't go down without a fight, Summer. If all else fails, I will personally fight death and come back from the dead to save Ruby. I've promised you as much, and I won't neglect my duty to you so readily.

Summer: What's the plan? 

Erebus: Artemis has requested to meet me at the same freight yard where she took Ruby. I am certain she will arrive with a group of Grimm to wreak havoc and destruction. Additionally, her ability to cheat death is contingent on the presence of a Grimm nearby.

Summer remained silent for a moment. She had heard Erebus mention Artemis's ability occasionally, but he had never fully explained its function. According to the ancient words of Grimm, it granted Artemis the power to defy death with ease and to return at full strength at her whim, making her nearly invincible under ordinary circumstances.

Summer: What should you expect?

Erebus: A lot of crap that I have to deal with, Artemis is more than capable of cheating death as long as there is lesser grimm nearby, it will be a battle of wills for the most part.

Summer remained silent for a moment, aware that Erebus's willpower and determination surpassed anyone she had ever encountered. Even if the world of Remnant stood against him, he would confront it with a smile. His strength lay not just in his heart but also in his soul. Summer allowed herself a mental chuckle; the irony did not escape her that Erebus, the only Grimm with a soul, possessed one more refined than any Faunus or Human.

Erebus: I shall leave now Summer and prepare for the battle, I promise you, Ruby will return safely, you have my word on that much.

Summer: I trust you...just...please...save my baby girl and bring her back.

Erebus's golden eyes narrowed for a moment. He was loath to admit it, but his grudge with Artemis presented the perfect opportunity to eliminate her and break free from his shackles. With Salem's influence gone, he could finally start a fresh.