“So you’re the wolf Faunus Ivan told us about, and one with silver eyes to boot.” Celestia says with a smile.
“I love wolves, why couldn’t the wolf Faunus have sided with us in that war...” Luna creepily sighs, though I’d never actually say that to a princess.
“That was flat out creepy, your highness.” Starswirl bluntly states.
'Ok seriously! Is his semblance mind reading or something!?’ I think in bewilderment, before something clicked. ‘That's right, semblances are actually a real thing. I’ll have to figure out mine, and if what those two said was correct, it has something to do with rose petals.’
“I’m more of a cat Faunus myself.” Celestia says.
“…Are you two seriously discussing which types of Faunus you like better?” Ivan asked in a put off tone.
"Never mind that, tell us about yourself." Celestia said while looking at me.
"Um…I'm Katana, I like to run…uh…I'm a decent writer (or at least I think so), aaannnd...I wanna be a game designer." I list off.
"It's nice to meet you, Katana." Celestia says with a small smile, which turned into a frown. "Though I have to ask. Why a game designer? I don't see how making a board game would help you in today's age. Sure you could live off it pretty well, but not as a warrior, what with all the expenses that come with it." I was about to ask what made her think I was a warrior, but then I remembered I had a gun on me, in plain sight nonetheless.
"As interesting as this conversation is, we should probably get to the reason we're still here. Namely, whether or not Katana is willing to help in our cause. Now before we get off track, no, I have no intention of making you handle the political side of things. I merely aim to have you bring awareness to our cause, and perhaps fight as well." Ivan says before leaning towards me and handing me a piece of paper.
This is not an ultimatum, should you choose not to join, you’ll be let go on the condition that you’re not found in a governmental restricted area again. I will tell no one of what had occurred, you will face no repercussions, and you will be allowed to roam around as any normal citizen would. But should you violate this condition, you will not be given another chance.
If you understand and fully accept this condition, please sign your name at the X:
X_____________________________
I go wide eyed at that. Back home I would have been shot or sent to jail. Just as I finished writing my full name, I hear Starswirl right beside me.
“What’s this?” He asked while looking at the paper. My heart stopped, I didn’t notice him there, and Ivan must’ve missed him too! “What is all that scribble scrabble? I know it’s meant to be some kinda contract, given the line on the bottom, but the only thing legible on this paper is Katana’s name.” He finished, causing me to race a brow, then look at the paper again.
After looking closely at it, I realize that what he wrote down was in plain English, what I wrote was in some weird language that I’ve never seen before, but knew what it read. In fact, I wrote more then I meant to.
Katana Catherine Jones of the Black Wolf Tribe
I’m not sure why, but the “Black Wolf Tribe” part filled me with immense pride, and a bit of heartache.
*Chuckle*
I jumped a little at the sudden sound. It sounded cocky, but with a little hollowness in it.
“Oh…so it is. Sorry about that Ms. Jones. I guess I should have checked it before handing it to you.” Ivan says with a small smile. “Though since it’s illegible, it’s not something to be concerned with.” He finished. I nod in confusion.
“Not gonna lie old friend. As far as first impressions go, you're not exactly painting a good image of an ambassador. While I doubt it’ll phase a wolf Faunus (given their history with humans), you should be more aware of something like this with other, non human friendly, races.” Starswirl tells Ivan, who in turn, chuckled.
“I suppose you’re right.” Ivan says with a shrug, then looked at me. “So how about it? Would you like to join our cause?”
“But why me? I haven’t done anything to give you the impression that I’d be a good candidate.” I asked.
“Your eyes?” He asked right back with a raised brow. I’m unable to argue that. “Besides, it’s not like I’m asking you to fight. All you’d really need to do is learn how to use your eyes, and spread the word of our cause. But if at any point you feel like actually fighting, I’d be a fool to not accept.”
I’m not sure how to answer.
*Katana, don’t react.* Someone suddenly said.
I made a confused face, but otherwise, made no reaction.
*Tell them you need some time to think this over. Once you’re alone, I’ll answer any questions you might have, and offer a suggestion.* I heard some unknown girl say. Seeing that I didn’t have a better idea, I decided to humor her.
“I need some time to think.” I say.
“I understand. Please, take the night to mull over my proposal. I eagerly await your answer. Feel free to enjoy the celebration at your leisure.” Ivan says with a small smile. And with that, everyone joined the party.
Several hours later
Trotting Inn - Katana’s current room
“Alright, I did what you wanted, you owe me an explanation.” I say to seemingly no one.
*Thank you, and yes, I’ll give you an explanation. Call me Katherine, that’s Katherine with a K by the way, not a C.* The voice said.
“Alright Katherine, care to tell me why you’re in my head?” I asked her.
*I latched onto you during your transition to this world.* She says.
“And how were you able to do that?” I asked her.
*Oh, I’m dead.* She bluntly said, catching me off guard. *Let’s just say I put faith into the wrong Faunus, and leave it at that for now. That’s actually the reason why you have wolf ears with everything else. By the way, there’s normally a mirror in these types of Inns. It’s better to come to terms with your changes sooner rather than later.* She finished. Wanting to finally see what had actually happened to me, I head to the bathroom, and cut on the light. Stepping inside, sure enough, I see a mirror. I stare into the mirror, only to have Ruby Rose stare right back, though she now has cute wolf ears.
"These look pretty cute..." I muttered with a smile.
*They're not cute, they're badass.* Katherine says with a huff. Rolling my eyes, I continue my observation. Like I had seen, I definitely saw Ruby's face, but I also saw some of my features too. The hair, while in Ruby's hairstyle, still had my red hair (natural, not dyed). And my face, while having Ruby's structure, had my tan skin. However, there were a couple oddities. For one, I had a beauty mark on the center of my cheek. Another was the tattoo of three five pointed stars on my neck.
*Stars are known for accompanying the night. They represent the fight against the darkness, like the Grimm for example. Some see stars as a symbol of truth and spirituality. They can also represent the divine relationship a mortal has with the Gods. Even now, mortals look to the stars for security and direction, completely captivated by their beauty. Three stars together symbolizes the growth in life, achievements or goals. Aim for the stars after all.* Katherine said with a passionate tone.
"Odd time for a lesson about stars." I muttered.
*Sorry about that. I just love stars.* she's says, and for some reason, I started to blush. *Huh, that's strange. I guess we're closer then even I thought.* She adds. Shaking my head, I continue what I was doing. I was wearing Ruby's cape, which was being held together by that metal rose pin. Under the cape, I was wearing a black short sleeve shirt and grey pants, along with grey shoes. I was also wearing a utility belt, with no reason not too, I decided to check them. Some contained dust crystals, some contained dust vials, some contained weird little balls. I also found what looked like a taser, and things that look like they belong in a first-aid kit. I also found red bullet cartridges with various symbols on each of them. And that brought me to my most important equipment. Reaching behind me, I grabbed the gun, though my hand grazes two objects. A quick look showed them to be two strange daggers.
*Piercing Night. Those daggers can become one, and either become a short sword, or a hand gun. I mean, it has a third feature, but I never managed to work out specific problems with it.* Katherine explained. With a nod, I put Piercing Night away, and take out the bigger gun. After a quick look over, it doesn't take me long to figure out it's Crimson Rose. Putting it away, since I doubt I could do much with it here, I address the voice.
"So…what's the suggestion you talked about earlier?" I asked.
*Simple. Join Ivan's cause. I'm not saying that because I believe that harmony can be achieved between the races. In fact, I give it about a year until it backfires, give or take a few days. I'm saying that because something about Ivan rubs me the wrong way, like he's hiding something from not just us, but from everyone. I've been around the block, and learned how to notice certain patterns, and double meaning phrases.* She says, causing me to raise a brow.
"Sure some of his decisions have been strange, but I wouldn't go that far." I say with doubt.
*Most of that was when I was alive.* She says nonchalantly, which is kinda off putting, considering what she’s talking about.
“Alright…” I say quietly.
*And look at it this way. Would you rather be someone who has barely any way of defending yourself against the Grimm, or anyone else, and have to hope that someone more experienced is willing to help you. Or do you want to learn how to be a proper huntress, and kick the ass of anyone who’d attack you. You’re gonna be hunted either way because of your eyes, the only real choice you have is either to work with Ivan, and figure out what he’s hiding, while getting stronger. Or go it alone, and trust me when I say, that path isn’t as awesome as normal people make it out to be. Sure it’s definitely awesome at the start, but eventually, it gets lonely. You’re not sure who to trust, and you become so cautious, that you're basically just an empty bitter shell of your former self.* She says.
"You sure like to make speeches…" I commented dryly.
*Well it's not like I can do much else, you know, considering the fact I lack my own body.* She retorted just as dryly. Shrugging, I go to bed, not seeing anything else we could talk about (you don't just ask how someone died, that's just insensitive. And while I could ask about her latching onto me, I just can't muster the energy to stay up any longer).
'I really hope Sunset finds a way to bring me back soon.' I think somberly, then I'm out like a light.
I regain consciousness at the sound of three-no-four people arguing.
"Oh! She's coming to, well this is gonna suck…" I heard Katherine moan. Opening my eyes, I'm greeted by two unknown people, and two familiar Gods. Looking around, I noticed we were in a white void. The Gods themselves are translucent humanoid beings with featureless faces. One was yellow (or gold depending on who you ask) tall and well built with deer antlers on his head. He, was the God of Light. The other is lean, purple, slender and has ram horns on his heads. He, was the God of Darkness, and the younger brother of the God of Light. Needless to say, suddenly appearing in a white void with them was (personally speaking) not a good sign.
The next person was the same race as Celestia and Luna, but much taller. Her coat was light goldish grey, her mane and tail were moderate amaranth, and her eyes were moderate arctic blue. On her back legs (I think it's called a flank? I don't really know much about whatever she is) were tattoos of a quill in a jar of ink.
And finally, the last person looked like an anthropomorphic black wolf. Not a Faunus, but an honest to God(s?) wolf. The wolf stood on its hind legs with ease, and it was wearing the same outfit I went to sleep in, minus the red cape and gun. It had the same tattoo and beauty mark I had gotten, in the same location to boot. It's eyes were also bluish grey. And it may have just been my imagination, but I swear that it looked to be rippling.
I just stand there, looking at everyone present, with them staring right back at me.
"Uh…hi." I squeaked, having felt the tension in the air(?), which dissipated aft I started talking. Feeling a bit more calm, I continued. "I'm Katana." I say with a bit more confidence.
"I am the God of Light." He said with a calm tone.
"I am the God of Darkness." He said with just as much calmness.
"Call me Faust." The one with wings said.
"I've already told you who I am." The wolf says with a grin. I go wide eyed when I hear Katherine's voice come from the wolf, which turned into a flinch when the tension rushes back, twice as potent as it was before. And while I'm thankful the it's not directed towards me, I was confused about why it was directed towards Katherine.
"Katherine!?" I asked in shock.
"The one and only." She says with a smirk.
"I have so many questions…" I stated in bewilderment. She looks at me.
"Fire away." She says nonchalantly.
"Well for starters, what did you mean when you said me coming to was gonna suck?" I asked, though for some reason, she flinched at that. "And why are they upset with you?" I asked, gesturing to the three angry people, only to watch her sweat drop.
"Good to see one of you can get the conversation back on track." The God of Darkness commented dryly.
"Fortunately, both of your questions have the same answer." The God of Light said. "Faust, if you would?" He asked the lady, who nods and lights up her horn. Suddenly a holographic like screen appeared at our side.
Recording
Everything with this: ( ) is commentary, everything without those things is the actual recordings.
We see Katherine in a black void, floating away from a weird bubble.
"DAMIT! That piece of crap! l trusted that bastard, I did everything he asked of me, and he pulls that bullshit!?" Katherine yelled in rage.
("Is this…?" I asked, letting my question trial off.
"Yep." Katherine says. "This was a few moments after I just died." She finished with a huff.)
Katherine turned towards the strange bubble.
"There's gotta be a way back." She muttered. "There's always something I can do to pull off the seemingly impossible, I don't see why now would be any different…"
("That's kinda arrogant sounding." I say to Katherine, who just smirks.
"Yes, but I assure you, that arrogance is well deserved. We wouldn't be talking if I didn't find a way back." She says with a chuckle. Though I noticed an irritated look on Faust.)
"I'm sorry to say, but I'm afraid this is where your story ends." Katherine jumps in shock as Faust suddenly appeared in a flash of light.
"Dear Gods! What the hell!? You trying to see if a dead person can have a heart attack!?" Katherine shouts at Faust while holding her chest.
("Can they?" I asked.
"It depends on the universe, but yes, in some realities, the dead can have heart attacks." The God of Darkness answered. "Don't think to much about that though, it's not something you need to worry about." He dismisses.)
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. I just intended to guide your soul to the afterlife, so you may rest." Faust says with a small frown.
"Huh? Isn't the one does that for my race supposed to be a wolf, not an Alicorn?" She questioned Faust.
('So THAT'S what she and the princesses are.' I think, relived I didn't have to ask one of them myself.)
"Normally yes, but something came up that requires his full attention. I assure you, had it not been for that, he would be the one guiding you." Faust says with a small smile.
"Well I don't mean to be rude, but I got some things to take care of back in the realm of the living. So if you could give me a hoof with that, I'd much appreciate it. Or at least tell me how to do it on my own, then I'd be out of your mane." Katherine requests with a shrug.
"I'm sorry." Faust says with a frown. "But I cannot do that. The balance of life and death is a crucial part of the natural order."
"Then explain Ivan and Salem, or the eradication of the first line of humanity." Katherine challenged.
"I don't really know what you're talking about. There's only ever been one line of humanity, and I don't know who these Ivan or Salem are." Faust says with a frown.
("For the record, I actually didn't know anything about what Katherine was talking about, and I still don't." Faust says with a huff.
"I do, as far as Salem goes at least, and the eradication of humanity does sound familiar. But on both accounts, I thought they were fictional events." I say, scratching my head, trying to wrap my head around all of this. "What's next? The four Maidens?" I question, only to see Katherine go wide eyed.
"You know about the existence of the four Maidens!?" She asked in shock.
"So they're real?" I asked, she nods.)
"So you won't help a sister out." Katherine grumbled.
"Unfortunately, no, I won't." Faust sighs.
"That's fine I guess." Katherine says with a shrug. "Hey can I ask you some questions?" She asked.
"Sure. This is only a proxy, so 'I' have time for some Q&A." Faust says with a smile.
(Proxy?" I asked.
"Well how else would beings like me be able to guide so many souls to their specific religion afterlives. Granted, it takes a certain amount of focus per proxy, but with enough guides, it's hardly an issue." Faust answered with a smile.)
"Am I right in assuming that there's an invisible force pulling me away from my world, and there's nothing in my power that I could do to overpower that pull?" Katherine asked. Faust nods. "As long as it isn't towards my world, could I shift my location?"
"As long as it's not towards the world of the living, I suppose so." Faust says.
"Would something, moving fast enough to produce a visible aftershock, slamming into me be enough to overpower that pull?" Katherine asked, Faust gave a confused look.
"I guess so, but something like that would most definitely obliterated your soul, or worse." Faust says with a raised brow.
"What are the chances of someone not being obliterated by it?" Katherine asked.
"Astronomically low." Faust says with a deadpan.
"But it's possible, right?" Katherine asked.
"I guess?" She asked with a confused look. "What's with this line of questioning?" She asked Katherine. "You're sounding pretty insane right now."
"Oh. Well to answer your question, it's because of this." Katherine says, before lunging to her left. Just then, before Faust could react, a beam of red light shot past her, and hit Katherine. And by the looks of it, it doesn't take Faust long to put two and two together.
"ARE YOU CRAZY!?" She yelled in shock.
"YEAH I'M CRAZY, WHAT MADE YOU THINK I WAS SANE!?" Katherine yelled right back. Before Faust could say anything else, Katherine preceded to dissolve into the beam of light, which was heading towards her world.
End of Recording
"After that, I woke up in the area those sisters were in (they weren't there of course) covered in rose petals, with me in control while you were still asleep. After realizing someone was coming, I searched for a place to hide, and hid in the cabinet you woke up in. And you know the rest from there." Katherine said, while examining her claws.
"You know, now that it's been laid out so bluntly, I've fully realized that you are in fact possessing me. I guess you've already told me that, but a part of me simply believed you were just a delusional voice in my head. Now I've completely realize that I'm being possessed by a psycho." I muttered in shock and realization.
"Ok, first of all, I wouldn't call myself a psycho." Katherine grumbled.
"Then what would you call someone who's willing to risk the almost absolute possibility of their soul being obliterated, just to get their way?" I asked her.
"Ambitious. Determined. Hardcore." She says with a grin.
"Don't forget humble." I say with a deadpan.
"That too." She says with a wink, pointing a finger gun at me. I just rolled my eyes, then turned my attention to the other three.
"So I take it that you're here for a specific reason." I say to them.
"That's correct." The God of Darkness says.
"Despite the implications of her actions, no one deserves to have their afterlife taken forever. Even Salem will be allowed to have an afterlife once she learns the importance of life and death." The God of Light says. "This is to make you aware of her current problems, since she is clearly unable to properly grasp the situation, and the fact that she seems to lack any self preservation instincts whatsoever." He finished. I raised a brow.
"Problems? As in multiple?" I asked in concern. He nods.
"Since it's your life force that's keeping her together, should you die (be it from natural or unnatural causes) before her soul is fixed and stable, she will dissolve into nothingness." The God of Light said, causing a chill to go down my spine.
"And should you both not be careful, you're soul will absorb her's. All of her memories and abilities will be yours, but she herself will fade away." The God of Darkness says.
"Why tell me that I could gain something from that?" I asked.
"While I'd rather she be around long enough to face a proper punishment for her actions, especially since it could have had a negative impact on someone other than herself. It would be poetic justice for the one she nearly got destroyed, and intended to use for her own ends, to turn around and make her pay for her hubris and lack of foresight (or care) about what could have happened to said individual." The God of Darkness says.
"Well then I'm in quite the bind, I mean, who wouldn't want to inherent my badassery?" Katherine asked with a dramatic sigh.
"Would it make the situation worse if I slapped her?" I asked the three, Katherine just snorted in amusement.
"Unfortunately yes, though while she's been making it very difficult to restrain myself, I too would rather she face a proper punishment." Faust groans. "Whatever coarse of action you take concerning only her, you will face no repercussions. After all, I gave her a warning, and she blatantly ignored it (and even bragged about it). Whatever you do with her, is completely up to you." She finished with a huff. Then turned to Katherine. "And Katherine?"
"Huh?" Katherine asked.
"You bring shame and embarrassment to that mark on your neck, you're clearly not matured enough to have it." She says with a disappointed frown. Katherine actually glares at Faust, I guess those stars have special meaning for her culture. "And if I was your tribe leader, or connected to your tribe in some way, I'd personally remove it myself." She stated.
"Excuse me? I passed the Maze Gauntlet!" Katherine seethes.
"Intelligence and physical prowess are not the same as maturity, which you clearly lack. That gauntlet has nothing to do with what I said." Faust explained.
"That sounds pretty smart for someone dumb enough to not realize the obvious trick I was pulling. Especially given how specific I was wording everything." Katherine snapped.
"Well excuse me for trying to be nice! You had just died and were clearly in a very emotionally unstable mindset, so I tried to be nice and ease your mind by answering a few questions! And instead of taking a moment to appreciate what I was doing, you instead used my kindness for your own end! And to top it off, you nearly dragged poor Katana down with you, you selfish brat!" Faust snapped right back.
"Ms. Faust-." I started to say, but decided not to when she gave me a withering glare. "Eeep!"
"Let her talk Faust." The God of Light says. Faust sighs.
"…Alright. What is it you wanted to say?" She asked with a forced smile.
"Well…while I understand your upset with Katherine, and especially upset about what could have happened to me (which I am genuinely grateful for), you can't let what she says get under your skin." I started.
"…I…suppose you're right." Faust says with a frown.
"And I understand you feel betrayed because she took advantage of your kindness, I would be too. But some people are just like that. But in doing so, she's now in a worse situation then she was before because of that, and now she has no control over what happens anymore." I say. I noticed that while Faust is looking at me, Katherine's eyes turn into pinpricks.
"That's true." Faust says while rubbing her chin.
"And for what it's worth, again, I am very grateful that you were so concerned about what could have happened to me." I say. "Thank you." I finished with a small smile, which she returned.
"You're quite welcome dear." She says back, missing the gagging gesture Katherine was doing.
"In any case." The God of Darkness started, gaining our attention. "That is all we wanted to discuss with you."
"Farewell." The God of Light said.
"Wait!" I quickly said before I could stop myself. They gave me a curious look. "I have a friend named Zoey Smith, well technically it's Reed Mamiko, but she goes by Zoey Smith now." I explained. "Do either of you know what happened to her?" I asked. With a wave of the God of Light's hand, another screen pops up, after a few minutes, all my questions are answered as I finished watching the recording. Needless to say, that took so much weight off my shoulders. She was still alive.
"If that is all, farewell." The God of Light said. And with that, everything goes dark.