Chapter 51: Signs

Chapter 51: Signs

~Albus POV~

I made a mistake.

My mistake for trying to see Maria see my views were as I was blinded that she will let me get away as I ran away from her.

Using the last second of my magic I began to escape what I didn't expect was Cinder to follow me as we finally arrived at Mantle taking away the sights as we took a rise to Mantle via bullhead airship.

I made sure to collect the Lien from the dead Madame and her girls as it would prove beneficial for me but also made sure to return to Cinder the majority of it.

As the ride continues to take us as she eyes me it has been plaguing me for a while now.

Why did she come with me?

I can assume if it would be for loyalty or some other lines of help but…

Having shown my Spirits I bet she also wants in on what I just do as I can tell from her mind of past thoughts racing through her head.

Sighing out loud I prefer to hear her answer as I began to talk to her calmly without the disguise as she took my attention, "Sigh… Do I have to ask what exactly do you want from me? You know I killed and that a professional Huntresses is after me, yet you chose to remain by my side? Care to explain?"

At this Cinder glanced at my face before replying with some resolution in her face, "Because… you are a good person and…"

She hesitated before she began to explain to me what she wanted as I closed my eyes, "I want to be someone like you. Fearless unafraid of danger even against corrupt people… like her…"

Venom in her voice as she mentions her family.

Sigh…

Opening my eyes again and my mouth I began to talk to Cinder about what she meant by 'corrupt' if even she's using such a… vague term even in her own words, "Corrupt? Can you be a bit specific because I'm somewhat lacking what that means here in Atlas?"

At this Cinder explains what she means as I narrowed my eyes at this.

Then again considering this so-called 'great' Kingdom they all have their faults and this one is no different from black markets of all kinds including slavery as I hated that feeling of losing one's own rights and freedoms.

But my murder with the mother and sisters was a bit much as the look of disappointment on her face as she challenged me to take me into authorities made me…

Hurt.

But it's not like I don't completely understand where she comes from either as I basically admitted to Maria that I was the murderer with no care burning them to death.

Argh….

Looking back on it now I could've explained this to Maria earlier instead of running away but no way that's happening though considering how dead set she was on capturing me and I know I faced that woman multiple times.

There are hardly a few things that are going to change that woman's mind.

Which in my case is very unlikely but my paranoia took over and flee from the response.

Glancing at my Scroll though I had the idea of crushing it then I would lose my contact with Ghira and some White Fang allies in the process so I haven't gotten rid of it.

Still though…

Hunters don't have a no-killing rule from what I'm aware of at this time possibly the younger students in training to be huntsman or huntresses might be because they're still young and are very gullible.

I thought someone like Maria a hardened veteran though is bound to have some blood on their hands and possibly understand me but maybe I was hoping for too much.

Honestly, the best move I could make right now; is to either join Raven or join Salem which I would say fuck that idea a lot.

While I could gain benefits from them one is a betrayer willing to sell me off to Salem and save her own ass in the process.

The other might just be interested in my magic and knowledge possibly through torture as to why till she gets what she wants in the process which if she knew how to create Philosopher Stones…

*Shiver*

I shiver at the thought of Salem building a new project with the idea of turning people into stones.

Marco was right that's the Devil Research if given to the wrong hands.

Returning to the topic at hand Cinder then began to look confused at me before she finally says what was on her mind, "But… Albus right? What were those balls of light and words you used to escape from Maria? I thought most people would have only one Semblance not multiple unless you stole or copied them?"

"Haha."

Laughing lightly at Cinder I shook my head as my spirits began to dance around taking Cinder by surprise as I rethink what to do next.

Right, what to do next.

Well, I still plan to head to Vale regardless since I still have my vendetta against the Spiders but also to stop their goals following the events of Roman Holiday to say a good old fashion fuck you to them destroying their criminal empire holds in Vale.

After that though…

Hmm…

Maybe I should start going somewhere secure and ask Ghira if I can visit Menagerie soon with some guests with me then I can begin helping with some reconstruction of building new homes for the Faunus.

And in the meantime slowly introduce some otherworldly techniques and abilities once I have their trust with some efforts.

Smiling a bit at Cinder I began to explain to her what I would do but first I asked the obvious question and was wanting to hear from her, "Cinder right? Since I lost my companion would you like to journey with me around Remnant for the time being? Of course, you can part off with me– "

"No, I'll stay!"

Hearing the sudden response from her she blushed a bit at that as she began to respond to me kindly something I have never seen in character, "Well… I would still like to learn from you and I would still like to enter the Hunter Exam but that won't be for a while so… I guess I can learn a lot being around my savior."

Cinder then next spoke in a quiet tone but determined one that made me stop, "Plus… I still want to keep my promise to someone who taught me to be a Huntress."

Smiling and approving with her words as well as being honest I can't help but think while my actions brought me to lose a capable teacher, I did save a life.

Nodding happily at the very least even if my relationship with Maria worsens…

I can take pride the in fact this event that I managed to save Cinder's fate for something better.

I can take pride in my loss losing a mentor to saving an innocent soul.

After all, there aren't any good men around and I know I ain't one but at the very least I won't let rules stop me from doing what I know is right.

But from now on though I have to keep myself moving forward.

Still losing a teacher that can teach me to fight is a loss, but I won't let that stop me even if it did hurt knowing Maria's answers I have to strive on.

Even if it pains me emotionly I have to move on now.

Maybe in the future, we can meet under better circumstances but for now…

I can't change the present but maybe in the future I hope to make amends but for now, though I have to look after myself…

And my new friend as well.

Guess that's one chapter of my life down only for a new one to begin huh?

Next, as the spirits began to circle around me keeping me company, I began to look at Cinder as she expects me to answer as I sigh down for this explanation, "Sigh… well then Cinder take a seater. Because I'm probably going to rock your world. Now tell me Cinder what is your favorite fairy tale?"

/////

~??? POV~

How long has it been since Mankind has been erased again by those Gods they call and their so-called Grimm attacking us Curse?

I don't know when I was awakened.

Gain consciousness.

Living like a real being.

An intelligent being.

The roots of Remnant.

We know all and know none.

However, we know to blame.

The blood of the innocent so much soiled our very lands.

All by that GOD destroying life.

Plants eternal enemy of Darkness.

Standing up again taking my faulty form at my stature beginning to take form.

Too much to consume.

*Brrr*

Cursed Energy?

Something completely not related to this world I know but how I don't?

"Ahh!"

"Quick run!"

"Come here you damn Faunus brat!"

"You will pay for a quick buck!"

Hearing this again as I began to take my form as I proceeded I wonder to myself as a Curse.

*Swoosh*

"What the hell is that!"

"Is that a Grimm!"

"Ahh!"

"No big sis!"

Seeing the Faunus children run to protect themselves against these traders as they raise their arms against me I merely chuckled a small laugh.

"Haha – "

*BANG*

*BANG*

Their weapons mean nothing.

As they managed to destroy my faulty form I began to reform again as my Cursed Energy reforms as their fears heighten towards me.

"What the hell…"

"What kind Grimm heals!"

"WrONg…"

I spoke to them as my voice began to call out to them as I began to take my form as I began to walk past the kids as I spoke out hoarsely, "I seen MAn harM. I SEEn them EnsLAVE life… I'M the living HATE IMBODEMENT of life."

Walking towards the two men I replied to the innocents with a grasping voice, "ChilDs of LighT flee."

The two Faunus kids did as I announced my name to the sinners for taking life for granted as the hates of Faunus that wish for freedom in the blood soil roars through me, "YOU slaVeRS Met your End. I Hanami will bring you CLEansing."

*BOOM*

Raising my one arm up the roots began to consume them as they screamed when they return to the Green.

"AHH!"

They are the one of many to fall.

I merely am weak for now but…

Glancing my head to the north other Curse like me have to awaken but we must rest.

Too new we are but when fully awaken we can become strong.

Time we need to form stronger.

Against Man, Child of Light, or Grimm we Curse will be brought anew in this Godless world.

*Rumble*

Returning to the form of a flower we must rest but if they act against the cruelty on my land of green, they will surely meet me…

The others will soon awaken enough given time.

For me though... I would like to meet this... Sorceror in the future...

Zzzz….