Chapter 103:

Tera: 'Topaz, we need to talk.'

Topaz: 'Tera? Is that you?'

Tera: 'Yes, its is child. I know it has been a while since we have spoken, but I come to you with important information.'

Topaz: 'Alright then. What is it?'

Tera: 'It's about the threat you are about to face, about Salem.'

Topaz: 'What can you tell me about Salem, Tera?'

Tera: 'The Nemea tribe were some of the original settlers on the island you now call Menagerie, but we didn't always live there.'

Topaz: 'What? So you're saying-'

Tera: 'I'm getting there child, have patience.'

Topaz: 'Apologies.'

Tera: 'Now then, we of the Nemea tribe used to live in Anima, but were forced to flee when a strange woman demanded we fall in line under her to face the two gods she had a vengeance against. My father refused her demand outright and was cut down where he stood, and that was the final straw. Several of our best warriors stayed to delay her to give the rest of us enough time to flee. After a very long journey we finally settled on Menagerie and things became as you know them now. But what you don't know is that the gods of light and dark paid us a visit at one time.'

Topaz: 'They visited the tribe?'

Tera: 'Yes, they told us that humanity under Salem had been wiped from existence, and that we were being spared for denying her. After my father was killed, his second in command became the leader of the tribe. The god of light blessed his first born son with silver eyes, and the skin that you yourself have become so familiar with. That son was your ancestor, my future husband. The god of darkness blessed our entire tribe with the semblance to change into the form of a lion, saying that a tribe full of courage should resemble such a creature outside as they do inside.'

Topaz: 'What were your semblances before that?'

Tera: 'We didn't have any. While the rest of humanity had their magic and semblances, the Nemea tribe were some of the only humans in existence to not have any. Another reason the gods decided to spare us.'

Topaz: 'Humans? Don't you mean faunus?'

Tera: 'No. The Nemea Tribe at that time were all humans. It was the god of darkness's gift that changed us into the faunus you know.'

Topaz: 'That… That's a lot to take in'

Tera: 'At that time the gods also came to us with a message.'

Topaz: 'A message?'

Tera: 'Yes. Something long forgotten by the tribe, but something you need to hear.'

Topaz: "Okay? What is it?'

Tera: *sighs* 'They told my husband and I ourselves, that a descendant of ours would one day face Salem, and defeat her. But it would only be possible if Salem herself learned the value of life, and the cost of death.'

Topaz: 'And how am I supposed to make her learn that?'

Tera: 'I'm sorry, but I do not have that answer. I wish you the best child, and know that I and all of your ancestors believe in you.'

Topaz: 'Thank you Tera. I will try my best to defeat her.'

Tera: 'Very good child, I will be going away for a while again.'

Topaz: 'Can I ask where you go?'

Tera: 'Of course child. Since you were able to bind my soul to your spear, I have been able to see my husband again. Centuries of separation, and we can finally be together, and for that we thank you.'

Topaz: 'Enjoy Tera. Happy to hear that I was able to help, goodbye for now.'

Blinking back into focus, Topaz looks down to the spear in his hand, and can't help but smile. Quickly regaining his focus, he begins to continue towards the crater, and continues until someone stops him. The girl stopping him stood a little ways off, a single edged blade points towards Topaz. Her hair put up in a high ponytail, with her bangs framing her face, was a dark blue in color, and around shoulder length.

?????: "You there, what are you doing out here?"

Topaz: "Me? I'm making my way towards the crater."

?????: "Why?"

Topaz: "My friends are there."

?????: "Friends, wait are you Topaz?"

Topaz: "Yes, that's me."

?????: "Ah, so you're this mysterious guy that shouldn't be worried about, being dragged off by a grimm. Good to know."

Topaz: *shrugs* "Not the fist time I've been separated from my friends while traveling."

?????: "You have a habit of falling out of moving vehicles?"

Topaz: "Not intentionally."

?????: "…Okay then. Moving on, my name is Reila, and I will show you to where your friends are."

Topaz: "Sounds good, thank you Reila."

Reila: "Don't mention it. Strange question for you, you the guy those team RWBY girls keep mentioning?"

Topaz: "What do they mention?"

Reila: "That your skin is super tough and not easily broken, and that you can turn into an animal."

Topaz: "Yeah, that's me."

Reila: "Bull, that guy died."

Topaz: "Only in word, in reality a fall like that is pretty easy to survive if you can fly."

Reila: "Prove it."

Topaz: "Sure thing, what animal should I turn into."

Reila: "You're a lion faunus by the looks of it, turn into a lion."

Topaz: "Easy."

Turning himself into a lion, Topaz can't help but laugh when Reila's eyes go wide, but quickly stops when her eyes begin to sparkle. Changing back, Topaz waits for her to say something, only for her to lunge at him with her weapon. Raising his arm, he catches the blade and looks at her with an unamused look.

Reila: "Wow, your skin really is tough."

Topaz: "…"

Reila: "And you look so cool as a lion. I guess you really are that guy then."

Topaz: "Yes, but you know you could have told me you were going to try and take a stab at me."

Reila: "Where's the fun in that? Maybe your skin is so tough because you can focus your aura there dense enough to stop a blade."

Topaz: "It's a good thought, but not the case."

Reila: "Had to try."

Topaz: "…Right. Why don't we get a move on."

Reila: "If you say so, right this way."

Walking off in the direction she came from, Reila leads Topaz down a short path out of the wind, eventually arriving at a small gate with a small girl standing by. She has short white hair and sheep like ears poking out the sides of her head, both pierced by a single silver ring shaped earring.

Reila: "Hey Fiona!"

Fiona: "Hey Rei, welcome back. Who's that with you?"

Reila: "This is Topaz, that friend that group we recovered told us about."

Fiona: "The one that was dragged off by a teryx?"

Reila: "The very same."

Fiona: "I thought that he would be dead for sure, and didn't have the heart to tell them about it."

Reila: "Yeah, I understand that. But he did prove to me that everything team RWBY has said about him are true, so I believe it now."

Fiona turns to look at Topaz, sizing him up and then staring into his eyes.

Fiona: "So you're basically invincible?"

Topaz: "Not even close, just takes a lot for my skin to get broken."

Fiona: "Have you ever been cut?"

Topaz: "Yes actually. Someone I fought against had a special type of bullet that went through like nothing. Was specifically made for me though, so it shouldn't be common."

Fiona: "Alrighty then, Rei show him to where his friends are staying."

Reila: "Sure thing Fiona, take care."

Fiona: "You too Rei."

Topaz follows Reila into the encampment and takes in the sights. Dozens of people huddled close together, trying to stay warm against the frigid air. Topaz looks towards Reila and notices her sad gaze as she looks around.

Topaz: "You have a good heart."

Reila: "What?"

Topaz: "You can't help but look around and be sad at how this all looks. You care about all these people."

Reila: "How can I not. I'm a huntress, it's my job to protect the people.

Topaz: "True, but there's more to that with you."

Reila: "Well thank you. Your friends are in here."

Stopping in front of a small shack, Reila motions towards to door as she talks to Topaz.

…