Crimson

Chapter 1

It's Been A Difficult Journey

By

Grevin Hades

The world of Remnant was home to many different creatures. Humans, Faunus, and Grimm to name a few. However, as some know, there is more to the world of Remnant than what is seen at the surface. For the most part, these secrets remain that, secret but, sometimes, the truth is revealed and what happens to those who learn the truth, well…that too remains secret.

Jaune pulled his cloak tighter around him shivering a bit as another strong burst of bone chilling wind washed over him. A swirl of leaves slammed into him from the side and as he brushed them from his clothing another burst of wind caught his hood slamming it back exposing his blonde locks and blue eyes to the harsh weather. "Gah! Dangit!"

He pulled his hood back up and turned away the wind as best he could while trying to maintain his hold on the cart he was pulling behind him. Currently he was deep in the forest between his home village and the far city of Vale attempting to take a cart of goods to a family friend who was a merchant of the various foods they produced. Normally his work on the farm would be to be tending to the animals and helping his sisters prep the food for the next delivery however, when his father took ill, the responsibility fell to him.

Things had started off as expected, his sisters all wishing him well, his mother talking about how much he had grown and a stern warning from his father. 'Don't stray from the forest path and don't let anything happen to the product.' That message had been clear.

He started on his journey mid-morning the day before and for the first twenty-four hours, it had been smooth traveling. However, the moment he entered the forest, something felt off. There was a chill in the air and while it was late in the fall season, this…this felt unnatural. He felt like eyes were constantly watching him. To make matters worse the horse began to act up and when he climbed down off the wagon to check her, she pulled free from his grip and galloped off the path deep into the forest, snaking its way through trees and brush with him giving chase.

Eventually he had caught up to the wagon but by the time he had, the horse had broken the harness and galloped off leaving him stranded. Thankfully years of labor on the farm had left him strong enough to begin to pull the cart but it had not provided him with a sense of direction. He did the best he could to pick the proper direction and began to pull the cart, at a much slower pace. To make matters even worse, the temperature had begun to drop and a cold wind kicked up indicating that at any moment a storm would begin.

He glanced back over his shoulder at the cart checking the contents noting that while the tarp was shifting under the onslaught of the wind, it was holding and keeping the good dry which he was thankful for when he felt the first cold drops of water hit his face. "Oh no…"

He pulled his cloak tighter around him as the sky opened up and began to pour down on him. He grunted as he grabbed the handles of the cart and did his best to pull it along despite the ground becoming muddier and muddier by the second.

He needed to find shelter and soon. Not only was the water freezing as it hit him but the wind was making it hard for him to see. Combine that with the trouble the cart and Jaune was left feeling overwhelmed. How could things have gotten this bad so quickly? He will be a total failure and will have let his family down…worse yet he was going to freeze out here.

As if taking a que from his thoughts, another bone chilling gust of wind slammed into him causing his wet cloak to stick to his form. "Damnit, I need to find someplace to camp and quick!"

It was then that he saw it. A glowing light in the distance. A fire? No, not in this storm, it had to be a building with a fire in it. Perhaps a cabin? A hunter who was taking refuge for the night? Perhaps a hermit cooking their dinner? Hell, at this point he would even settle for a coven of witches boiling a brew to cast spells.

Redoubling his efforts he grunted and struggled to pull the cart through the storm fighting the bitter cold as it began to leave his hands, arms and face numb. Soon the light in the distance began to grow and much to his surprise, it wasn't a small cabin. No, quite the opposite. It was a stone structure. A large one at that. Easily two or three stories in height, looking something like a mix between a mansion and a castle.

The closer he came to it, the more details he could make out. There was a large stone wall surrounding the estate with a clear path meant for carriages to be driven through. Just past the 'gate' he could see a stone driveway curve around to a large front entryway. The entryway itself had an overpass to help with stormy weather and a large set of stairs leading up to a grand entrance. On the far right of the building he could make out a large chimney and on the far left he could barely see the curved side of a cylindrical wall curving out all the way up to the top of the structure.

There were unique little touches as well. He could see stone rose statues on parts of the outer wall, and along with that some gargoyles on the corners of the building seemed to be robed figures with a scythe in hand. "Well…that's cheery."

The most important item that he saw was that in one or two windows he could see the faint glow of light which meant someone was home…perhaps they would be kind enough to allow him to stay under the overhang in the drive way until the storm passes.

Moving as fast as his frozen body would allow him he managed to maneuver the cart under the stone cover, his breath coming heavily, the wear on his body taking hold making him begin to shiver. Attempting to waste no more time he jogged up the stairs to the main entrance, coming to the large ornate doors. Taking hold of the large knocker he pulled back and slammed it into the wood three times. *Bang…Bang…Bang. *

He shivered again rubbing his arms as another gust of wind pushed him forward almost knocking him into the door. After a few moment's he frowned and began to turn around thinking that no one was home and he was just imagining things. However, the second he began to turn the familiar sound of a locks being turned reached his ears and then one of the door opened with a groan, the hinges complaining at the lack of being used for some time. Jaune though did not pay much attention to that as he did the person standing on the other side of the door.

Standing on the other side of the door, hands clasped in front of her was a girl…well, a woman but she was young. Clearly she was around his age. What made him pause was how she was dressed. This woman wore a white and black maid outfit that consisted of heeled shoes, sheer stockings, a short-flurried skirt and blouse with a black bow in her hair. Her eyes were a deep amber color and seemed to be a bit pointed. Her hair was done up in a high ponytail and draped down over her back ending at her thighs. "Uh…"

She glanced at him and then at the cart behind him and spoke with a firm and dismissive tone. "I'm sorry but we are not interested in purchasing the wares of a simple merchant."

Jaune quickly raised his hands using one to pull back his hood. "No, no, no, no, I'm not here to sell anything…"

She simply blinked at him, a frown forming over her lips. "Then why are you here?"

He sighed and dropped his hands. "I was hoping I might find refuge from the storm. I'm trying to take this wagon of good to Vale but my horse broke its harness and ran off and I've been pulling it all this afternoon. This rain is bone chilling and I can't keep going…I hate to be a pest and I have some coin that I can offer as compensation. Would you be able to assist me?"

The girl stood there for a moment saying nothing instead letting her eyes slowly trace over his form, as if inspecting him. Then as if a switch had been flipped, her frown changed from a deep frown to a very slight smirk…it was cute. "Very well…come inside."

Jaune nodded and quickly stepped in thankful to be out of the cold, though if he had to be honest with himself, the interior wasn't much better. He quickly slipped off his dripping cloak and draped it over his arm revealing that he wore a simple white long-sleeved shirt that had a small open collar on it as well as dark blue pants and a pair of simple boots. At his side was his weapon, an old family sword passed down from his Grandfather to his father, to him. His mother insisted he wear it during his travels in case he ran into bandits. His skin was light and his eyes, which could be seen through some of his shaggy hair, were a deep blue.

The maid closed the door behind him casting them both into near darkness, the only light coming from a few candles hanging on the walls. She then turned to him making him pause as he folded his cloak over his arm. While the rest of her appeared normal, her amber eyes seemed to be even more vivid in the dim light. It was unlike anything he could recall seeing.

Sensing his hesitation, the maid moved closer and gently pulled the cloak from him and turned placing it on a nearly invisible hook next to the door. Next, she motioned to his hip. "I'm sorry sir but for the safety of the manor I'm going to have to ask you please relinquish your weapon here."

Blinking for a moment Jaune looked down at his side then at the maid. "Oh…um…well, ok." He fumbled with his belt and sheath and within moments he was able to pull the blade from his side and offered it over. She gave a small curtsey before taking the blade and setting it next to his cloak.

"There, now sir I'm sure you're wary after your travels, if you'll follow me I'll lead you to the main living room where we have a fire going, you'll be able to warm up there."

He nodded while rubbing his arms with his hands shivering slightly. "T-thank you miss…um…I'm sorry I don't believe I learned your name yet."

She glanced over her shoulder, a small smirk showing on her lips with a hint of mischievousness showing in her eyes. "I believe it is customary to introduce yourself first before asking the name of another."

He blinked a moment before his cheeks turned red in embarrassment and he nodded proving a small bow of apology. "Oh, you're quite right I'm terribly sorry. My name is Jaune Arc. It's an honor to make your acquaintance."

She nodded turning back away from him now stepping into the large stone hallway. "It is nice to meet you Mr. Arc. You may call me Blake. I'm the maid here at the manor. Come along."

Not waiting a moment longer, Jaune fell into step behind the woman, his eyes finally beginning to adjust to the dim lit halls. As he did so, he couldn't help but let his eyes linger on Blake, especially how…cute her attire was. If he had to describe it, it would almost be like something described out of one of the books he would read during his free time, but those books were as old as his grandfather.

He was pulled out of his thoughts by her clearing her throat forcing him to focus on the large room that she had just led him into. The room was spacious with a large fireplace crackling with a medium flame, the heat it provided making the room feel quite comfortable. A few feet away from the fire was a large plush rug in which the furniture rested. The first piece he noticed were two larger sized couches forming an L shape on the right of the mantel and on the left, were four large, very comfortable looking chairs. On the far-right side of the room was a large piano with its lid propped open and to the far left of the room was a full-length bar stocked with more spirits than he could count. Whoever lived her was clearly well off. Perhaps fate was smiling upon him when he found this place. "Please Mister Arc, come in and have a seat. Please feel free to help yourself to a drink and warm yourself by the fire. I must find my lady and inform her of your arrival."

He glanced around the room for a moment before turning to ask her a question but found that somehow, she had managed to disappear from view without any sort of sound...creepy.

It was quiet…very quiet. The only sound that greeted his ears was the soft crackling of the fire and his own beating heart. Why did he feel so nervous? It was like he was the fly being led into the trap by a spider…how did that saying go? 'Come into my Parlor' said the Spider to the fly?

He shivered once again and glanced over to the full bar noting storied he had heard from his sisters about how liquor can help warm a person. After another shiver washed over him, he decided it was best for him to not worry about him being a bit under age and instead to focus on being warm.

He made his way over to the large bar noting the wide variety of drinks, some of which had labels that were faded with age, and even others written in a language that he couldn't begin to read. Finally he settled on a liquor he could at least reckognize, whiskey. Taking a small glass he poured a light brown liquid from a younger looking bottle and brought it up to his face taking a small sniff, frowning at it's scent. He waited a moment then decided to just go for it and quickly slammed the liquid to into his throat a swallowed it all in a single gulp.

Fire…his throat was on fire. Holy shit it burned. He nearly dropped the glass, managing to catch it on the bar before clutching at his throat and taking a gasping breath before breaking into a coughing fit. He could feel the warmth of the liquor hitting and surging into his system from his stomach but he decided that it was most definitely an acquired taste.

He sat himself down on the edge of the couch nearest to the fire and quietly reached his hands out warming them to the fire. After a few moments, he felt a wave of exhaustion wash over him, a large yawn escaping him but the moment that faded he felt something else. Something dark, something heavy felt like it washed over him.

It felt like there a cold hand sliding up his back to his shoulder then a warm breath washing over his neck causing him to turn around with a sharp, small gasp. As he turned around he found no one behind him however at the entryway he did see a small figure standing there staring at him.

She was petite, young with black and red hair. That went down to her shoulders. Her eyes were a beautiful shade of silver that locked onto his. Her lips were a dark shade of red which contrasted with her pale white skin. She wore a black and red sleeveless dress which hugged her form showing off her thin, lithe form and black stockings with black heeled shoes. Her arms were just as pale as her face but her fingernails were painted a deep red that matched her lips perfectly.

Jaune quickly stood up to face the woman noting that he stood a full head over her yet the way she held herself, it was clear she was someone who held control over others. He gave a small bow and cleared his throat. "Um…"

The woman smirked and tilted her head a bit as she looked him over, her silver eyes trailing over his face, neck, shoulders, chest and the rest all the way down to his feet then back up. Then she took a slow breath and spoke with a soft, almost haunting voice that was gentle and sweet, yet sultry and strong enough to strike him to his core. "So…you're the one who stumbled upon my humble home. Tell me…what is your name cutie?"

He blinked a few times, his eyes unable to stop looking at her…he couldn't break eye contact. It was though a force had a hold of him. He tried to find his words, he tried to speak, but couldn't. Something had come over him. Finally he felt a wave of relief wash over him and he was able to shift his gaze a bit allowing him to look down towards his feet. "Uh…Um…G-good afternoon. I'm Jaune…Jaune Ark. Thank you for allowing me to find refuge from the storm."

The woman smiled softly, her dainty lips curving up just a bit. "Oh, you don't need to thank me…but I'm afraid you will be staying here for a bit of time my dear…"

"I-am sorry, what?"

"I said, you won't be going anywhere for a while…cutie."

Jaune swallowed a lump that had formed in his throat. What had he gotten himself into.

To be continued.

Authors notes: Hey guys, here we have yet another side story for the site. This one is clearly set in and Alternate Universe and it going to be a bit darker, though nothing compared to the Yandere stuff. I'm not going to specify the inspiration for this story until a bit later and see if you can figure it out.

I will give one hint to start you out. It's one of those ASMR videos found on youtube. If you don't know what this is, it stands for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response. The video I found had a really good voice actress who managed to strike a chord in my head so boom, story inspiration.

As always please feel free to let me know what you think of my work and also as always, thank you for taking time out of your day to give my work a chance. I hope I don't disappoint or waste your time. That said, back to writing with me. Have a good day everyone.

-Grev