A/N: Hey everyone! Time for another chapter of everyone's favorite AU! :D

Chapter X: A Skull-White Nightmare

Emerald watched the moon ascend, a glittering silver blade cutting deep into the stars. Four days' ride with the Roman Scouts had left her with a sore ass and blistering legs. She preferred running through the woods on foot, branches scraping against her shoulders, the crunch of leaves between her toes. Riding felt brazen. Unnatural. There was no quiet either. The clash of hooves sounded like thunder to her, making her feel like a noisy piece of prey in the eyes of a greedy hunter. The wounded were worsening as well, moaning and mumbling. Sun tried to joke with his subordinates, always talking with the wounded, working smiles out of their pale lips. In the Cherusci, they would have slit their own throats rather than be such a burden.

But they were uncultured Romans, and persisted in making petty noises.

The only peace lay in watch duty, scanning the forest for signs of danger. But tonight, as always, there was nothing but the roar of crickets and trilling songs of the night-birds. The campfire crackled behind her, warming her back as she leaned against the tree trunk that served as an impromptu watchtower. Mercury had been surly and embittered since joining up with the Exploratores. He was all too happy to share their food, however, gobbling up their foraged pheasant with glee before curling up and snoring blissfully. It had been a long day. One of the roads they'd been using was choked with fallen timbers and brambles, and they'd been forced to take a round-about path.

She rubbed her eyes. Two more hours before she woke the green-haired man (Sagus? Sage?) to take her place. In truth, if she did not have a week's worth of more torturous riding ahead of her, she'd be happy to stay awake all night.

However, visiting Lugdunum was intriguing. They were there to spy after all, and seeing a real Roman city for the first time caught her interest. The only memory she had of a city was the stink of a slave market and the shouts of a corpulent auctioneer.

"Whatcha thinkin' about?" Sun said, dropping down from his perch. Emerald jumped at his sudden appearance, hand clasping the hilt of a curved dagger. "Hey, easy! I give up!" He threw his hands up in surrender, his tail wrapped tight around the branch above her. Assured there was no danger, she sighed.

"You are not privy to my thoughts." Roman. She wanted to add.

"Alright. Nice reflexes by the way! If I'd meant you any harm, I bet you might have nicked me pretty good." She raised an eyebrow at him.

"And are you a betting man?" Emerald asked. He grinned.

"I might be. I do enjoy the thrills of risky gambit."

"That explains why you persist in annoying in me." She countered. He whistled, low and steady.

"Just because Legatus Ironwood sent you doesn't mean you can disrespect your superiors like that," he said playfully.

She huffed in annoyance. "When I see one, then I'll be concerned," she spat. He chuckled, the sound like the thrumming of bowstrings.

"If your strange knives are as sharp as your tongue, I fear for any man who wrongs you." She glared at him, but the smile never left his face.

"We are on watch, you know," she said.

"There is nothing out there that would threaten us. The smell of our steel would give pause to all but the largest gimm-packs." He said. "To say nothing of brigands. We could chew them up and spit them out like alley dogs scrapping over a bone." Typical Roman arrogance. If I didn't have a message to deliver, I could slit all your throats in seconds.

"Regardless, I'd prefer to sit my watch in silence." He gave an upside-down shrug.

"Suit yourself, Emerald." He ascended, his tail swinging him away from her in a manner of moments. Prick. She sighed again, looking out over the forest. At least now it was truly silent. No Roman faunus blabbering at her, no crickets, no birds, just the soft rustle of wind through the leaves.

Wait. Fuck.

"Sun!"

"I know!" He said, reaching for his horn. The woods were never quiet. The crickets never stopped their chirping sound. If she learned one thing with the Cherusci, it was that the woods are never still. Sun blew the horn, waking the small camp and startling the horses. They nickered and snorted, whining from the sudden noise.

Metal rang out, swords sliding free of scabbards.

"What is it?" The red-haired man cried, gladius in hand. "Sun, what's wrong?!" A screeching roar answered him, swelling out from the bushes, accompanied by the clatter of skittering insect-legs.

"Emerald!" Mercury said, worry spreading his eyes wide.

"I don't know either!" She shouted, knives drawn. Could it be… no… they were just younglings… barely spawned.

The woods erupted into chaos. Splintered branches and shrubbery burst forth from the darkness, bending before the might of a fully-grown Deathstalker. Its enormous claws snapped and clattered, its legs scuttling with horrific jerking motions. Its jaw unfolded, dripping with corrosive spit and letting loose an unnatural screech. Above it, a stinger waved and wobbled, glowing bright orange.

"By the gods," a Roman cried, "what the fuck is that thing?!" No. This wasn't right. Cinder's hatchlings shouldn't have grown so fast. This species of grimm was native to Persian and Egyptian lands… Why is one stalking around central Gaul?

The thing filled her with fear. Its eyes! By Wodin, its eyes! Eight orange orbs, unblinking and set in the bone-white of its body. Nothing looked more unnatural to her, more full of uncaring hate.

"EMERALD!" Sun cried, grabbing her arm. He hauled her out of the way of the rampaging beast, pulling her aside in a flash of red tunic and scruffy blond hair. She tasted blood as her teeth bit into the softness of her tongue.

The Romans screamed in fear. The Deathstalker trilled at the sound, and the noise made Sun shudder against her. She sprung up, helping Sun to his feet.

"Up! Get up!" She bellowed.

"Right!" The Deathstalker paused in its assault, facing down the row of shields with snapping claws and clicking tusks.

"Twins deliver us!" A Roman cried. "What manner of beast is this?!"

"What do we do, Sun?!" The blue-haired boy shouted. Sun drew his gladius, anger furrowing his brow.

"Get Fallia and Ashwood clear! Hurry!" They never had time to obey, as the Deathstalker launched its attack. Its stinger struck like lightning, catching the rounded edge of a Roman shield. The sheer force splintered the scutum, the point sinking home into the Roman's neck. He gurgled in surprise and fear, blood coursing from the wound. Poison ate his flesh away, steaming and smoking as it ran down his chest. He tried to scream, clawing at his boiling neck-flesh.

"MARCUS!" Sun screamed. The Deathstalker chittered with glee, rushing forward to claim its prize.

"BASTARD!" The red-head roared, hacking away at the outstretched appendage. He was a big man, and the blow bit deep into the black carapace. It shrieked, battering at him with the blunt edge of its claw. He rolled aside, his teeth bared in feral rage. Sun wore the same expression, teeth biting deep into his lip, spilling a trail of blood down his chin. Emerald's eyes flicked over him in surprise. He'd worn nothing but a playful smile in the four days she'd known him, and this new anger was… unnerving.

"Scarlet! Keep it distracted!" He bellowed. The red-head obeyed, slashing at the beast's insectoid legs. The creature roared, turning about to face its attacker. Its claws hammered the ground, each impact missing the nimble Roman by inches. Only instinct and practiced skill kept him alive. "Sage!"

"Already on it!" The green-haired man replied. He was dragging the wounded soldiers away.

"Well?" Sun addressed his soldiers, pointing at the grimm with his sword. "What are you dogs waiting for?" He cried. "For Rome! For Glory and for Marcus! Forward!"

"AYE!" His men bellowed as one, storming forward to meet their foe. Emerald charged as well, screaming in german. What came over her, she couldn't say. Fury filled her heart and set her blood afire.

The Deathstalker roared, snapping its claws at the swarm of Romans. Pila crashed against its chitin, scraping off and clattering into the night. Emerald ducked under the swipe of its claw, feeling her hair rippling from the wind of its passing. Her daggers rocketed forward, digging into a gap in its armor. It barely noticed, skittering back a few paces, away from this sting of blades.

"Come on, you big bastard!" Sun bellowed, scooping up a shield, ringing his sword against it. He turned to his men. "I'll distract it; you take it from the side!"

"But Sun!"

"Shut your mouth Neptune, and do as I say!" Blue-haired trident-boy obeyed and gripped his namesake, knuckles white in the dim glow of the fire. Wait… the fire!

"Mercury!" Her brother was close to the fire, and caught her glance in a second. He hurled a torch at her, and she caught it deftly. She was too late, as the Deathstalker struck out with its wounded stinger. Sun shifted, liquid given faunus form. The tail soared to the side, and he hacked at it with a scream of exertion. It split away, and black ichor flooded from the stump. The noise the grimm made set her hackles shooting out through her tunic.

"You like that, fucker?" Sun cried. His men attempted to attack the creature, but it shrugged them off, dancing around them as it bled onto its back. "Mars and Mara, give me strength!" He cursed. A claw jutted forward, closing around a roman shield. It splintered under the force, mulching the woman's arm into a mass of bone and blood. She shrieked, battering at the Deathstalker in her blind agony. The gladius did nothing as it pattered against the grimm's armored appendage.

Emerald darted forward, torch in hand. She waved it at the creature, hoping to distract it. She succeeded, and the creature dropped the screeching woman to face her. It bore down at her, tusk-fangs clicking with rage. Wait… what the fuck am I doing? Why am I distracting this thing?! I should've grabbed the horses with Mercury and bolted!

Too late to flee now. She hurled her torch at it, where it struck its largest eye. It made that horrible squealing noise again, flailing out at her. A black mass of carapace struck her, sending her tumbling against the hard-packed earth. She skidded to a halt, pain filling every pore of her being.

Her lungs sucked for air, and the stars mocked her with their brightness as she stared upwards, fighting for breath. Blackness ate at her vision. She couldn't breathe, and panic surged through her. Her chest hitched and wavered. Around her, the shouts of battle still raged, but they seemed far away, leagues away. They could be in Syria for all she knew.

Blood covered her front. Roman blood… that soldier that the claw had claimed. She was still screaming, but Emerald wasn't sure where she was.

"Emerald!" Mercury. Brother. Grey hair filled her vision, and breath filled her lungs, fighting away the nausea and ringing, sucking pain. She gasped and spluttered, reaching for her daggers. They were gone. "Emerald!" Mercury hissed again. "We need to get out of here!" I was just thinking the same, brother mine. He hauled her to her feet. "Hurry!"

The Deathstalker screamed, one of its eight legs weeping blood. A trident had been jammed into it, the blue-haired boy behind the weapon with a visage of pure hatred. Scarlet threw his leader a pilum. He caught it, rushing forward under the assault of chitinous limbs. He was like a dancer in how he moved, lithe and graceful. With an impetuous roar, he hurled the javelin into the grimm's unfolded jaw.

"Let's go. While they're distracted!" Mercury said. Emerald shook her head.

"Can't."

"What?!"

"That thing's got our scent. It'll chase us down no matter how fast we are. We kill it now, or it'll kill us later." She spat, the metal tang of blood kissing her tongue. The Romans were not faring well. Many had been battered aside by the creature's flailing, and lay sprawling in the dirt. It was only a matter of time before the beast killed them all.

The Deathstalker backed away, appraising the situation. Its claws clashed against each other, black ichor spilling from a dozen wounds. Chips off a brick building.

Emerald saw the glint of metal in the firelight. Her daggers. She scooped one up, pain lancing up her side as she did so. Wodin, if my ribs are broken… She didn't have time to consider the implications, as the Deathstalker resumed its attack, both claws hurtling for Sun's tiring body. She hurled her dagger at it, under its attack. It buried itself up to its hilt in its eye. It stopped its advance, agony ripping another unearthly cry from its wounded maw. Its weight still continued unimpeded, crushing into the Decurio and knocking him aside.

"To me!" Scarlet cried, dashing forward to the side of his friend. Sun struggled to rise, but found he could not.

Emerald limped over to her other dagger. A weapon. Anything. She had a purpose, a task to perform. Cinder had given her a duty to fulfill, and it did not lie in getting devoured by a grimm… no matter how giant.

The scouts formed a wall of cracked shields around their fallen leader, bellowing at the Dealthstalker, rattling their shields with righteous anger. The grimm hacked at them, but found no purchase. Emerald's hand clasped her second dagger. The other one had fallen free, but it was too close to the grimm's clattering limbs. Her fingers closed around the blade. A short, chuffing laugh escaped her. How useful a bow would be.

The sound of shattering ceramic pierced the night, accompanied by a smell that assaulted her nostrils, rank and choking in its acrid, bladed edge. The Deathstalker retreated in confusion, retching noises leaving its horrid mouth.

A torch flew forwards, catching the beast on its back. Green fire burst forth, blinding and bright as the Sun. Emerald shielded her eyes from the sheer glare. She should have covered her ears, as the shrieks the creature made would haunt her dreams for weeks to come. It sounded like the screech of furies, come to wreak their havoc upon the mortal world. A smell assaulted her, the rank and pungent stench of roasting grimm.

She stumbled over to the Romans. Many were vomiting. Even Sun lost the contents of his dinner, spilling yellow bile onto the forest floor. Emerald gagged too, tasting blood and bile surge up her throat. Biting it back down, she sat, sucking in deep, reeling breaths.

"What the fuck," she panted. "What the fuck just happened?" Those were no regular flames. They were as green and bright as her lime-colored hair.

"Greek fire." A stranger said. She looked up at the source of the noise. A woman sat in the fork of a tree above them, clad in night-black rags, coated in bloody war-paint. Her hair was bound into a tight bun, but a band of yellow locks hung in front of her face.

Three other forms melted out of the emerald-tinted shadows. One was the tallest man Emerald had ever seen, his eyes hooded and beady-black. A thick white scar ran across his neck. One was a rabbit-faunus, her comically over-sized ears at odds with the hard and unyielding glare she wore. The last man was blind, looking out at the forest with pale unseeing eyes. They all wore black.

"Who are you?" Emerald challenged. The leader slipped down from her perch. Sun was a dancer, but this woman put his grace to shame. She seemed to move, while not moving at all. Her comrades fell into place behind her, framed by the burning corpse of the Deathstalker.

"The first Exploratores Detachment…" Sun managed, wincing. "Grimm-Hunters." Emerald looked at them again. Grimm were forged by the night-goddess Luwilo as a plague, night-stalkers that sowed fear into the hearts of mortals.

Those that made them their prey were among the most dangerous people alive.

"Sun." The lead woman said.

"Coco," he replied.

"Are you hurt?"

"My men. My men need help first. See to Cassia. She's been grievously wounded." The Coco woman snapped her fingers, and the faunus woman left to deal with the screaming Roman. "My…" He grunted. "My thanks."

"I would not thank us." The blind man said. Emerald shivered in the night air. What does he mean by that?

"That creature's been wreaking havoc across the countryside." Coco said, eyes flicking over to the smoldering grimm. Its legs crumpled and twitched, curling in towards its belly. The smell was tremendous. "Fox. 'Hashi. Smother the flames before we set the entirety of Gaul aflame." They nodded, spinning on their heels. Emerald gritted her teeth. Romans, as she found, were full of surprises. Coco appraised her, cocking her head quizzically.

"You aren't with the Exploratores."

"I'm a herald from Legatus Ironwood." She nodded. "Why should we not thank you?" The blind man's words sat ill with her.

"You were our bait. The creature could not resist such a meal. Which is why we funneled you here, where the trees better supported our ambush." Sun roared, throwing a fist at her. She stepped under it, grabbing his arm and throwing his body over her shoulder. A dagger pricked the skin under his chin, all in a heartbeat. The scouts snarled, stepping forward with their weapons.

"Bait! You bitch! One of my men lies dead!" He bellowed. Emerald found herself sympathizing with his anger. To be used in such a callous manner rankled her deeply. Coco's reply was calm, measured, but tinged with sadness.

"My apologies. That was not our intention. This creature's speed surprised us." She stood, releasing Sun from her hold, he stood, rubbing his eyes and wiping blood from his mouth. He spat in anger, not willing to meet her eyes.

"What in the name of the Gods is it?" Neptune asked, eyes raking over the corpse.

"It is a Deathstalker. A horror from the land of Judea and beyond." Coco replied. "Not many grow to this size, but those that do are feared throughout the lands. It is many, many leagues from its home territory. I fear as though something terrible lurks in the shadows."

"I feel the same." Sun said, his words angry and clipped. "But we should discuss it later. My men are tired and wounded. The Legion should be in Lugdunum by now, and we must reach them with all available haste."

"I agree. We should be off as soon as possible," Coco replied.

Emerald collected her daggers. A great bruise was forming across her chest, purple and angry in the dying glow of the great green fire.

"Are you well?" Sun asked, clutching his side.

"I will live. Look to your own men," she said. He smiled a sad smile.

"I shall. Thanks for your help." His arm reached out, and she took it, shaking with what feeble strength remained. "You fight well."

"As do you."

She accepted a skin of wine from Mercury, wiping away the blood-red beads of liquid that ran down her neck as she gulped at it.

Rotten Romans. She thought, watching Sun order his men about. Brave as boars, the bloody fools.

A/N: I have so much fun writing this, it's a damn shame I can't return to it as frequently as I'd like. Also, for everyone who's still with me... thank you so much! The reviews I get keep this fic going, so each and every one helps. I'm even more stoked to see how well it's being received! You guys are the best! :D

Also, TEAM CFVY, EVERYONE!

Glossary of Terms:

Wodin: The ancient german predecessor to the Nordic god Odin. They share similar realms of influence, and are both considered the 'head god' of their respective pantheon. If I'm incorrect on this, please let me know.

Luwilo: An OC germanic goddess that serves as the opposite of Sowilio, an actual germanic sun goddess. Here, she is the goddess of the night, of dark woods, and nightmares. Respected (and feared) as the one who made the creatures of Grimm.

Anachronisms, issues to address, and other misc. addendum.

Greek Fire: A mysterious substance whose recipe has been lost to time. It was said to burn a sickly green, and even set the waves themselves aflame. The napalm of the ancient era, and more commonly reserved for use in naval engagements. It's also showing up way, WAY earlier than in actual history, as the first recorded instance of its use is in 672 AD... a full 600 years after this story takes place. I'll handwave it by saying that the first recorded instance of a flamethrower is actually around 424 BC, proving that even the ancients got their rocks off devising ways to set people on fire at a distance. I'll also say that some chemical knowledge in this version of Roman history has been massively jumpstarted by the discovery of Dust.

Grimm Desiring a 'Meal': Just a reminder that grimm don't eat people because they need to, it's because they want to. In this case, the Deathstalker was large and crazed enough to think it could devour an entire Exploratores detachment.

The Deathstalker Battle: Not gonna lie - I had a ton of fun writing it. I really enjoyed seeing how ancient humans tackle grimm without the benefit of aura or semblances. This one went fairly realistically (I think), but I'd love to gather some feedback on it if it didn't go the way you thought it should. Also, it was only a hair larger than the one showed in Episodes 7/8 of S1.

Deathstalker having Poison: I mean, why not? So far, it hasn't been shown what happens when you get stung/bitten by one, but I imagine the results aren't pretty.

REVIEW REPLIES:

Adepta Kate: I hope it kept your attention, then! Thanks for tuning in! :D

Inquisitor Azreal: Every time I write a chapter, I end up doing the same thing... It's stunning how much better it is after mods/updates!

GreatWyrmGold: I'm glad to see you're still with me! Always enjoy getting your reviews! And I agree about the graffiti! It's somewhat reassuring that after 2000 years of history, people's dick-drawing ability hasn't diminished...

Guest: I did have a lot of fun crafting the Schnee family history... glad to see you enjoyed it! And as for the younger son, he remains blissfully unaware. He's actually a decent human being too, if still a tad ruthless.

Guest: Sorry I almost drove you nuts... it's important to read the notes/glossary section! Other than that, I'm thrilled to see you're enjoying the story. :)

The Night Hunter: Ave, friend reader!

OBSERVER01: Ooh boy... we'll see how things go! But yes, I thought it was rather fitting. I'm glad to hear you enjoyed Albus!

Gafgar: THIS GUY. EVERYONE READ THIS GUY'S REVIEWS! Seriously man, always love to get your input and expanded information. I know a lot, but not as much as you. Always grin to see your latest review in my inbox. As for the Liennus' surprisingly accurate family... let's just say they've replaced the Munatius family, but their ages/duties have changed a bit. Ren's father founded Lugdunum, but did not reside there, pushing his colonization duties farther north into Central Gaul. Again, awesome info!

Mintskittle: I've decided to leave it as is. It would take too much work to change it now, and the whole "I MUST PROTECT WINTER" thing's pretty important for Weiss' character... not that her being older makes it impossible, just a tad weaker.

zackknight1265: I have no comment.

PRAETORIUM: Salve, friend historian! :D

MrTerrorist: I'm thrilled you're enjoying it so much! I'm having a blast figuring out who goes where, and how they'll play into the story. :) Interesting premise about the Fem!Caesar thing, but I don't think that... type of story is for me. And I'm very much in agreement! I wish I had more time for this.

kamonwan9952: I'm thrilled you're bringing so much enthusiasm to the story, even if it's not really what I intended... Oh well! Glad you're a fan!

Rampant Poultry: Happy you're liking it! As for your comment, it's something I've gotten a lot, and something I'm struggling to work on. Hopefully it gets better as the story progresses.

Next Chapter: Finally... Lugdunum! :D