This is my first Claymore fanfic. It is AU and there is some OOC since it is the early days of Miria. Hopefully I'll be able to do the character development good enough through the story. First chapter will serve as a prologue as the real story will begin at chapter 2. Hope you enjoy it.
Disclaimer: I do not own Claymore.
Empire of the Heavens
Chapter 1: Arrival
Act 1: Residents of Cior
"It is not that complicated. You enter the town, find the yoma, slay it, then leave." Ermita looked right into the young girl's silver eyes. This time he had to make sure she understood the procedure.
The young hybrid warrior looked down on the ground breaking the eye contact. She seemed a little embarresed and dissapointed.
"Sigh... You don't need to declare to the whole town that you're 'human' like them and that they shouldn't be afraid of you. Putting aside the fact that you're technically not human; it is practically impossible to convice simple people to overcome their fear of yoma and everything related to it."
The warrior finally blurted out of her silence "But, they should trust us!" She was holding a weapon tightly; a sword that she earned just two weeks ago. A claymore; the very weapon that gave these nameless half human, half yoma warriors a name.
Ermita stood his ground, not being effected by the fact that the girl was on the verge of crying "No buts... You have to keep your mouth shut during missions. Speak when only necessary and maintain self control..." He then made his next move to douse the fire which was her rebellious attitude "Though I have to admit, you did controlled yourself pretty well when the villagers started throwing stones at you last time."
"You didn't have to remind me that..." The memories of that unpleasent incident had cleary calmed her down.
The man in black knew now it was the time to win her again with a little sympathy "Look, I know it is hard to accept you're different, but this is reality. Don't worry. You probably won't be assigned there again, since they refused to pay..." the last part of the sentence was said in a whisper.
After a few minutes of silence the young warrior stood up. This time she spoke with determination in her voice "This time I'll do things right." She wore her armor and hanged her massive sword on her back. Then she spoke to her observer once more "Do I need to know anything else before I leave?"
Ermita was caught off guard, but he remembered something of importance. "Oh, yes! If they happen to offer you the payment, which seems to happen just too often, just say that I'll pick it up later on. Without mentioning my name of course." After all, this was her second mission; and although she managed to slay the yoma in the first one, recieving the payment somehow turned into a philosophy lecture about humanity. "Wait for me here after you finish the job."
The girl answered cheerfully "I'll see you before night then." The half human, half yoma warrior began walking eagerly towards the small town of Cior.
"Good huntings number 41, Miria." He said just as she got out his sight. A few moments later he heard a voice behind him.
"That kid... She's spirited, but unfortunately an idealist as well. She'll have to learn the hard way."
Ermita turned to face the owner of the voice "Rubel, I didn't expect to see you here." The man in black raised an eyebrow and spoke with caution "Why are you here?"
"I was curious about the infamous troublemaker. Even the elders took notice of her after the ruckus she caused in Gibar."
"Well, I do remember a few similar cases when the Organization was still young. They eventually learn their role in this world, one way or the other. Yet, Miria is different..."
"Anyway, do you think she can handle this job alone? Rumor has it that Cior has become a yoma hive." Although he knew the answer, Rubel still waited for Ermita's response.
Miria's observer answered in sarcastic tone "I don't put much stock in rumors. I rely on facts."
Rubel could almost see Ermita smiling behind his cowl. He tried to make him admit his true intentions "What was the 'request' exactly?"
"Just a single yoma in the town. Shouldn't be much of a problem even for her." Ermita especially emphasised the last part of the sentence in order to change the subject.
Rubel decided to play along. "Even her?" After all he already found out the true nature of this mission.
Ermita thought about it for awhile before he answered "I don't think she would have risen above number 30." This was his honest opinion.
Rubel spoke as he adjusted his spectacles. "Is that so? That's hard to believe. I heard from the trainers that her speed is quite close that of low ranked single digits. I am aware that speed alone is not enough, but she could have improved in the future..."
"Yet, the way she was trained would have been her downfall eventually." Said Ermita with pure confidence in his judgement.
"Hmph, I guess you're right. This is completely Rado's fault." Thinking about the Rado's unorthodox method of training caused Rubel to snap with frustration. "What was he thinking!?"
Unlike his colleague, Ermita was calm. "I'm sure Rado had his reasons back then." He knew Miria wouldn't trouble them anymore.
The sun was rising high in the sky as morning turned into noon. Miria had been walking for two hours ever since Ermita's briefing for her next mission. The town of Cior was founded on a large plateau and from this elevation the scenery of the plains below was simply captivating. Despite her discipline, the warrior could not help stopping for a few minutes to absorb the endless green of the western plains, the smell of countless flowers, the cool touch of the breeze, and the sound of... silence.
Something was amiss. Miria looked at the empty fields as she resumed her walk towards Cior. 'Farmers should be working hard these days; it is harvest time. Perhaps the yoma attacked again early this morning, causing everyone to lock themselves in their homes.' Despite her self-reassurence, something still wasn't right. 'Why isn't it suppressing its yoki?' The young warrior wondered if some yoma were that confident.
Miria now could see the buildings of Cior, which lied half an hour walk ahead of her. The town looked deserted and there was no sound belonging to humans or human activities. Due to the lack of space the buildings were tall and streets were narrow. 'Living here must be interesting.' This was the first time Miria saw a settlement larger than a village. The young girl wished she could stay here for awhile after her job. Yet, memories of Gibar haunted her once more, plus she was sure that Ermita would keep her busy.
The half human, half yoma warrior was thrilled as soon as she entered Cior. She started to examine every detail of the town. 'Built on the only mountain passage that connects western and eastern provinces, this must be a thriving town. I wonder what kind of goods they trade here?' In the eyes of the yoma slayers called Claymores, Miria's view of the world was quite eccentric. She payed attention to things that her comrades ignored; but unlike her, other hybrid warriors would never drop their guards down while on a mission.
Miria was relieved when she finally saw some people gathered in the town center. They were talking but there was no heated discussion concerning the yoma. The young warrior checked the surroundings throughly for danger for the first time since she entered Cior. 'There seems to be no yoma around. Perhaps my estimation was wrong-' Suddenly she stopped; at that moment Miria realized the wind had been blowing behind her towards Cior. 'No... How could I've been so careless?' Only now standing close to the source, the hybrid warrior could smell the foul scent of blood and rotten corpses. Miria began to feel nauseous; caused not only by the smell but also of the realization of the situation. 'All this time I have been sensing the combined suppressed yoki of all these yoma!' There were at least sixthy yoma in disguise before her, and more throughout the town.
The crowd slowly faced their unfortunate victim. The yoma had known about the silver-eyed witch's presence ever since she stepped on the stone pavements of Cior. The terror in her eyes could easily be seen. One of them let out an evil laughter, soon joined by the rest. They slowly began to encircle the frozen slayer, enjoying the moment she became aware of her approaching doom. Before the half human could snap out of it, all yoma began to change into their true forms. They burst out of their clothes as their muscles expanded, hands turned into claws, skin colour became dark green, and eyes turned into yellow cat-eyes. A rather large yoma threateningly displayed its razor sharp fangs with saliva dripping from them, soon to be replaced by red blood.
'So, it was destined to end like this. There is nothing I can do. Maybe I can end my life before they can. If only I could move... I... I don't want to die. Not now... not so young... not as a failure...' Tears flowed from her eyes. Denying her end yet not being able to do anything about it, that was what made her cry silently. Miria fell onto her knees, paralyzed in fear.
Her silver eyes stared blankly into the horizon, as if looking into the world beyond.
Her mouth partially opened as if trying to speak out her last words.
Her hands and arms opened wide, as if she was praying one last time.
Her sword clanged as it hit the pavement, as if a gong announced the end.
Miria finally accepted the inevitable.
Yoma waited, savouring each and every second of the fatalism in those silver eyes. The monsters held back their lust for blood till they were satisfied. Then the circle narrowed slowly. Just as they were about to leap on her the largest yoma roared, causing the others to stop. "The killing blow is mine. You can tear her corpse into pieces afterwards." Rest of the yoma grunted, but obeyed him nevertheless. They retreated a few steps, leaving enough space for the large yoma to carry out the execution of the silver-eyed witch. Afterall it was his loss. They would be the ones taking her body parts as souveniers. Silver eyes being the grand prize.
Miria fixed her blank stare on the big yoma with its roar. A shadow fell on the half human's face as the hulking creature raised his claw. At that moment her eyes saw a similar pose from a different person replacing the yoma before her, a memory from the past. Now she saw a young girl, probably twelve years old. Her two-handed sword raised high, ready to deliver the finishing blow. Just like the yoma...
Miria fell on her back; the young trainee had bruises and cuts all over her. She began to cough blood as she tried to stand up. It was no use for pain surged through her entire body with every movement; she had been incapacitated. A shade covered the sun, as her opponent stood right in front of her. Miria tried to see her opponent through her swollen eyes.
Both girls were about the same age. Athough, due to her height and rather odd facial expression, Miria's opponent did look older. The girl, although a trainee herself, had been assigned as Miria's trainer and today was their first sparring session. And now it was coming to an end; with Miria beaten to a pulp and her trainer not having a scratch on her.
Miria's trainer was preparing for the finishing blow. Her grasp on the sword was adamant, her stance perfect, and her eyes glowing in silver despite the bright sunlight. She covered her face in fear. But the last strike never came. When Miria gathered the courage to look at her a hammering slap nailed her down, almost breaking her neck. Her trainer sighed and then spoke with a gentle voice.
"Miria, do you know the most important thing in battle?"
"...Strength?..."
"Sure, strength is important. Yet, it is not the most important thing."
"...Skill?..."
"Skill is important too. But still the wrong answer."
"...Is it wits?"
"Important once more, yet again not the answer."
"Then what is it?"
The trainer waited until she was paying full attention. "Courage."
Miria remained silent upon her answer. The tall girl kneeled right beside her. The trainee turned her face, avoiding eye contact. Her trainer spoke in a gentle manner "Think about it. You won't be able benefit from the things you listed earlier should fear control your actions." She then lowered her face near to her's and whispered in her ear. "Can you even begin anything without it?"
Miria tried to fully comprehend the importance of courage in battle. She thought about her sparring with her trainer just now. All she did was staying defensive, never attacking and always hesitant in her moves. She was right, every move she made were limited in fear.
"I promise,. I won't allow fear dominate me ever again."
"Good... Then what are you still afraid of?"
Miria hesitated, for she was afraid. But nevertheless she slowly raised her head and for the first time faced her trainer. Eventhough her expression was serious as usual, Miria could see the smile in Galatea's eyes.
The large yoma brought his claws down, in less than a fraction of a second the half human's head would hit the ground. Suddenly he saw a flash and stopped his attack. Something was wrong. The yoma looked at his prey with disbelief "It can't be!" The yoma slayer was holding her claymore and most of all the blade was resting on her left, covered with blood. Yoma blood...
A heart beat... Blood flowed through the yoma's veins and reached his right arm. First a thin line of blood appeared on his wrist, like a bracelet. Then with pressure the blood pushed his right hand away from the arm and flowed freely from the open wound. The monster's cry of pain echoed throughout the city.
To be continued...
Next act is 'Chase in Cior'.