Author's note – This chapter was also updated, more heavily (apologies if the older readers preferred the previous version). However some of this was written nothing like how I wanted it, writing that felt rushed due to emotions over an old fling. Also music will not always relate to how I wrote chapters, sometimes it will be just what I spammed while writing them.
Updated Music: All That Remains – Two Weeks
II. Spark
A familiar aroma filled Annalise's senses as she tipped her chalice tentatively against her waiting lips. Blood spilled forth, coating her tongue in an intoxicating flavor. She savored every sip–her mind falling into a trance while she extracted the blood's essence. Annalise ran her fingers gently over her reddened lips, feeling the smile curl upon them.
"Thine offering is well received." Annalise praised.
She lifted herself from her throne and placed a pale hand on her navel, dragging her fingers over the silken black dress. She gazed down at the knight knelt before her.
"Yet with every offering that is presented to me, none have provided me a child." Annalise's smile turned into a displeased frown as she proceeded down the steps towards the waiting knight.
"M-my apologies Queen Annalise, we hunted down the prey just as you asked. Why none have granted you the child of blood you seek, we know not." The knight stuttered.
He faltered in his stance at her approach. He began to tremble when Annalise reached her hand to his hip, taking the Chikage from the sheath resting there.
"With each day my end draws near, would thou seest my bloodline cease at myself and Maria?" Annalise questioned, before placing the blade against the knight's neck. "The only way to have a proper Vileblood heir to Cainhurst is if one is blessed through my being by blood's sweet embrace. So tell me why this blood has not granted me a child?!" She spat.
Annalise slowly pressed the sword into the knights neck. She enjoyed the muffled cries he gave as she drew his own blood to the cold open air.
"I do not know my Queen, please! Perhaps beast's blood is not what you seek?" He begged.
Annalise removed the blade and placed it under his chin, forcing his face to meet hers. Her blood stained lips parted in a faint smile.
"Perhaps… No matter how many times I extract the blood's essence my body refuses to harbor a child. Maria does not covet the throne, and nor does she desire blood, despite all the power it holds." Annalise admitted.
She removed the blade from the knight's chin, before turning her back to him. She waited, and pondered on his words.
"Thus it is left to me to carry on the Vileblood legacy… Change must be made."
Annalise spun around, and in an instant the knight's own blade struck through flesh and bone, sending his head rolling across the floor. Annalise chuckled softly as she dragged her tongue slowly along the bloodied blade. She relished the new taste along with the revitalizing feeling it provided. The extraction of this blood's essence shook her very core, filling her with more strength.
"Delicious. I would have more." Annalise grinned.
She dropped the blade at the knight's bleeding corpse and ascended the stairs back to her throne. She gestured the servant over with a curl of her fingers.
"Remove his body, and see to it that his blood fills my next chalice." Annalise commanded.
The servant lowered her head into a bow before backing away from the smiling Annalise.
"My sweet Maria… If only thou could embraced the true heritage we lay claim to."
Maria watched over Luvenia's knelt form in confusion as she reattached the cape over her left shoulder. She dragged her fingers across the ripped fabric there in a daze. The regenerative effects of the blood vial the Hunter had given her continued to repair the deeper parts of her once torn flesh. Maria was thankful the Hunter had shown up when she did, otherwise she would be clutching not at a mere wound, but a lost limb.
"Luvenia… You have my thanks for saving my life." Maria smiled.
She dropped her hand from her shoulder to reach into her pocket. She pulled out a small, empty vial of her own before kneeling down to collect the beast blood that soaked the wood beneath her. "But for what purpose is a Hunter searching for me?"
"Pardon me, allow me to explain." Luvenia said. She lifted her head and began walking towards Maria, watching her with curiosity as she worked so carefully on her task. "I have been in search of a mentor, for my Chikage. Seeing that Cainhurst is the origin of this weapon my search naturally started here." she continued.
"How did your search lead to me specifically?" Maria questioned, corking the vial before lifting herself to fully acknowledged Luvenia as she spoke. She frowned, unable to connect the relation, or why Luvenia had now been currently laughing.
"I visited the very same man you did earlier this afternoon, what was his name… Alvis? I asked him if he knew anyone that fit my criteria just days ago. He had quite the colorful language when he described you before giving me your name." Luvenia continued to chuckle when Maria pinched the bridge of her nose between her fingers in frustration.
Just how much did Alvis tell this woman? And why did Annalise let our image fall this heavily to the people?
"Although among his many opinions, he mentioned that you are one of the most skilled knights he has ever seen. So when I saw you exit his home I ran after you, and here we are." Luvenia concluded.
"I see… I may not be able to teach you myself Luvenia." Maria spoke while she lowered her hand from her face "I am not versed in blood blades like Chikage, but perhaps my aunt could point you in the direction of someone who is?" She suggested, pulling out her pocket watch to check the time. "Perhaps we could discuss this matter more at my home? The hour grows late."
"Of course, it would be an honor." Luvenia bowed before following Maria.
The two spent most of their journey back to the castle in mutual silence. Maria had been distracted with thoughts of Annalise's recent actions. For the past several weeks– no months, Annalise's attitude had changed, she became more reclusive. But not only from the lower city's troubles, but from her own home, from even her niece… What had caused this change? She was so distracted that she hadn't even noticed they arrived at the castle until Luvenia engaged conversation.
"You reside within Castle Cainhurst?" Luvenia asked, impressed. Taking a moment to regard Maria's tensed shoulders.
"I do." Maria returned with a curt nod. "Had Alvis not delved that far when speaking with you?"
"Surprisingly no…" Luvenia turned her head away from Maria, sighing when she noticed Maria's annoyance "Forgive me, the man let his words fall freely after I said your name, I promise I requested nothing more then your location so I may speak with you."
"It's quite all right, I do not mind Luvenia. It does not surprise me the lower city thinks this way of me, or anyone from this castle." Maria gave a small smile. "Alvis and I were just never on very good terms with one another, I did not mean to snap."
The two woman entered through the main doors, Maria watched Luvenia's wondering eyes light up in excitement. She spun herself around in slow circles underneath a chandelier, marveling at the castles décor. The red carpet beneath her boots felt plush as snow when she walked along it. The dim light cascaded down to the dark tile, giving it a vibrant shine.
"Have you never ventured inside a castle?" Maria asked, laughing quietly at the child like innocence lighting up Luvenia's eyes.
"No. Where I am from it is mostly residential streets with a few chapels spread throughout, it does not compare. I understand now why you carry yourself with such royal authority." Luvenia smiled at her before turning her attention to a nearby servant setting up candles along the main hall's floor.
"Since you have been inquiring about me for what you claim was a few days, may I ask where you hail from?" Maria laughed softly. She continued to watch Luvenia explore.
"I was born and raised in a town called Yharnam." Luvenia answered before wondering over to one of many statues in the room with them. She fixated upon the statue with a mother holding a small child in her arms.
"The name is familiar. An order of Hunters resides there, do they not?" Maria moved to follow Luvenia. She found herself enjoying the different atmosphere Luvenia's energy created, opposed to the usual bleakness this tiresome castle caused her.
"They do." Luvenia turned her head to nod. "Although our order is very small, I expect that will change with the notice that beasts are becoming more of a common occurrence." Luvenia added as an after thought.
"Beasts? Like the one we saw at the pier?" Maria's eyes filled with countless questions when Luvenia nodded.
She jumped when a knight spoke loudly behind her.
"Lady Maria, we have been awaiting your return. The Queen has requested your presence at once." The knight reported before rushing his way up the stairs next to them.
Maria sighed, guessing Annalise was of a mood after watching the knight move so quickly. They feared any delay on their part would further anger their Queen. Maria beckoned Luvenia with a wave of her hand, before following after the knight. They proceeded through the crowded halls towards the throne room–watching both servants, and knights run about with blood vials in hand. Had something happened to Annalise in her absence? She moved quicker to the throne room, pushing open its heavy doors once she reached them. The two women entered to see Annalise speaking to one of her servants.
"Dispatch the knights at once." Annalise commanded. She turned her head when Maria entered the room and smiled. "Maria! I am glad to see thou returned to me. Tell me how fared thy hunt?" Annalise chimed.
She made her way towards Maria, while gesturing another servant who was scrubbing the floors to leave. Maria was relieved to see her aunt unharmed and in a rather chipper mood.
"It fared well only thanks to this Hunter." Maria turned and extended a palm out to Luvenia. "Had the woman not shown up I fear I would have perished."
"Thou art hurt?" Annalise place her hands in Maria's and began turning her in a panic, checking for signs of injury.
Maria shook her head and whined in protest trying to reassure that she was unharmed. After a few minutes, and countless reassurances, Annalise lowered her arms and directed her attention to Luvenia.
"Is this the Hunter thou speaks of?" Annalise asked. She began walking slow circles around Luvenia, looking her up and down.
Luvenia remained still in awkward patience when Annalise reached her fingers up to run them through her short black hair. She glanced over at Maria with a pleading gaze,feeling uneasy at both the visual and physical dissection she was under. Maria attempted to take her Queen's attention from Luvenia by taking the blood vial out from her coat pocket.
"Aunt Annalise, this is the blood you requested me to collect." Maria said quickly.
Her Queen turned with an almost lusting gaze upon the vial Maria held. Annalise snatched it from her before making her way back to her throne, beckoning them to follow her. Maria noted Luvenia's mouthed "thank you" before she dropped to her respective bow, with Luvenia mimicking poorly. As Annalise took her place upon the throne, she gazed into the blood vial, spinning it around gently in her fingers. She uncorked the bottle and placed it against her eager lips, letting the blood pour forth.
"Thine blood offering is exquisite." Annalise praised. Her eyes locked to Luvenia's knelt form, smiling. She noted the Chikage resting at her hip. "I would know more of thy company, Maria." She continued, sipping slowly from her vial, testing the flavor as if it were a rare wine.
"This is Luvenia, a Hunter from Yharnam. She happened upon me during my hunt–saving my life. She has ventured to Cainhurst in search of a mentor for her Chikage." Maria reported.
"The woman wields a Cainhurst weapon?" Annalise asked curiously.
She remained still, gazing at Luvenia with hungry eyes. The blood she had been sipping tasted not of one, but two beings, she now understood the other must be this Hunter's use of Chikage. She found herself enjoying it, wishing that she could discard the foul beast blood that paled in comparison.
"Speak Luvenia, I would hear the explanation from thine mouth." Annalise demanded.
"The weapon had once belonged to my mother, she left Cainhurst in her youth to be with my father in Yharnam. After her retirement she left me this Chikage in which I picked as my weapon when I became a Hunter." Luvenia replied.
"So thou returns to Cainhurst in order to wield such a beautiful weapon. If thou seekest blood training I have many knights at my disposal for such a task. But be warned, blood weapons are difficult, especially for young Hunters such as thyself." Annalise offered.
"I fear you mistake my intent, I do not seek training in use of blood. I seek training in wielding Chikage effectively without relying on blood. Or at the very least, blood management." Luvenia clarified.
Annalise frowned with disappointment. Luvenia had reminded her of Maria in her youth, when she claimed refusal to use her own blood on Rakuyo. Annalise regretfully parted with her blood wine before lifting herself from her throne. She began slowly descending the steps towards Luvenia as she spoke.*
"Then there is only one person within my walls that can mentor." Annalise chuckled.
She placed the tips of her fingers under Luvenia's chin, lifting her blue eyes to lock with her auburn ones. Luvenia felt her previous anxieties rise with the hungry stare she was given. Annalise smiled at her discomfort before turning her head towards Maria, releasing her grasp on Luvenia's tensed jaw.
"Maria is the best mentor, if thou wishes to use thine blade without blood."
Luvenia gave Maria a quick glance, curiosity lining her eyes. Maria returned with a smile, she enjoyed the thought of spending more time around Luvenia's lively personality. She had felt so lifeless being confined to this castle and could use the company.
"If you would allow it aunt Annalise, I would be more then happy to mentor Luvenia." Maria almost pleaded.
Annalise hummed. "It's quite pleasant to see thee making new friends, Maria." She chuckled softly. "I will allow it my dear. The hour grows late, come now take thine leave and do the honor of showing Luvenia to her quarters." Annalise commanded, walking towards her own room.
"Seems as though our paths stay crossed, in truth I am interested in the coming days. You're a rather breath of fresh air this castle hasn't seen in a long time." Maria smiled, extending her arm to show Luvenia to the exit.
Luvenia was shocked at the compliment, watching as Maria walked across the marbled floor. She followed after her, smiling at the thought of finally having a mentor for her weapon.
They walked through what felt like countless hallways until they reached what she presumed was her guest room. Maria opened the door to allow Luvenia inside. The child like curiosity filled her eyes once more when she saw the massive bed that could fit at least 5 people sitting in the middle of the room.
"Ah! It has been ages since I've slept in a real bed!" Luvenia chimed. She made her way across the plush carpet to feel the silken sheets neatly folded on the beds surface. She almost didn't wish to disturb its perfection.
"You should get some rest, we will begin training tomorrow morning. After all, I owe you for saving my life, Luvenia." Maria smiled, happy that someone in this castle was acting normal, acting… human.
"As you wish, Lady Maria." Luvenia bowed, "But know that you were never in debt to me, Hunters are meant to save who they can."
Maria bowed politely in return, hearing the pride in Luvenia's voice before shutting the door to Luvenia's room. She took only a small walk down the same hallway to reach hers, happy that she could soon collapse into bed.
She entered her room and locked the door behind her, leaning against the hard wood for several minutes. The days events had been… Unexpected in the least. She pushed herself away from the door and began taking off her brown leather boots, placing them next to her wardrobe. She reached up to her left shoulder, removing her cape before unbuttoning her brown coat. Her hand lingered when her fingers brushed against the Lumen flower brooch resting on her small white scarf.
She gently removed it, placing it in the drawer next to her bed. Maria remained a moment, her hand rested against the handle. Faint memories crossing her mind.
Maria slowly pulled away, and collapsed in her soft bed. She rested her face into the feather filled pillow, enjoying the comfort she now felt. It didn't take long for sleep to take hold of her exhausted mind, she was prepared to face whatever nightmares plagued her this time.
Yet another cold migraine… Damn it.
Wincing in pain, Maria rested both of her palms against her eyes. She started to feel like avoiding sleep altogether would be preferred to these nightmares…
"I said stay out of my way! I care not that Annalise asked both of us to bring it back. The glory is mine alone Neil!" cried out a female voice.
"You would fall so low as to cast me aside?! Annalise will not play favorites, you've seen what she does if one of us fails, Alma. Its better if we work together to bring what she needs." a man replied to her in the same shouting tone.
Maria removed one of her hands from her eye; she gazed up at the stone ceiling above her, annoyed with yet more shouting outside her door. Her teeth clenched when their argument continued. She exhaled slowly through her nose before lifting herself from her bed. She calmly made her way to her wardrobe and pulled her garb out. She dressed in a patient manner, listening to the two knights bicker away. Maria lastly picked up Rakuyo and relieved it of its sheath before opening the door to her room.
She exited to see both knights still at each others throats. Maria sighed, pulling her pistol Evelyn from the holster at her right hip. Now holding Rakuyo in her right hand and Evelyn in her left, she pressed forward, her brown leather boots clicking loudly against the tile. The knight remained so unaware of her presence, until she pressed Rakuyo against the mans neck, pushing him back from the woman. Maria's pistol pressed against the woman's chest as soon as she had the room to maneuver it.
"L-Lady Maria?" Alma stuttered.
"I have had enough!" Maria yelled, making both knights jump.
"Apologies Lady Maria, we did not mean to-" Neil started.
"I do not care, whatever quarrel you two have it ends now." Maria hissed. "What has you bickering like children?!"
"Queen Annalise has requested a certain… wine, my lady." Alma lied quickly and knelt before Maria.
"You mean to tell me that is all?! Then go purchase the damn wine as commanded!" Maria continued.
"Understood Lady Maria, apologies for disturbing your rest." Neil bowed.
Neil and Alma gave each other a sideways glance, sharing a nod before rushing out of Maria's sight. Maria sighed, something so simple shouldn't have been cause for argument. She turned on her heel and halted once her eyes caught Luvenia leaning against her rooms door frame, smiling at her.
"Impressive how easily you can whip them into shape, am I to view such a sight with our training today, Maria?" Luvenia chuckled.
"I would hope with less yelling." Maria said flatly.
"Do not fret, unlike the knights I have no plans to frustrate you further today. Shall we then?" Luvenia extended her arm towards the hallway behind her.
Maria sheathed her sword and pistol before joining Luvenia for a walk. Luvenia remained silent as they proceeded through the bustling halls, it was unsettling to Maria to see the castle filled with knights now fighting amongst one another. The mentioning of the blood wine reminded Maria of the beast blood she returned with last night. Was Annalise not sated with the offering she supplied her? Annalise hardly ever requested beast blood more then once a week, what changed?
"Would you care to discuss it?" Luvenia asked cautiously, worried that taking Maria from her thoughts would upset her more.
"I apologize for what you saw in the hallway earlier, the knights here are not usually so brutish towards each other." Maria sighed.
"Do you know of any reason why their behavior has changed?" Luvenia asked, her brows curving in sympathy.
"It was around the same time Annalise began ignoring Cainhurst's low town…" Maria said, bringing her finger to her lips in thought.
"Alvis had spoken of that before our meeting, I did not wish to upset you by asking to further elaborate past events." Luvenia gave a gentle smile.
"I understand your caution." Maria smiled back, "However I am happy to lay your curiosity to rest. Alvis had been accurate in his feelings towards me, and much of the nobles that reside in Cainhurst Castle. I suppose Annalise has been ignoring her people for some time now." Her smile turned to a deep frown.
"What of you?" Luvenia asked, seeing the answer already apparent on Maria's face. She chose to ask anyway.
"I'm sure you know the answer to that question." Maria guessed.
"So you stayed your hand as well?" Luvenia pressed for the answer.
Maria stopped abruptly, gripping hold of Luvenia's arm as she did so.
"Know that I did not wish to. This knowledge was unbeknownst to me until recently" Maria said firmly, giving Luvenia a hard stare. "Come, the training yard is just around the corner."
Maria pushed open two wooden doors, revealing a spacious courtyard. The terrain was flat, grass cut low, perfect for unhindered combat. The yard was empty, testing anything and everything Luvenia's skills had to offer would be easier this way. Maria gestured Luvenia to take position across from her, taking hers a few feet away.
"I want you to show me everything you know, with and without blood." Maria ordered.
"Wasn't the point of my training to avoid using blood?" Luvenia questioned.
"Yes, but I wish to see exactly how you fight should you find yourself in need of Chikage's true nature."
Luvenia frowned, "Understood."
Maria drew her Rakuyo, Luvenia her Chikage.
Maria made the first move, thrusting forth her sword at Luvenia. Gauging how she would react when advanced on without warning. Luvenia blocked, but only barely. Rakuyo's edge slid along Chikage's, the blade now resting against Luvenia's cheek.
"Fast reaction, good." Maria praised.
Maria jumped back, pulling the dagger apart from Rakuyo.
"Come, show me that you can wield your Chikage better then any knight within these walls." Maria dared.
"As you wish, Lady Maria." Luvenia grinned.
Luvenia pushed herself forward, swinging Chikage down on Maria. Maria crossed her sword and dagger, halting Luvenia's assault. The blades chimed together with the sound of grinding metal, neither woman faltering in their strength. Maria twisted herself and her blades, knocking Luvenia's sword arm back. She placed the tip of Rakuyo against Luvenia's neck.
Maria sighed, "You rush with only brute strength in your attacks, you require more patience and discipline." She lowered her sword, taking a few steps back. "Again, but this time with blood."
Luvenia nodded, placing Chikage in its sheath. Her blood siphoned inside, coating the katana in thick crimson. She crouched and looked up, holding her position. Maria waited patiently, curious to see how Luvenia would advance at this distance. Maria saw a faint smirk cross Luvenia's lips before a flash of red blocked her sight.
Instinctively— Maria moved to the side, narrowly avoiding the thick line of blood that crashed passed her and into a nearby wall. She watched as Luvenia's blood dripped from the now cracked stone, impressed at both the power and distance Luvenia was able to cover with the true use of Chikage. Maria turned her attention back to the Hunter, noticing the ragged breaths she displayed.
Maria smiled. "I see now. You are unskilled in the use of Chikage normally, but also in the use of your blood."
"I missed once, it will not happen again." Luvenia gritted her teeth.
"You misunderstand. The problem does not lie with your attack itself, it lies with theamount of blood you use." Maria clarified.
"And what solution would you suggest?" Luvenia sighed. She jerked her sword arm to the side, sending what little blood that remained on Chikage to the grass.
"Temperance. You need to control how much blood you place on Chikage's blade, you rule your weapon and your blood, not the other way around." Maria offered. She turned herself to fully face Luvenia. "Again."
Luvenia slowly re-sheathed her Chikage, focusing intently on the amount of blood she allowed to coat the blade. She closed her eyes, waiting patiently. Slowly… slowly…
Luvenia drew Chikage once more, the blade's edge carrying only half its length in blood instead of its entirety. She held the blade high in front of her, eyes lined with excitement.
"It worked!" Luvenia shouted, her knee's shaking in both exhaustion and joy.
Maria walked her way towards Luvenia, halting once she reached her side.
"Good, now I want you to aim for the same spot." Maria requested.
Luvenia crouched once more; her left hand extended towards the wall, and her right wielding Chikage was pulled back. She focused on the spot she had hit before, carefully lining up the mark. With a swift motion she thrust her katana forward, sending out another— thinner, line of blood. This time the impact was enough to cause a small hole in the stone.
"Well done, Luvenia!" Maria cheered.
Maria looked over to the now kneeling Luvenia, her Chikage planted firmly in the dirt as she held herself up. Maria leaned down next to her, placing a gentle hand upon her back.
"Luvenia?" Maria called out, worried.
"I'm fine." Luvenia assured. Her breathes more ragged then before as her whole body shook.
She reached for her pocket, taking out another blood vial and injected it into her own leg. Luvenia let her hand fall, along with the now empty vial, before her body collapsed into the grass.
Rushed footsteps echoed upon the low town's streets. Blood lust soaked the atmosphere in the heat of Alma's and Neil's pursuit. Their prey now backed against a corner, panting and bleeding.
"What the hell is wrong with you?!" The stranger cried out. "You attack me like I am some beast! I am a respected scholar of Byrgenwerth!"
"Oh we know." Alma said, giving him a twisted smile. "We have been looking for you ever since your arrival was made known."
"I do not understand, what do you want from me? Money? I-I have coin from the Church itself if that will suffice." The Hunter pleaded.
"No scholar, we desire something more from you, a different currency of life." Alma chuckled.
He clutched at his wounds while a small puddle of his own blood formed beneath him. He fell to his knees, looking up to both of the Cainhurst knights with weary eyes. Neil approached him, grabbing a fist full of the scholars hair before jerking his head back. His neck now fully exposed to the sword that Alma now had pressed against his skin.
"Do it." Neil commanded.
Alma giggled in joy, as she pressed the blade further into the Hunter's throat, eliciting a loud cry of pain. She held the blade there, listening to him whimper in agony.
"J-just kill me… P-please… Why make me suffer?" The man pleaded softly.
"Why? Because I enjoy it." Alma smirked.
"Alma we don't have time for your games, let us finish our task and see to it that Queen Annalise gets what she desires." Neil demanded.
"Ugh fine." Alma pouted.
She sliced the sword deeper in the scholar's neck, hearing his cries fade the farther she pushed into his flesh. The mans body slumped lifelessly to the blood soaked stone. Alma laughed madly, pleased with her demented work.
"Quickly find the vial and help me dispose of the body." Neil said as he began searching through the scholars pockets.
Once he found the vial he pocketed it before taking a step back from the corpse. Alma joyfully tossed her lantern on the scholar's corpse, continuing to cackle away when his body went up in flames.
"Come, we need to leave before anyone discovers the fire, and us." Neil whispered.
Alma nodded, following after Neil's rushed movements. The two were unaware of the company that lurked in the shadows. The cloaked figure retreated from their spot, making their way to a nearby building. The figure pushed open the wooden door, entering some form of abandoned inn. Taking a seat but a lit fire, they removed their hood before speaking.
"The reports are true, Master Logarius." The young man spoke."However, two knights have just cut down the scholar and made off with the vial."
"I see… This is a troubling discovery Alfred." Logarius replied.
"How should we proceed?" Alfred asked.
Logarius remained silent for a moment. "Hm… I would have conference with the ruler whom leads them, I wish to hear their reasoning for this heresy before action is taken."