*Phoenix walks in with Blaze, a baby with deep red hair and eyes swirling red and yellow*
Hello dear readers I'm back again with Terror of Death, Huntsman of Remnant.
Now this chapter takes place after a heck of a time skip, since I'm just gonna to assume Yang is 17 in canon(Because I haven't found anything saying anyone's actual age) This chapter takes place when both Yang and Haseo are 16, and in a rather different setting than Signal or Patch. Or even in Vale for that manner.
[[]]
[Chapter 2: Tournament]
[Ruby's P.O.V.]
"Come on Haseo!" I called knocking on Haseo's door rapidly, "You don't want to miss the airship!" I shout.
"I'm coming Ruby, I just had to make sure Lost Epitaph is in working order." Haseo said opening the door.
He had silver hair, which was a little odd considering his parents but dad said his mother had silver hair so whatever, that was pushed up and parted down the middle giving a rather clear view of his forehead, his red eyes stood out on his face, he wore a black leather chest piece that left his stomach and shoulders exposed with two belts as a collar and three belts going diagonally across his chest, he had black leather sleeves that still left his shoulders exposed and these sleeves each had six belts on the upper arms and I could see six more belts on the lower arm before his black and red outlined gloves covered his hands, he wore thin black leather pants with three belts at the top of each of his thighs, he wore black and red outlined knee high boots than folded down back halfway down his calves and said fold was split down the front so you could see five more belts on each boot.
"Seriously Haseo why do you wear so many belts with that?" I asked.
"They're mainly what's holding this outfit together really." Haseo said reaching back into his room to grab Lost Epitaph, a greatsword that has a chainsaw function that can change into a chainsaw scythe. However as he did that I noticed two more weapons sheathed at the back of his hip, I couldn't tell what they were through their scabbards, but knowing Haseo they probably have a chainsaw function.
I can kinda get why he puts so many chainsaw function in his weapons, they tear through Grimm armor like no tomorrow.
"Well whatever. Come on Yang, Dad and Uncle Qrow are waiting to get going." I said grabbing my big brothers arm and dragging him out of his room.
"Whoa! Ruby easy there? What about Zwei?" Haseo asked.
"Zwei's coming with us, duh." I said, "Oh almost forgot Crescent Rose!" I gasped and used my semblance to dash back to my room and grab it.
[Haseo's P.O.V.]
[Mistral arena]
"Oooh I can't believe you got invited to participate in this tournament!" Ruby squealed hugging me.
"Easy there Rubes." Yang said, "Uncle Qrow simply sent an offer because one of the original participants broke a leg and Uncle Qrow just happened to be there."
"I know, but I'm so excited!" Ruby squealed.
"Ruby calm down." I said, "You're right by my ear."
"Oh, Sorry Haseo." Ruby said hopping off me.
"Haseo Branwen to the competitor wing, Haseo Branwen to the competitor wing" A woman on the P.A. called.
"Well that's my cue." I said, "See you two later." And with that I went to the competitor wing.
[No P.O.V.]
[In the Competitor wing]
"Haseo?" A woman said under her breath.
Said woman had long pink tied into two massive pony tails, each one separated by a band with a armor piece tied above the bands making her hair curve upwards then back down instead of going straight down, and the ends of her hair was tied off with bindings that had a small charm hanging off the ends, she also had two stands of hair dangling in front of her ears, each bound by stings. a pair of glasses cover her brown eyes. Her attire was rather revealing, being a red cloth strapless bra- like artile of clothing the also ties to her neck with white fabric, a pair of shorts that cover the back well, but leave a majority of her front revealed her privates covered in a way that makes it look like a pair of panties rather than shorts. Her hip had red leather guards strapped to the sides of her hips. The front of her legs were well armored compared to the rest of her with red leather going almost all the way to her hips and strapped at the top, covering the front of her legs, but leaving the back exposed, below the knees were metal shin guards that were tied to her lower legs with many straps, she also wore a pair of red high heels.
"Does that mean Skeith has come with him?" The woman asked herself, "I hope nothing causes Tarvos to go berserk again."
"Did you say something Pi?" A girl with green eye's and red hair tied in a single ponytail wearing a Greek themed hauberk asked.
Pi looked at the speaker and grew a soft smile, "Nothing important Pyrrha, now go out there and do your best." Pi encouraged.
Pyrrha nodded, "Alright sis."
[Haseo's P.O.V.]
[Arena]
"Alright ladies and gentlemen, it's time for the First Round!" The male announcer called, "In the red corner, a visitor all the way from Patch, give it up for Haseo Branwen!"
With that I stepped into the middle of the arena, where I heard a good portion of the crowd cheering, I decided to give them a small wave.
"And in the blue corner, three time Runner up, Azure Kaito!" The announcer called.
This caused my opponent to step into the ring and I chuckled internally at the resemblance to Azure Kite.
The kid was my age and had short light blue hair under a deep blue cap, he wore a deep blue vest and had brown bandages covering his stomach area with two knife scabbards at his hip with the weapons in them. he wore deep blue pants with belts to keep the scabbards secured to his legs and black bandaging around his shin keeping his pants tight and brown sneakers.
"Good luck." Azure said drawing his weapons, a pair of large daggers with small gap at the tip and a barrel in the center of the blade with curved handles that had triggers on them.
"Same to you." I said pulling Lost Epitaph off my back, I slammed it forward to re-aquatint myself to the weight before swinging the massive sword behind me and revving the chainsaw.
"Let the match begin in 3!" The announcer called, Azure held his blades just like any twin blade in 'The World', one held in front of him and the other behind him.
"2!" I tensed my legs to dash forward.
"1!" Azure narrowed his eyes in preparation.
"GO!"
[.Hack GU- Victory must be grasped]
I charge forward and slammed by sword down on Azure, who jumped back from the massive weapon before running back it to slash at me, however I blocked it with using the sheer size of my weapon and activated the chainsaw function, causing sparks to fly.
It was then I noticed the daggers were coated in blue flames, 'Seriously what are the odds?' I thought.
I pushed Azure off of me with a shove and made a low slash that caught Azure by the boot, tripping him. While he was in the air I slammed down with my sword, turning off the chainsaw as I did to avoid doing any over kill damage that might cause permanent damage.
Azure was crushed by the blade but quickly kicked away, however he had lost one of his weapon.
"Not too shabby." Azure said, "But I'm done messing around." With that his remaining knife split open at the edges revealing a pulled back string.
The knives were also crossbows, and he began firing off bolts at a fast rate, each bolt was coated in blue flames.
Rather then blocking them I ran to the side, toward his dropped dagger, avoiding the flaming bolts and when I reached his dagger I kicked it as far away as I could.
I then quickly ducked under a fireball and hit the shift mechanism.
In Greatsword mode Lost Epitaph looks like a typical rounded point Greatsword with chainsaw teeth for edges, however when shifting the two edges quickly shoot out past the tip before clashing together, then the blade segments before tilting forward and the joints of the segments bend slightly and lock into place to make a scythe blade, turning Lost Epitaph from greatsword to scythe.
"Take this!" I shouted lunging toward Azure and swung the scythe upward, completely disarming him.
"Not good!" Azure gasped and sent another fireball at me, this one I was too close to dodge and took the hit point blank.
But it was worth it to bash him with the shaft of my scythe then while he was stunned I lunged past him and held Lost Epitaph to his neck, activating the chainsaw feature.
"Crap." Azure to himself before slowly raising his hand, "I yield!" He called.
[End OST]
"Our Winner for the first round is Haseo Branwen!" The announcer called.
[No. P.O.V.]
[In the stands]
"Well done Haseo." A smooth voice said, "Wouldn't you agree sister?"
"I'll admit it does take a bit of skill to force Azure into submission, Endrance." A girl with white hair tied in a bun agreed.
"Winter that was just downright brutal how Haseo fought." A younger white haired girl said, her hair in an off enter ponytail.
"Brutal, yet efficient Weiss." Endrance said, 'I will not dare get on Haseo's bad side this time, I don't want to lose her again.' he thought afterwards.
[In Vale]
A young man with long blue hair tied in a ponytail was glancing at the TV while a slightly older woman with brown hair wearing a beret was forcing the blue haired man to wear an outfit she was making.
"Hey sis, looks like that Haseo took out Azure." The blue haired man said.
The woman looked toward the TV to see Azure held at scythe blade holding his hand up, "Well I'll be damned, where is this kid from Kuhn?" The woman asked.
"The announcer said he was from Patch, it's that small island off the coast of Vale Coco." Kuhn said.
"And given his age he might be joining Beacon next year." Coco said, "Now hold still, if I'm going to make you a tuxedo for the dance when you get to Beacon after you graduate your combat academy I need to be accurate."
"Aww come on Coco, why can't we just buy a tux?" Kuhn groaned
[In a remote town outside the walls of Vale]
Two figures watched the screen through a window like so many around them.
One of the figures was a dark skinned girl with brown eyes and brown neck length hair, she wore a white blouse under a brown corset, with a brown neckpiece that continued to cover most of her back, she had a bronze shoulder guard on her right shoulder and a bronze bracer on her left arm, she had on a very short white skirt over black tights to cover her hip, leather leggings the covered her thighs, and bronze high heeled boots covering the rest of her legs, strapped to her back was a staff with a Ruby on the tip.
The other was an older man with light blue hair a red glasses with his lower face covered by a long blue scarf, he wore a tight light blue woven shirt with white sleeves that were folded up to the elbow, ha had on white pants that had on brown straps at the upper thighs, and blue boots, stapped to his back was a short U-shaped sword and a long rifle-like gun with an edge on the lower area.
"So... The Terror of Death has arrived as well." The man said.
"Is he one of the... Epitaph users too big brother?" The woman asked.
"Indeed he is Amber." The man said, "Haseo bears Skeith, just as I bear Corbenik."
"You think he can with the tournament Ovan?" Amber asked.
"His body hasn't fully grown back to it's peak condition so it's hard to say, unless he were to use Skeith." Ovan said, "Then no-one would stand a chance."
[In Vale]
In a single living room two women sat at a couch, both blonde.
One was taller, wore a white blouse that covered her upper body, a black vest to cover her midriff, black tights, and black calf high heels and wore a purple cape tattered to look like mystical flames.
The other was shorter, wearing a large round white hat that had a green tag on the left side, a light green dress that went down to her hips and left her arms exposed, she wore green separate sleeves that spread open to large cuffs near the hands, on her hips she wore a puffy set of shorts, she also wore thigh high white boots with golden heels, on her back was a white cape that had a feathery look at the bottom.
"I can see what Ozpin meant when he considered letting Haseo enter beacon next year." The older one said.
"So he'll join next year with me mom?" The younger one asked.
"Correct Atoli... unless he gets himself held back a year." The older said, then her scroll ringed, "Hello Professor Ozpin."
"I assume you are watching the tournament Glynda?" Ozpin asked.
"I am, and I see what you mean about him Ozpin." Glynda said.
"I would normal try to invite him into Beacon now, but I doubt he'd be willing to skip ahead one year and leave both his sisters behind." Ozpin said, "However I can feel that what we saw was not his full power."
"Can you really trust that mans word Professor?" Glynda asked.
"Ovan may be a mysterious man, but given Amber can claim he isn't lying then that means Haseo is something special." Ozpin said.
'Skeith.' Atoli thought.
[Haseo's P.O.V.]
[Competitor Wing]
"Way to go Haseo!" Ruby cheered literally clinging to my back and giving me a death grip hug.
"Nice job bro." Yang giving me a light punch on my shoulder.
"It wasn't too hard to be honest, his style is kinda simple, but sometimes simple is the most dangerous." I said.
"Yeah that's true, with simpler weapons or styles you don't have to think as hard about how to use them, and can focus more on the fight." Ruby said.
"So are you planning on using Skeith if things get dicey?" Yang asked.
I looked at her for mentioning that, "Yang I told you, I don't want to use Skeith unless I have to-" I said.
"Or when you're practicing in private." Ruby added.
"-Because I don't want to risk any possible enemies finding out." I finished.
"And that Dad and Uncle Qrow told you keep quiet about it." Yang said.
"Oh right, Yang, Uncle Qrow said he was getting us some popcorn and cookies for the next match. Come on let's go!" Ruby said dragging Yang off.
I chuckled at the antics of my sisters. "Nice to hear you're being responsible with Skeith, Haseo."a familiar voice said.
"This is Remnant, everyone's got the potential to beat an Epitaph if they are prepared for it you old hag." I relied jokingly.
"I'll have you know Haseo that I'm only 22." Pi said.
"Whatever, so why are you here Pi? Did Yata get reborn too and your following him?" I asked.
"Haseo I haven't even heard that there were other Epitaph users reborn aside from myself, so imagine my surprise when I follow my sister in for her third tournament match and I hear the name Haseo Branwen over the intercom." Pi said, "And then your battle with Azure only proved it was you."
"Well imagine my surprise when I see you on the TV in the Patch Martial arts competition while I'm in bed sick with a glass of milk and a funny cat poster over my head." I said.
"What?" Pi asked confused.
"I dunno, my dad has a weird process for curing colds." I told her, "So Pi Nikos, how's your sister doing?"
"Fairly well, I can safely say that you won't have an easy time beating her without using Skeith." Pi said.
"Well I don't have a real reason to become champion this time, so I'm fine if I get beaten." I said, "Speaking of Skeith, is Tarvos with you or..."
"Tarvos is back with me yes." Pi said, "I've only told Pyrrha because she caught me practicing using Tarvos, how did your sisters find out?"
"When I first summoned Skeith several years ago protecting them from some Beowolves." I said.
"I see, well I hope you don't mind but I need to watch my sister's battle." Pi said.
[Final Round]
"Alright it's time for the Final Round!" The announcer called, "In the Red Corner we have Haseo Branwen!"
There was a larger cheer for me that I had ever heard in the previous rounds.
"And in the Blue corner, Our two time Champion, Pyrrha Nikos!" The announcer called and the cheer turned into an uproar.
"Nothing personal whoever loses alright." I asked pulling Lost Epitaph free.
"Yeah, it's just like sparring right." Pyrrha said pulling her weapon off her back.
"Yeah, except we're getting judged by half the world." I joked.
"I suppose so." Pyrrha said.
"BEGIN!"
[.Hack GU- Victory must be grasped]
Pyrrha started the battle by throwing her shield at me, I bent myself low to dodge it, and it worked to my advantage as it made it easier for me to rush toward Pyrrha.
Pyrrha, much to her credit, seemed to adapt quickly and shifted her sword into a rifle and fired at me, however despite the weight of my weapon I am rather agile and managed to dodge each bullet.
When I got close I swung my weapon upwards, yet strangle it felt like something was trying to push it aside, it was enough that Pyrrha managed to dodge with ease.
'Telekinesis?' I thought, bringing my weapon up to block Pyrrha's next attack.
When suddenly I felt her shield strike me in the hands, loosening my grip on Lost Epitaph and giving Pyrrha the chance to kick me in my exposed gut, causing me to fly off without my weapon.
I looked behind me to see a chip in the floor where Pyrrha's shield chipped it.
'If it hit hard enough to bounce back at me at the same speed she threw it the shield should have been buried in the floor.' I thought getting up, 'She must be using her semblance subtly.' I thought reaching behind me and pulling out my spare weapons, Cursed Wave.
A pair of large black daggers with an inward curve and, save for the tip, lined with small teeth for the chainsaw function, a trigger on each grip.
However I already hit the transformation switch, causing the blade to fold at a 90 degree angle, then they pooped forward a bit and the blades went down another 90 degrees, giving a safe distance between my fingers an the teeth with a guard extending out for further protection, from point the blade bent down a gun barrel could be seen and the gap the blades once occupied in the barrel was filled in by a slip of metal.
Without wasting a second I began firing the semi automatic weapons as fast as I could, which thanks to the clip size and how the triggers were designed the fire rate one could easily mistake the for machine pistols if I fired fast enough.
Pyrrha's eye went wide and quickly brought up her shield to block the bullets, setting her weapon to it's rifle mode and fired back.
I ducked the shot and ran forward, pausing only to reload my weapon. This gave Pyrrha the chance to rush me as well.
We traded several blows, each time it felt like my weapons were getting pushed aside, and I finally figured out why when I tried to kick her and felt the buckles of my belts getting tugged.
'She's like a living magnet.' I thought, just it time to get bashed by her shield in the gut.
However I took this change of me doubling over the tackle her, then grabbing her while she was stunned and judo flipping her over me.
Of course this kinda backfired on me and she kicked my legs out from under me, then right as I fell onto my back she put the point of her weapon at my neck after pining my arms by her legs.
"You give?" Pyrrha asked huffing.
"Not my style." I said jerking my knee up and causing her to tumble forward, her blade scraping my Aura, but it was a sacrifice I'd deal with.
While she was still stunned at my recklessness I took the offensive and made one big strike on her back.
What I wasn't expecting was for her to grab my arm after she dropped her shield and effectively threw me out of the ring, but what she didn't think I would do would be to drop my dagger and pull her out of the ring with me.
"AND THAT'S THE MATCH!" The announcer called.
[End OST]
"Ladies and Gentlemen we have a tie! Both Haseo and Pyrrha have fallen out of the ring!" The announcer called, "If they so wish they can have a rematch in one hour, or they can choose to share the title of champion!"
"I'm okay with sharing the title if you are." I said holding my hand out.
"I'm alright with it." Pyrrha said shaking my hand, "We will share the title!" She then called.
"I agree with this!" I called afterwards.
"You heard them folks! We have two champions this year, Pyrrha Nikos and Haseo Branwen!" The announcer called.
[]
"You did awesome Haseo!" Ruby cheered as she clung to me after I received my half of the prize money.
"Thanks Rubes." I said hugging both my sisters.
"You did good holding up so well against my sister." Pi said walking up to us with Pyrrha.
Yang then gasped at the sight of Pi, "You're Pi Nikos, I was there during your match at the Patch martial arts tournament three years ago!" Yang gushed, "Can I please have your autograph?"
"And you're a Huntress too, can I have an autograph too?" Ruby pleaded jumping off me.
"Siblings." I chuckled.
[[]]
Alright everyone that's it for that chapter.
Now I know some people may have noticed a lack of two Epitaph users, and no I didn't forget about them.
I'm just not sure where and how to use Yata and Sakubo right now, or if I want to give their avatars to someone else so for now I'm holding off on them.
Anyway see you all whenever.