Hey guys we do hope this new chapter is to everyones liking, along with this I would like to address the shoehorned in intro that was present in chapter 3 that was something I and my co-writer had thought up and also my fault for not placing in chapter 1 or atleast at the end as a sort of extra bit. Also yes I know we are not writing an anime it was added so some fans can atleast get the idea of what we have in store along with how this will diverge greatly from rwby as a whole. Besides that we do hope you enjoy this chapter and it feels right to both fans of Dark Souls and RWBY alike.
Chapter IV: An Uneasy Truce
Wulfrick's eyes and those of Ozpin's never left the others gaze for a single moment, the silence that followed with it was almost unbearable as even with James, Glynda, and Qrow being in the room as well meant nothing to these two men. Ozpin was the first to make a move as he encircled Wulfrick who had been remained chained in place with four Atlas mechs guarding him. He knew this was indeed the thing that killed the gods of their world and here he was now at his mercy, Ozpin had thought of this moment for so long to finally end the being who had caused so much misery and suffering, the being who had wiped humanity out and rendering magic as no more than a mere fairytale to Remnant.
Wulfrick's eyes had stayed fixed to Ozpin as he watched the man encircle him he knew the man was judging him silently however his gaze turned to Qrow whom he hadn't realized was apart of this. However, then the thought of being knocked out by someone who had helped him felt slightly annoying as he knew Qrow shouldn't have been able to harm him. The moment of thought was cut short with Ozpin speaking alongside with James Ironwood.
"Oz I still suggest having him locked aboard my ship till such time we can transport him to Atlas."
"James, what makes you think holding him there would be any different than here ?" Ozpin said looking back to Wulfrick.
"My ship has fully trained soldiers, state of the art mechs and security. We can ensure this thing can't harm anyone else ever again."
"Hahaha !" Qrow said as he couldn't hold it back. "You think he's scared of your little tin men, I've seen what this guy can do Jimmy and he is everything Oz says he is."
"Except you, three fools can't grasp the simple comprehension that I'm not responsible for whatever it is you think I did, or has people's intelligence only diminished in my absence ?" Wulfrick said.
"Silence you !" Glynda used her riding crop to smack Wulfrick across the face.
Wulfrick looked at her as his wound healed. "I've been hit far worse by things bigger then you and I'll let you in on my secret they were far more intimidating than you."
Raising her riding crop again to strike she was stopped by Ozpin. "Glynda that's enough, don't give into his childish taunts."
"Besides we have questions that still need answering. Qrow what do you have to report about the creature you and it faced in the forest ?" James asked.
"Well for starters it was more than capable of holding it's own against me and Wulfrick. Along with the-"
Ozpin interrupted. "Wulfrick ?"
"Yea that's what he said his name is. Besides I'm sure you don't want to keep saying it over and over again."
"Just proceed Qrow, we don't have all day to play around," James said.
"Fine Jimmy. Anyways the creature was more than capable of facing me and it was strong, more strong then any Grimm I've seen. However, Wulfrick managed to kill it with ease with that fancy blade of his."
"Tell us what exactly are these creatures? We need their strengths, weaknesses, and what other capabilities they could possibly have." James said looking at Wulfrick.
"What makes you think you will make a difference even if I do tell you ?" Wulfrick continued. "From what I've seen so far you lot don't stand a chance against what attacked me and Qrow."
"You would be surprised what we can do. Now explain what was that thing ?" Glynda said.
"Fine then I shall." Wulfrick said. "The creature we faced was a being of the Abyss, yet it was heavily changed as if corrupted by something, not of its own making."
"Continue." Ozpin said narrowing his eyes.
"The creature though resembling a human of the Abyss it wasn't of it like mo-"
"Wait a moment you mean to say that thing was human !?" Glynda interrupted.
"Yes or... it was at one point yet something has happened to cause it to become what we faced. I myself have never seen anything of its ilk become like that or move as fast as it did."
"What of this Abyss you speak of ?" Ozpin said focusing on that point.
"Yes well, it's rather a complicated matter. Even I know little about it other then it was from where the Darkwraiths reside alongside the once primeval man who created the first record of the Abyss, that being Manus Father Of The Abyss."
"Whom exactly is Manus? Is he a threat to the kingdoms ?" Ironwood asked.
"No. He long since passed from this world however the Abyss remains due to unchecked humanity, it is the physical manifestation of dark and with unchecked humanity, it can consume without relent." Wulfrick said.
"What do you mean by unchecked humanity? Are you saying humans caused these things, these Darkwraiths to exist ?" Glynda questioned.
"No, I am not. The Darkwraiths are the purest form of humans to serve the Abyss, they absorb humanity from their victims to give to the Abyss, beyond that I know not what becomes of it nor should you." Wulfrick said looking to her.
"You, however, said the thing you and Qrow faced was not like others of it's kind correct? Then can you explain what may have caused this change ?" Ozpin asked.
"I cannot if I had the answer then I would give it. However, if the Abyss is at work then you all won't stand a chance against it, nor the horrors it will unleash."
"Do you know what's at stake if you do not cooperate with us ?" Ironwood said.
"I have nothing to lose if I don't but go ahead and try convincing me to change my mind anyway."
Before James could lay a finger on him Ozpin stopped him. "James no. Listen Wulfrick to much has happened already to ignore this new problem if I make you a deal will you help us ?"
"What sort of deal ?" He asked leaning in to hear him.
"If you assist us in dealing with this threat these corrupted poses. Then I shall be willing to have you remain here in Beacon Academy under strict watch, you will be granted a room to rest if you so require."
"Ozpin you can't really be suggesting this !?" Ironwood said.
"You think offering me free bed and board will get me to help you? I suggest you try a bit harder."
"That's all I can offer you. Unless you having something you require ?" Ozpin said.
"I require only to be allowed to go where I wish at all times, and not being restricted to the campus grounds." He said.
"That can be arranged with Professor Goodwitch." He said as he nodded to her.
"I can work with that. However, I believe there's a catch to this whole thing ?"
Ozpin looked to James to which he nodded speaking for Ozpin. "You will be monitored by one of my specialists at all times to which they will report back on what you've been doing. Along with whom you speak to understand."
"Very well. Now can I please be unchained at once." Wulfrick said.
The mechs had undone Wulfrick's restraints and upon being freed he was escorted out of the tower by Glynda leaving behind Ozpin, James, and Qrow to speak alone to each other.
"So can either of you please explain who's gonna keep an eye on tall, dark and spooky besides I know I'm the one not on that list." Qrow said.
"He'll be monitored closely by my top specialist, once she arrives she will make sure whatever he does or speaks to is reported back to me and Ozpin." James said.
"Ok but still who is it g-" Till it hit Qrow in the face hard. "Oh no. Not her anyone but her, she will bust a gasket before the end of the festival dealing with him."
"Yes, Winter will be in charge of keeping an eye on him, besides she had wished to come to Beacon to see her sister. So I allowed it, killing two birds with one stone as the saying goes." James said.
"Oh joy, oh joy." Qrow turned to walk out of the office.
"Where do you think you are going ?" James said.
"Where do you think !" Qrow waved his flask as he walked off.
"I'm gonna have him shot I swear." James rubbed his forehead in frustration.
Across the academy grounds, Glynda had finally brought Wulfrick to the room he would be staying in, upon looking around he found it would be adequate enough for him to live in however sleeping in a bed was something he would need to get used to. Looking back to he could tell her eyes were coldly observing him yet even still there was a hint of a kind woman beneath her exterior.
"If you require anything you can use this intercom to call directly, besides that you as Headmaster Ozpin has said you are free to roam about the campus."
"Thank you ." Wulfrick gave a proper bow in response.
"Of course good day Wulfrick." She said half handily as she walked off.
Wulfrick took his time to get acquainted with his room rearranging some of the furniture with ease giving him more than enough space to make a pretty reasonable spot to rest upon the floor. Pulling his coiled blade from it's sheathe he jammed it into the ground and with a single twist the blade sprung to life with a small flame igniting below creating a bonfire for him to rest at, sitting up against the bedpost he had begun the removal of his armor.
The weight of the armor dropping felt like thousands of pounds of pressure had just been removed from Wulfrick's shoulders, the sounds of bones cracking and muscles loosening had long been in the making. He took the time to clean what he could of his armor though trying to clean something that was forged by the First Flame itself was a difficult enough task, when that was finished he reached for something beneath his chainmail he had kept close. A small blanketed black cloth was removed from Wulfrick's person as he had it kept neatly tied, taking the ties off he gazed upon it's magnificent carved silver crown it still shined as beautiful as it did when she wore it all those centuries ago.
The flame of the coiled blade caused a small glare to form on the surface of the crown as it beamed into Wulfricks eye causing him to flash back to his final moments with her and all those they had shared together. Memories so many to peer into yet no time to enjoy them as his mind was pulled back to the here and now, placing the crown safely away in the bottomless box. A knock soon came at the door and as he answered it he was slightly surprised to see Qrow at the door.
"You got a minute for the guy who knocked ya out ?" He said nonchalantly
"Depends whether your here to spy or your here to knock me unconscious again." Wulfrick said waving for him to enter.
"Listen it was nothing against you personally ok. Besides..." Qrow couldn't finish as he saw the bonfire lit in the center of the room.
"It's a bonfire Qrow. Relax and sit alright, it won't hurt anything I promise." Wulfrick sat opposite to Qrow.
Qrow sat down a mere few inches from Wulfrick but far enough away that the fire wouldn't touch him as he saw Wulfrick just staring directly into the flame as it flickered about.
"Sooo I take it this isn't an ordinary type of fire is it ?" The question itself sounded dumb to Qrow.
"No, it isn't." Wulfrick kept his eyes on the flame.
"Hm it's definitely not an average fire, I take it the thing has to do with the whole firey form attacks ya can do ?" Qrow took a swig of his flask.
"That's one aspect of it yes. However, your simplifying it in those terms are not inspiring words to me Qrow." The words felt bitter as Qrow knew that all too well.
"Well pardon me oh mighty lord, my simple peasant mind can't help but understand the complex nature of a bonfire." Qrow keeping his sarcastic facade up.
"You think your sarcasm can help you here Qrow. I'll tell you this once and only once so listen up." Wulfrick's eyes burning bright. "Stay the hell away from me and never come back here again."
Qrow about to take a sip of his flask as he heard that response and seeing those eyes was more than enough for him to know he wasn't wanted here, picking himself up he left the room with the door slamming behind. Wulfrick however simply sat there lone as the light of flame from the fire kept the room well lit however small shadows eeked their way toward him slowly but surely and with it the whispers of the dark.
"Kill those who endanger you."
"Fear not the dark my friend, and let the feast begin."
"Come return to us. Be one with the dark once more Wulfrick."
"You are alone in this world. Return to the dark child of flame."
"NO !" Wulfrick said pulling his coiled blade from the ground to face the voices that whispered to him only to find nothing there at all only silence and dark.
Shoving the blade back into the ground Wulfrick just stood there in silence as the fire ignited to life again with him looking at his hands and clenching them tightly as he knew he was alone. Yet he had to go on for it was his final duty to do so, his thoughts drifted back to her and her final wish and he knew he must keep that promise no matter what. Grabbing his armor he slugged it back on and took his coiled blade with him as he exited his room to get air and hopefully find something better to do with his time.
The walk through much of Beacon was rather dull however he heard over a nearby television in the main lounge area the next teams up in the Vytal Festival both Team's NDGO and SSSN faced off. Making his way past he continued his walk throughout till he made his way outside and looked over the statue that was in the main courtyard of two huntsmen atop a cliff with a Grimm below them.
The statue itself was highly symbolic however in Wulfrick's mind symbols and banners are easily toppled especially when they are tainted with corruption, taking a seat in front of the statue he closed his eyes to think on some things and to hopefully find guidance in an unlikely being.
"Of all the souls who linked the First Flame, and of all those that came to rekindle it some of the faith, others of might, and some who were just in between why me ?" A deep voice said.
"Cause I have questions, and you were the first that came to mind when it comes to the Abyss and mankind, after all, it was you and the other gods who cursed us." Wulfrick said.
Turning to face him Wulfrick looked on to see a tall muscular man with a large grey beard and hair reaching to his shoulders, his wardrobe was slightly tattered with golden trims around it all and a large pointed crown atop of his head. The man himself sat beside Wulfrick all the while cinders flew from his body as the two spoke to each other.
"You know when I proclaimed myself Lord Of Sunlight, I was proud and boasted my title to all and with my Silver Knights we were unstoppable. Yet now it all seems pointless." Gwyn said looking to Wulfrick.
"It only became pointless when you chose to curse humanity, sealing our fate to your precious flame. Now they are free of your mistake old man."
Gwyn turned to Wulfrick. "Yet you still linger in this place, branded by my sigil of fire and you even went so far as to become the holder of the flame. All of that you did on your own, I had nothing to do with your choices."
"Then explain to me what is happening, the Abyss how can it still be here after all of this time ?" He asked.
"Humanity has always been something beyond my gaze, yet even you should be proud of what they could accomplish. Now the state of the world is out of balance again and you have to be the one to fix it." Gwyn said.
"What do you mean ?" He asked looking to Gwyn for an answer.
"This Abyss that has taken form is different. It's corrupted by these beasts of Grimm, yet remember this Wulfrick do not make the same mistakes as I or you shall be doomed to repeat this all over again."
In an instant, Gwyn vanished into a cloud of embers as he flickered away into the sky as he looked back to the statue he was soon greeted by the sight of both Ruby and Weiss standing in front of him.
"I think he's sleeping, Weiss. Maybe we should try waking him up." Ruby said as she poked his face.
"I'm awake ." Wulfrick watched as Ruby jumped back scared, which earned a smirk from him.
"See I told you he wasn't sleeping besides who sleeps with their eyes open." Weiss looked to Ruby.
"Indeed my apologies on startling you Ruby." He said giving her a smile. "I take it the latest round of fighting wrapped up, who won ?"
"It was SSSN !" Ruby and Weiss said in unison.
"Huh, the team from Mistral well that's interesting. But if I may ask what brings you both here ?" He asked.
"Oh yes well it appears my si- WINTER !" Weiss said.
Wulfrick along with Ruby turned to see Weiss run up to a woman who was approaching them alongside a group of Atlas mechs in tow, the woman looked like the spitting image of Weiss only older and without the scar. Both him and Ruby approach her as Weiss was explaining how Beacon was and how different it was from Atlas in every way.
"I'm quite well aware of how this kingdom handles its bureaucracy. However I'm here on another matter entirely, but I'm glad to see you're doing well Weiss."
"Sooo what brings you here if you don't mind me asking ?" Weiss asked.
"That would be me ." Wulfrick stepped in. "I take it your general told you about me ?"
"Yes indeed, I take it your Wulfrick then ?" Winter eyed the man up and down seeing him for herself.
"Yes, I just wanna know how long you're forced to watch me so I can be prepared." Wulfrick rubbed his forehead slowly in irritation.
"Classified." She said keeping her cold gaze on Wulfrick.
"Uhh, Weiss what's going on ?" Ruby chimed into her teammate.
"I don't know. Now be quiet you dolt." Weiss hit her partner in the shoulder hard making Ruby falter a bit.
Both Wulfrick and Winter looked to Weiss and Ruby though he had a smile on his face at the two young girls, Winter did not as she turned her attention back to Wulfrick with the same cold gaze.
"I suggest we speak somewhere else ." She said turning her attention to her sister. "Weiss we'll speak later alright."
"O-Of course Winter I understand completely." She said giving a proper bow.
Both Wulfrick and Winter walked off together leaving behind both Ruby and Weiss as both individuals exited the main courtyard, silence accompanied the two individuals while Wulfrick looked to the sun and trees, Winter kept her eye on him entirely with her hand on her weapon just in case.
Both came across to a nearby balcony that was on the opposite side of the school once there they both had a seat opposite to one another, Wulfrick kept his eyes out on the horizon. Winter, however, kept her hand ready on her sword, the wind blew quietly as the leaves fell Wulfrick looked back to Winter his eyes normal as possible as he peered into her icy blue eyes.
"I would assume having you follow me around the campus isn't your idea of performing your duties ?"
"My duty and task are to ensure you remain in line per General Ironwood's orders. Your concern's and wants are far from my mind." Her gaze remained fixed on him.
"I take it you do have some concern's otherwise your headmas-"
"General." Winter said cutting in.
"General then." Wulfrick rubbing his temple slightly. "I take it you have concerns alongside with General Ironwood, about well... me"
"My concerns are my own. You, however, I shall keep an eye on you per the general's orders, once that is concluded I shall take my leave of this school." Winter sat forward looking at Wulfrick. "However I want to know one thing, how is it you know my sister ?"
"Ah yes well it's rather a simple tale to how I met her and her teammates." Wulfrick leaned back in the chair.
"I know how you met you fool. General Ironwood showed me the footage from the day of the breach. Your little display was... fascinating to say the least." Winter said in a rather puzzling manner.
"I wasn't trying to impress anyone." Wulfrick looked down fiddling with his fingers. "People were in danger and I have a duty to protect those in need. Especially those unable to protect themselves."
"We all bear that burden. Huntsmen and Huntresses doing what's right and ensuring the people are able to live in peace from threats within and outside the kingdoms."
"Yes, I know the whole thing about the Academies. However you are not just some ordinary huntress you're a Schnee, tell me how did you end up in this line of work of all things ?"
With all the questions that could have been asked by Wulfrick to Winter, this one to her felt a bit to close to home but she simply repositioned herself as she kept her gaze fixed on him as she spoke.
"I had my own reasons for joining the Atlesian Military. However, all you need to know is I have a duty to uphold, and I have my sister to worry about. You should be the one answering my questions."
"What is it you want to know ?"
"For starters where are you from? From what I've learned so far you have no record nor prior history with the kingdoms or training with the Huntsmen Academies."
"And this bother's you why ?"
Winter pinched the bridge of her nose slightly as she took a breath and sat back in her chair as she continued her probing of Wulfrick.
"Cause no one not even the most highly skilled headmaster can do what you did. So tell me where did you learn to do that ?"
"Sorry that's... classified " Wulfrick said giving a slight smirk.
"Very funny. However I will let it slide, but in all honesty, you have shown more courtesy toward me and for that I find... acceptable however I must report to General Ironwood."
"I understand. It was a pleasure " Wulfrick gave a proper bow
"Yes, it has been rather interesting." Winter said giving a half bow as she walked off to report to James.
Around the corner, however, Wulfrick saw the outlines of a red cloak and the heard the hushed whispers of two girls. Upon approaching the voices from behind he simply gave a small smile as he saw both Ruby and Weiss.
"Where did he go ?"
"Do I look like I know, he just spoke to my sister then he vanished. Gah, why must this be so difficult, somehow this is your fault, Ruby."
"It's not, I on-" Ruby peered back to see Wulfrick. "AGHHH !"
Ruby ended up falling back nearly onto Weiss however Wulfrick managed to grab the young huntress by her red cloak to keep her from falling. Pulling her back toward him she simply looked nervous unsure of what to say.
"I see you two have been busy listening in on our conversations hmm." He said with a small smile.
'W-W-IT WAS ALL WEISSE'S IDEA !" Ruby said flailing her finger at her partner.
"How dare you! You were the one who suggested it in the first place you dolt aghh !" Weiss said.
"It's quite alright you both are not intruding. However, I would very much like to know what you had hoped to hear ?" Wulfrick asked taking a seat.
Both Ruby and Weiss looked to one another on the matter and had been quite surprised with how Wulfrick was acting with the fact they were eavesdropping on him and Winter.
"W-Well I and Weiss were both curious on how your semblance and weapon work. I mean... IT'S JUST SO FREAKING COOL LIKE IT'S ALL WHOOOOSH AND BAAA !"
"I'll never understand you, Ruby, I swear." Weiss pinched the bridge of her nose in frustration.
"Heh, of course, you both would be curious. I mean I did come out of nowhere and helped you and your team handle the Grimm."
Wulfrick's expression held a small glimpse of happiness. However, it soon faded from his face as a memory grew more clear yet it was unfamiliar to him, it was of a rather cheery warrior with a sun painted onto his chest. The cheery man simply nodded and gave a silent nod of approval as he vanished from Wulfrick's mind.
"I'm sorry I was thinking of something important, my apologies." Wulfrick said a hint of sadness in his tone.
"You appear to do that a lot of the time." Weiss rebuked.
"Weiss don't be like that! I'm sorry Weiss is just very blunt haha." Ruby said in the most awkward of fashions.
"It's quite alright besides I've been allowed room and board here during the Vytal Festival. Besides that, however, I've rather enjoyed watching you all in the Vytal Festival thus far."
"Wellll as the leader of team rwby I've decided o-"
"It was a team vote." Weiss corrected.
"YES! A team vote so both Weiss and Yang will be going in the doubles round." She said with joy.
"That's good to hear. I'll be sure to root for you and your sister Yang."
"We appreciate the vote of confidence but we must be going, come on Ruby both Blake and Yang are waiting on us."
"Be right there! Hey listen um Wulfrick since well Yang and Weiss will be competing in the doubles portion and well will have an extra seat would you care to join us ?" Ruby asked sheepishly.
That caused a stir as Wulfrick looked to Ruby with a questioning gaze however the nervous face of the young huntress simply caused Wulfrick to only give a small smile as he stood up towering over her.
"It would be my honor ." Wulfrick gave Ruby a proper bow as he responded.
"EEEEE THANK YOU SO MUCH !" Ruby rushed about using her semblance until she appeared back in front of him.
"Heh, no need for that , however, I shall see you there. Enjoy the rest of your day ."
"You too Wulfrick please don't forget ok !"
Wulfrick simply gave a small smile and his quiet resolve as he walked off to be alone and think on things for a while, however, in the distance he was being watched and recorded by Emerald. Her eyes squinting hard on him after what happened the night before and how he made fools out of her and Mercury, and because of what he did to Mercury he would be out of commission till the singles match-ups.
"Cinder did you receive the footage I just sent ?"
"Excellent work Emerald. Though the plan has changed we may be able to use this, however, for now, return back at once understood ?"
"Yes, ma'am." Emerald looked back to Wulfrick with a smirk on her face as she vanished.
Wulfrick's journey out of Beacon Academy took him back to the Emerald Forest to look for any hints of these corrupted Darkwraiths whom he and Qrow fought, journeying farther into the forest. The silence of the forest was clear to Wulfrick yet something about the silence was uneasy as if he had felt this only twice in his entire lifetime of existence, no birds, no crickets, nor Grimm could be heard not even the wind could be felt.
Unsheathing his coiled blade he thrust it into the ground creating a bonfire looking around the surrounding trees he couldn't see any enemies neither Darkwraith nor of the Grimm variety. Something, however, was off and he knew it deciding to rest here, for now, he took the time to think inwardly, time slowly past and with it, the night quickly descended and with it, the dark of the night slowly crept toward Wulfrick trying to avoid the fire of the flame altogether.
Wulfrick's nose, however, caught the whiff of something awful the smell of rotting flesh as if soured and spoiled over the course of decades, till he opened his eyes and saw it standing before him.
A wall of black fleshy sludge filled to the brim with bones and half consumed human faces, the faces however slowly crept to one another till they formed a half-formed bulbous pair of eyes and upper forehead with several strands of stitched together flesh rounding out the face with rows of different types of teeth. The sludge that formed slowly encircled Wulfrick yet far enough away to not harm him as it spoke in a rather raspy and gurgled voice due to its form with a sickly toothy grin to it's mishappened face.
"Ahhh yessss. Tis you Wulfrick I recognized your sweetly scent anywhere, the only Irithyllian to escape my hunger. Hehe, tell me what brings you to speak to me child, have you come seeking salvation from your humble saint ?"
"No." Wulfrick's answer was simple as he peered into the grotesque mass.
"Then why call upon me hmmm? Oh, could it be you've finally seen the error of you not giving me what I desire or have you sought to offer your flesh to me to devour YESSS THAT MUST BE IT !"
"No."
"Grrr then what is it you want from me then puny little lord ?"
"I want to know something, Aldrich. I want to know your connection with the Abyss and those of what ties to the Deep itself and if it's responsible for what's happening now ?" He said as he kept a neutral expression.
"HAHAHAHAHA! You think I would rely on the weaknesses of the Abyss, no the Deep is so much more itself where the Abyss waits to be sought out. The Deep seeks us out intentionally it is what forms the core of the world itself."
"Explain yourself then slug."
"Do not make demands of me child of flame! You who wields that blasphemous flame and who acts so mighty like the foolish First Lord !"
Wulfrick's eyes stayed on the those of what could resemble eyes for Aldrich as both stared at one another without giving an inch as Aldrich grew closer trying to spread fear into the one who slew him so long ago.
"Very well you foolish boy, the Deep itself cannot be simply summed up in simple terms to one such as you but for your tiny mind, I shall give you this. Think of it as the darkness that overshadows the Abyss itself."
"Is there any way to hold the Deep back then? Any sort of magic or defense that I could use to keep it from harming the people of this worlds age ?" Wulfrick asked.
"There is no such protection you fool. The Deep will rise and it will spread across all it touches and you will be powerless to stop it haahah !"
"AGHHHHHHHH !"
Wulfrick pulled the coiled blade from the ground and with a single slash a large wave of flame cut through the fading appearance of Aldrich and with it hitting several trees causing a fire to start. Looking to his blade he clenched it tightly and for the first time since taking the flame, he felt only anger, anger for not doing more, for not saving his Firekeeper and for allowing things like the Deep to still remain in this new age.
Sheathing his blade he closed his eyes as he spoke. "No more. I will not let this age nor it's people to fall."
Taking his leave from the Emerald Forest he made his way back to Beacon Academy however in the dark of the forest the lone Primordial Serpent Kaathe watched with keen interest in Wulfrick as he vanished. Wulfrick turned to look if someone was watching him however there was only silence, a slight pain ran across his left shoulder as he reached for it the brand of the darksign slowly radiated with a dark aura. However, in the dark of the forest, the beasts and aberrations of the Deep watched from afar as Wulfrick walked through their claimed territory, snarling and jaws hungry to consume that which held immense power.
Within the halls of Beacon Academy in the dorm of team rwby the four girls were all the while busy discussing the plans for the tournament and going over it again and again in their minds, Yang throwing fake punches left and right, Weiss discussing strategy and tactics, Ruby gushing over the idea if their team came out on top and Blake simply reading away in another book.
"I'm telling ya, sis, once we win everyone is gonna know we are the coolest and best team in Beacon ha !" Yang boasted as she flexed and showed off for her teammates.
"Yang come on it isn't about being the best, besides it's all for fun... BUT OH GOODNESS IF WE DO WIN IT WOULD BE FANTASTIC !"
Blake simply gave a simple smile as she peered out from her book to simply shake her head in a slight manner as she enjoyed her team's talks while she remained silent and observed.
"Will you two please keep it down !" Weiss interjected. "I'm trying to work out plans here for when we get into the doubles round, Yang you need to be helping me with this since your with me on this !"
"Hey listen we are gonna do just fine, besides my fists are gonna knock the crap outta whoever tries to mess with us heh." Yang continued to boast as she smashed her fists together.
"Ughh we are doomed." Weiss said pinching the bridge of her nose.
"Oh come one Weiss team rwby will pull through and win. Besides we are super duper tough." Ruby chimed in.
"Ruby you would be defeated if someone simply gave you cookies."
"HOW DARE YOU BRING THOSE PRECIOUS DELICIOUS COOKIES INTO THIS !" Ruby said pointing a finger to Weiss.
"See what I mean." Weiss said nonchalantly.
A knock soon came from the door to which Ruby rushed over to get and upon opening it all the members of team rwby were wide-eyed seeing it was Wulfrick outside as he stood they're slightly awkward.
"Um, I hope I'm not intruding on your person ? I was hoping to speak with you all if I may ?"
"What's up ?" Yang chimed in as she stood next to her little sis.
Ruby and Yang allowed to Wulfrick to enter their dorm and as he shut the door he stood there for a moment in silence before finally speaking to them, however, the question was something they did not suspect.
"I have decided and well maybe you may learn something that would aid you in your next fight. I would like to teach you four a few combat techniques, how would that sound ?"
"WHAT !?"
"PLEASE !"
"HELL YEA !"
The combination of voices from Weiss, Ruby, and Yang nearly burst Wulfrick's ears as he rubbed his ear gently, however, he had a slight smile on his face as he looked to them however he didn't earn a response from Blake. She, however, heard what he said as she peered out from her book and simply gave a slight nod as she went back to reading.
"Well this indeed excellent news, I do hope you all take what I teach you to heart cause it can save your life when facing off against others in the tournament."
"Uh, question ?" Weiss chimed in.
"Yes, ?"
"Are you even certified to teach us whatever it is you are going to teach us ?"
"Weiss come on! We might be taught how to do those cool moves and stuff Wulfrick can do think about that !"
"Yea Weiss stop being such a stick in the mud heh."
"However the answer to your question it's no I'm not. However being taught a few pointers won't kill you.. at least I hope not heh, a fine night to you all." Wulfrick said as he left.
"WHAT !?" Weiss, Ruby, and Yang spoke in unison at that comment. With all that being said on the other end of the door Wulfrick simply had a small smile on his face as he disappeared down the long corridor of the academies long hallways.
