Chapter 6
I won't mince anything, some of you people must hate me. But you keep coming back. I'd ask if something was wrong with you, but I have very little room to talk in that department. Anyway, I hope everyone's doing good. I finally started my summer movie binge.
Infinity War and Deadpool 2. Great stuff people, great stuff. Marvel know their audience and what to give em. Real talk.
Anyways, let's move on to the reviews(I love this part):
Valkyrie Elysia:It's the subtle references that make the scene no? And being outta school now, I gotta say, I never really appreciated my peace and quiet as much as I should have. Shame on me.
ShatteredOnyx:Sorry to keep you waiting, I hope I can continue to keep you interested in this little story of mine. Your review is greaty appreciated friend.
FeugoFox42:Technically I should be putting your name here several times. I thought reviewers like you only existed in myth and legend. But you actually took the time to go and review every chapter. I am both impressed and scared. Thank you for your reviews, it really made my day (and heart nearly stop) when I saw all your input. I'll try to make this worthwhile for you.
Guest:No clue buddy, no clue at all.
kyro2009:Your job, sounds interesting. Glad you liked the last chapter, and hey I did give you a warning, facepalms all around. I had to do it a few times myself and wonder what I was doing a few times haha.
dipper pines 101:Is that a TFS reference. I saw the Broly movie! But anyway, I'm glad to introduce you to your unknown secret cravings...that sounded bad. I'm glad to give you a gift you didn't know...you-...oh screw it, glad you liked the chapter!
With those out of the way, now we can get to what you all actually came here for. Let's getter done!(Mater from Cars. Anyone remember that movie?)
Disclaimer:RWBY is owned and created by Rooster Teeth and Shadow of the Colossus is owned and made by Sony and Team ICO.
'Normal Speech'
'Thoughts'
'Reading'
X.x.X.x.X.x.X
Last Time
"Sorry about that, now what can I help you with old friend?"Ozpin asked politely.
"Thank you Ozpin, you see, I have a bit of an inquiry that I tried to let go but just couldn't for the longest time. And so I've come to you for an answer." said in his rushed way of speaking as he adjusted his glasses.
"I'll try to be of some help then. What is it?"He asked the green haired man.
"Yes well, it has something to do with what you've been having a student do in their private time."
Ozpin raised an eyebrow.
X.x.X.x.X
Next Day:Afternoon Combat Class
There were only a few times Cardin Winchester was ever really cautious to fight. Growing up with 2 older cousins made sure that he had a love for a good scrap. Hell, he came from a long line of Huntsman, fighting was in his blood!
And he was pretty damn good at it too, he's easily in the top ten strongest of the first years. His many wins in the class can prove it. So yes, Cardin Winchester can say without a shadow of a doubt that he was never one to shy from a fight.
But this however…
*Bam*
"Gaah!"
This wasn't much of a fight.
Bouncing along the floor of the arena, Cardin slid to a halt near the very edge before he finally stopped.
Groaning he put his hand to his head and slowly sat up.
'Okay, that one hurt.'He thought as he winced and shook his head to clear his blurred vision.
It's been awhile since he's been hit that hard. Come to think of it, he can't even remember when he was ever hit that hard. He was also having trouble remembering his last birthday…
Wait, where was he again?
"Come on Cardin get up!"
"Don't let this guy get in your head you got this!"
"Represent man, kick his ass!"
'Oh, right.'He internally groaned as he listened to the cheers of his classmates.'I'm fighting this guy.'
Standing unstably on his feet, the big student stumbled a few steps before he bent down and picked up his two handed mace.
'Although calling this a fight would be a little too generous,'He thought with as he tightly clasped his weapon between his hands.
Especially since his opponent didn't even look like he was trying.
The half-lidded blank eyes staring at him with bored indifference both aggravated and made him uneasy.
Isn't he blind?
Shaking away the thoughts for later he instead focused on the scarred man in front of him.
Curved wrist mounted orange blades were his weapon of choice, but Cardin actually hadn't been hit by them once. Most because his opponent was content to simply wail on his with his fists. It was honestly a little insulting, but then again he was fighting a Second Year. And not just any Second Year, he was fighting a member of team CFVY; Fox Alistar. One of the strongest in his grade.
It was apparently a tradition at Beacon for the First and Second Year teams to have a small tournament against each other. The point of it for the First Year was so they could experience what it's like to fight opponents way stronger than them. It was then said First Years job to figure out a way for the best chance at victory. And the point of it for the Second Years...well they got to inflict the same pain they had to go through their First Year.
But with that being said, that was what the majority of this period had been, the First Years being absolutely pounded by the older students.
Cardin was the twelfth person fighting, all other matches ending rather quickly with the crushing defeat of one of his classmates. Only one person had been able to fight their opponent to a draw.
Cardin's eyes peered up at a figure with red hair and gold armor.
Pyrrha Frickin Nikos, the one who fought the first match of this little 'tournament'.
Needless to say, nobody was surprised. Not even her opponent. She was the sole reason they had one measly little point on the scoreboard that currently read: 1 to 11.
Since it was a draw, both sides had gotten a point, but ever since then, the gap between the two sides had been rapidly growing. And if his match was anything to go on, then it didn't look like it would be slowing down anytime soon.
Taking a deep breath in and out, Cardin narrowed his eyes and used his irritation to give him strength. If this bastard wanted to make him angry, then he would be sure to make him pay for it.
Roaring a battle cry he charged with his mace held back for a swing.
Fox stood completely non-pulsed.
When he was close enough, he swung from his right for Fox's head, but he just tilted his head back just enough to make Cardin miss.
Growling at his failed attack, he continued forward, this time swinging from his left, but Fox lifted his wrist mounted blade and deflected the heavy swing with ease.
Oh son of a-!
His thoughts were halted when a hard knuckled fist smashed into the left side of his armor.
Wincing from the blow, Cardin withstood the pain to keep fighting.
Switching to one hand, he was able to swing his mace faster. Fat load of good that did him.
Every swing was either dodged or deflected without too much of a hassle on his opponents part.
Cardin grit his teeth and reared back for a devastating blow, before the attack even reached him Fox caught Cardin's wrist in a tight grip and squeezed. Cardin's heart pounded faster when he noticed in surprise that the armor there was actually dented in.
Fox gave a sharp jab to the bend of Cardin's elbow that made him grunt and drop his mace before giving a quick uppercut to his chin that snapped his head back.
Groggily looking back to Fox he saw him lift a leg and firmly plant the sole of his boot into his armored gut and push.
Cardin flew away from his weapon as he smacked harshly against the tiled floor.
'Damn it,'Cardin thought in pain. Now he was weaponless. His hand to hand wasn't bad but still not as good as it could be against someone like Fox. Still though, he couldn't give up. Nobody else did, so he had to keep fighting.
Sitting up slowly he rubbed his jaw as what remaining aura he had tried to repair the damage dealt to his chin.
Fox was still standing just as impassive as he had at the beginning of the fight. Though he did make a show of kicking his mace out of the ring. Cardin didn't even have it in him to be annoyed anymore.
The bastard definitely had bragging rights if he wanted them.
As he stood back to his feet he saw Fox tilt his head curiously. Must've been surprised to see him keep fighting without his weapon. Hmph, if anything he can be proud of the surprise he got from the older student.
But now was not the time to be cocky.
Putting up his fists in a way reminiscent to the way his old man showed him, the large boy glared at the Second Year.
Fox glared back.
Launching himself forward he put himself right into the First Years reach. Blinking in shock of the older boys speed, Cardin threw out a right straight that Fox dodged before throwing a left hook that made the older boy duck.
Seeing a chance, Cardin threw his right knee out to hit Fox in the chin.
The older student suddenly dropped back and caught himself on one hand before he spun and extended his leg to trip the First Year.
Stumbling back Cardin hastily put up his guard when he saw the scarred teen get up and charge for him again.
Throwing out a desperate punch, the boy was greatly unprepared when Fox dodged to the left and landed a fast one two punch to his face.
Struggling to see through his crossing vision, Cardin reared back and threw a right hook that missed over Fox's head and was rewarded for his efforts in the form of another uppercut to the chin.
Unable to think of what to do next, Cardin was suddenly assaulted but a slew of punches.
A hook to the temple, another to the cheek, a straight to the nose-they just kept coming!
Struggling on his feet, Cardin stared through unfocused vision into his opponents white eyed glare. He chuckled mirthlessly, it was actually pretty scary.
"This is payback right?"He breathed,"For what I did to Velvet?"
Fox's eyes widened in fury before he jumped and lashed out with a savage roundhouse to his ear.
Yelling in pain Cardin tumbled to the ground and layed for a few seconds before grunting in exertion.
When Fox landed, he grit his teeth in annoyance to see the boy climbing to his feet again. This Freshie just didn't know when to quit.
Standing wobbly on his feet, Cardin put his fists back up and grit his teeth against the pain that his remaining aura couldn't soothe.
"I don't care if you hate me."Fox heard Cardin say,"I don't care if your entire team hates me. What happened, happened. That's in the past now. If there's still harsh feelings then let Velvet come down here and tell me herself how much she hates me."
Fox snarled and tightened his gloved knuckles into iron hard fists.
Dashing forward, Fox appeared in front of Cardin in the blink of an eye and launched an aura infused punch to the boy's stomach.
Cardin coughed out spittle as all the air in his lungs was harshly evicted.
Cardin tried to go punch the scarred teen but was interrupted when Fox threw a quick jab to his cheek that made him stumble.
Quickly advancing, Fox caught a sloppily thrown elbow before he responded with one of his own right into Cardin's eye.
Cardin's went to cradle his eye with his hands but stopped when Fox nailed him right across the gut with his leg.
Bending over with his arms wrapped around his stomach, the First Year coughed in as he fought to catch his breath.
When he looked back up threw his one eye, Fox gave out a side kick straight into his Cardin's face that crashed him onto his back.
Groaning in pain, Cardin looked straight up at the overhead lights of the arena. A slight ringing chimed in his ear as he laid on the ground without any real intention to move.
'It could've been worse.'He thought tiredly.
He barely heard Miss Goodwitch call the match before Fox's hard stare stood over him.
He blinked in surprise when the dark skinned boy held out his hand for Cardin to take.
Slowly reaching his hand out he was unprepared when the Fox snatched his hand up and sat him up harshly.
Bending to his knees, Foxed looked the slightly bruised boy in the eyes.
"Just for the record,"He said, his voice quiet and sharp,"She doesn't hate you."
Cardin blinked in confusion.
"Velvet."He clarified, then sighed when Cardin looked even more confused.
"She hasn't said a bad thing about you, or ever wished for us to go and stop you from picking on her. She honestly forgave you months ago."
Cardin blinked wearily.
"But...wh-"
"Why?"Fox interrupted with a glare."Because that's just the way she is. The only thing Velvet actually hates is hatred itself. The girl can't hold a grudge to save her life."He snarled.
Taking a deep breath, the older boy calmed his rising anger before he did something rash, like socking this punk in his face.
"So I hope you understand just what kind of person you've been making miserable."Fox said with a scowl.
Cardin met his look with a complicated expression, as if unsure what to think or say. What could he say? Sorry for treating your friend like the animal she clearly is? After the beating he just took that probably wouldn't be a good idea. Still, the idea that Velvet actually didn't hate him for all the grief he put her through made him...uncomfortable.
"Tell her,"Cardin said resoloutley,"That I don't need her kindness."
Fox snickered.
"Tell her yourself."
Wrapping Cardin's arm around his shoulders and gently standing up, the Second Year sighed.
"Man,"He lamented,"I really wish she hated your guts. I know i'm gonna get an ear-full for this later."
"Heh, serves you right,"Cardin laughed/grunted.
"I will kick your ass again."Fox stated. The way he said it made it sound more like a fact then a threat. Cardin gulped softly.
Back in the seats, Blake watched with a mix of satisfaction and sympathy, as Cardin got carried out of the ring by the older boy. Blake could honestly say, her team and team JNPR were some of the few who were actually rooting for Fox to win. Cardin and his team left a bad taste for her and her friends for several reasons.
Her eyes panned over to Jaune, who wore a conflicted look on his face to see Cardin beaten so harshly.
A part of her sided with him, but that part was mostly overshadowed by the sheer satisfaction she felt at watching him get trashed by the older student. He never did anything to her, but she heard about how he usually conducted himself and what he did to other students he thought were weaker than him. It wasn't a good resume.
But ever since the trip to Forever Fall, team CRDL had quieted down and had generally kept to themselves. She's not sure what happened but the way she saw Ruby glance between Jaune and Cardin lead her to believe that something had happened between the two.
What it was, she didn't think it her place to ask.
"And the score is now 12 to 1 in the Second Years favor,"Miss Goodwitch announced, muched to the disappointment of the First Years.
Looking up Miss Goodwitch let her sharp eyes roam over the defeated looking freshman in disappointment.
"I feel that I need to remind you all what the purpose of this exercise is. There will come a time in your Huntsman and Huntress careers that you will come across a threat that your not prepared for. Whether it be man or Grimm, you will eventually face an opponent that will be well above you in skill, strength, speed, or all of the above."
She fought the urge to message her brow for the headache that was threatening to build up as she lightly glared at the row of First Years.
"The point of this endeavour is to see if you're capable of adapting to the situation of facing a greater threat than your prepared for,"She lectured,"But from the matches i've seen, most of you are charging in or standing still, not even trying to read the situation and adapt for it."
She sighed and let some of her irritation flow out of her body.
"This whole thing is pointless unless you can not at least try to adapt. Remember this lesson students; the greatest Huntsman don't need weapons or semblances to fight, they only need their mind and their cunning intellect."
Just like she expected, her words only touched a few people, and went over the rests head.
'First Years…'Glynda thought tiredly.'Still just children.'
"Alright, we'll continue on."The blonde witch said as she held up her tablet to randomize a new match.
After a few seconds, the tablet chimed as a new match was created.
"For the First Years: Blake Belladonna."Miss Goodwitch announced.
Blake blinked in surprise. Her heart started to pick up as she found herself a little intimidated from the previous matches fought. It'd be a tough fight, but she wasn't exactly expected to win. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad.
"And for the Second Years: Lily Tigresa."
Blake blinked.
'...wait...what?!'
She looked over to the other side of the stands where the second years sat and saw a lone girl stand up.
A girl with orange hair and a rainbow themed dress.
'...This has to be a joke.'Blake thought as Lily turned in her direction and smiled challengingly. No actually the smile looks more evil than anything.
'Oum must be laughing at me again,'Blake thought tiredly.
"Miss Belladonna!"
Blake looked back down to the arena and froze.
Cold dark emerald eyes tore into her soul, a killing intent so powerful ravaged her heart and dreams as they bore into her very being and found her lacking.
"We're waiting on you Miss Belladonna."Miss Goodwitch said calmly. But if anyone looked close enough they could see the threat in her eyes, the promise of pain.
And suddenly Blake remembered yesterday all over again.
The crown, the dress, the wand...the sparkles…!
Forcing back the shiver that wanted to travel up and down her back, Blake simply nodded and all but sprinted to the locker rooms.
Screeching to a halt in front of her Locker, Blake leaned on the cool metal surface and breathed heavily as the fear finally started to release itself on her heart.
'Never go to the teachers lounge, never go to the teachers lounge,'She repeated as she mechanically opened her locker, collected her weapon and attached it onto her back.
With her equipment gained she turned and walked out to the arena to her waiting opennet.
Lily stood across from her, a confident smile on her face as she eyed Blake in a way that made her feel like she was being stalked by a predator.
'This is not gonna be fun,'Blake reasoned.
"Alright, the combatants are set,"Miss Goodwitch said once Blake arrived."Normal rules apply, ten minutes on the clock, match will start in fifteen seconds."
Inputting the last of the data, the two girls aura bars filled the screen and a clock started to count down.
"Let's have a good fight."Lily called as she backed up from Blake.
Blake simply nodded and steeled herself for the coming fight. Despite her worry, Blake allowed herself to feel a little excitement for the match. It's not everyday she got to fight a Second Year. It might actually be interesting. Her heart pounded against her chest as she watched countdown finish. 3, 2, 1…
"Begin!"
Blake drew her sword and rushed her opponent.
If Lily was surprised by her lunge than she didn't show it, she simply glared and tensed herself.
When Blake was close enough she made to swing for Lily's side, but in a move that she almost didn't see, Blake was forced to retreat as Lily reached behind her and swung.
Jumping back, Blake heard a solid smack against the arena floor where she was just standing. Looking up, Blake's eyes widened slightly when she saw dangling from Lily's hand was a white three sectioned staff.
Lily grabbed her weapon by the ends of the middle section and bent her knees. Eyes on Blake, she started to slowly twirl the weapon around her, her body seemingly flowing with her spinning as she demonstrated her weapon. Then the twirling got faster.
And faster.
And faster.
And faster.
Before it looked like she was just juggling a blur in her hands. And not once did she break eye contact with Blake.
But as quick as she was going, she suddenly stopped and bent the weapon around her shoulders, holding the ends tightly in her hands.
The entire room was silent with the amazing display of skill on the older girls part.
Blake herself was slightly stunned and a little more intimidated.
"SHOW OFF!"An accented male voice called from the stands.
Lily's lips quirked upward in a small smirk.
Blake narrowed her eyes in thought.
'Okay, this changes things a little. I have to poke around a bit, see where her defense is weakest.'
With that thought, Blake pulled her sword from her bladed sheath and charged.
Twirling the staff around her body, Lily used the momentum to swing one of the ends for Blakes shoulder. The hit connected only for Blake to flip over her as the clone took the hit.
While in mid air, Blake flipped her sheath into a reverse grip, then when she landed behind Lily she turned and lashed out with her sword then her sheath.
Lily blocked the sword and backstepped from the sheath as Blake continued to push and try to get passed her defenses. Lily smiled.
Grabbing the two end pieces of her weapon, Lily parried the sword and swung for Blake's temple only to have it blocked by the sheath.
Pressing the advantage, Lily jabbed one end into Blake's rib before swinging for her head, which Blake ducked before lashing out with a kick that made Lily jump back.
Ignoring the pain in her side as her aura took care of whatever damage was there, Blake eyed Lily warily.
'So it can be used for close quarters too,'Blake surmised.'And from the length I can tell it's good for long range as well. She's got herself an effective weapon.'
'But then again…'She smiled. 'So do I.'
Launching forward with her clone, Blake pulled back her sheath to strike.
Lily blocked with the middle section before swinging with an end piece and hitting a clone that Blake left behind.
Turning around, Lily crossed the end pieces above her head to block the overhead strike before she jumped back to get more space.
That nearly cost her.
Eyes widening, Lily threw herself to the floor as a black blur swung over her head. Rolling back into a standing position, Lily blinked as she saw Blake holding her sword, which folded on itself and was now attached to a long ribbon. She made her own kusarigama.
'Now that's impressive,'Lily thought before ducking another swing.
Standing up, she blocked with the middle section as Blake came in with a kick to her face.
'And she's fast, looks like this isn't gonna be easy,'Lily realised.
Landing on her feet, Blake twirled her kusarigama around her sides before spinning and swung for her opponents leg, but Lily jumped and drop kicked her away a few feet.
Blake had a second to recompose herself before Lily was upon her again. Wielding the two end pieces in her hands, she came in with a fast flurry of strikes that made Blake dodged and duck her attacks.
Blake grit her teeth when everytime she tried to counter, Lily would adjust her grip on her weapon to block and parry her weapon.
Pulling back her right arm, Lilly swung and hit Blake right on the cheek, disorientating her for a second, before she dropped and swept Blake's legs out from under her.
Landing on her back, Blake quickly rolled back into a stand to distance
herself from her upperclassmen.
'She's good. Really good.'Blake thought as she unfolded her sword and pulled her sheath back out.
Time to get serious.
Running forward, Blake launched herself into the air with the help of a clone and raised her sheath up to slice upon the crown of Lily's head.
Side stepping the attack, Lily let Blake fall in front of her before trying to strike her prone form.
Blake rolled away just as the staff hit and quickly turned around.
"Hah!"She cried as she slashed with her sword, only to have it blocked by the middle section again, shifting to the other side Blake swung with her sheath only to have Lily catch her arm and fold her weapon around her cleaver.
Blake gave a few tugs before realising that she was stuck.
"What now?"Lily teased with a smile.
Blake narrowed her eyes. Letting go of her sheath, Blake slipped her arm out and spun around to get behind her, Blake landed a kick to Lily's ribs before launching away with a clone, just in time as Lily spun and twirled her staff around her in a wide circle.
"Not bad,"Lily nodded,"But you just got rid of a part of your weapon. Are you confident enough to keep trying with only one sword?"
Blake simply gripped her hands around the handle of her remaining weapon and raised it in challenge.
Lily shrugged. "If you say so."
Lily bent her weapon by both ends as it loosely resembled a Z and started to creep forward.
Blake stayed put, she would let her get close enough before she would strike. Since she lost her cleaver, she didn't have as many attack options anymore. She would have to play defense for a bit, then try to counter if she could.
When Lily was close enough, she let her weapon slack a little before swinging from Blake's cheek. Ducking under the swing, Blake advanced with a few rapid slashes that Lily was quick to defend against.
"Go Blake!" Ruby cheered from her spot in the stands.
"Show em what you got partner!"Yang joined in, pumping her fists in excitement.
"Represent team RWBY!"Weiss called.
Ruby and Yang looked at her in astonishment.
"What?"Weiss asked self-consciously."She's my teammate too, I can cheer if I want."
Ruby and Yang looked at each other before smiling widely and then slinking to either side of Weiss.
"Blake, even Weiss is cheering for you!"Ruby yelled in amazement.
"It's a once in a lifetime thing so you better win!"Yang added.
"You guys are the worst."Weiss grumbled with a light blush on her porcelain cheeks.
"You know you love us."Yang laughed.
Blake slid under a wide swing before turning and unloading a few bullets from her gun. Lily spun her staff deflecting the bullets before advancing on Blake twirling her weapon rapidly around herself.
Blake backtracked as fast as she could to avoid getting hit with the ends as they spun so quickly. Blake had learned just how much they hurt due to a few missed blocks on her part.
Taking a glance to the aura bars above, Blake saw that she was almost in the yellow and that Lily was just a little better than her.
Lily stole her attention a second later with a side kick to her chest that made her cough and skid back a few feet.
"Eyes on me Blake,"Lily scolded lightly,"Don't get too distracted by the aura bar."
Blake winced as she rubbed her chest as her aura worked to soothe the pain.
"Noted."She whispered as she felt a bead of sweat start to roll down her head.
Lily nodded before she shot forward in a sprint.
Eyes going wide, Blake clasped her weapon in both hands before lunging forward in a stab.
Lily smirked.
In almost slow motion Lily pulled her staff taut and blocked the attack before she folded her weapon around Blake's sword tightly.
"Tutt tutt Blake,"Lily teased,"Didn't you learn anything from last time?"
Lily blinked when Blake smiled challengingly.
"I did."
Before Lily could react Blake made a clone that shot her up and over Lily, and with a fierce tug, took Lily's weapon right out of her hands.
Looking down at her hands in astonishment, Lily gaped to see that she had actually been disarmed.
Turning around she saw Blake land across the arena having her weapon still wrapped around her blade.
A cheer went up across the First Year side of the stands.
Ruby:GO BLAKE!
Yang:YEAH, THAT'S HOW IT'S DONE!
Weiss:Splendid work!
Jaune:Awesome! Keep it up!
Pyrrha:Stay on guard!
Ren:Good job Blake!
Nora:WOOO! GET US ANOTHER POINT!
Blake took a second to relish in the cheers her peers and classmates washed her in as she discarded Lily's weapon to the side and held her sword at the ready.
Blake blinked in surprise to see Lily clapping with a good natured smile.
"That pretty good Blake."She complimented."Did you plan that out?"
"Kinda,"Blake admitted,"The idea came after you took away my sheath. I just didn't know how to implement it."
Lily nodded,"Well your welcome for giving you the opening."
Blake smiled then blinked in confusion as Lily just stood in place.
"Are you gonna keep going?"Blake asked cautiously.
"Hm? OH! Yeah I'll keep going!"Lily said with a bright smile.
"You sure?"Blake said with a raised eyebrow.
"What, don't think I still have a chance?"Lily said jokingly while leaning forward with her hands on her hips.
Blake shook her head,"No it's not that its-"
"Just a heads up!"Lily interrupted."We're on the last two minutes, so I suggest you make a decision quickly."
A glance at the clock proved that yes, the time was close to running out, and Lily was actually still doing better in terms of aura. She had been using a lot of clones and that kick to the chest must've been aura infused because she was now in the yellow with only half of her aura now.
If she actually wanted a chance of winning, she needed to attack now.
A part of her felt guilty that she would be attacking an unarmed opponent but seeing how her opponent was a Second Year, she decided that it wouldn't be that bad.
Gripping her sword, Blake launched herself forward with her clone and held her sword back for a finishing slash to the abdomen.
Now in the heat of a fight, Blake's heart was pounding in her ears and she was a little tired from the brief but challenging match. So maybe she could be excused for not noticing a few things.
Like how the Second Years didn't even look worried with the loss of Lily's weapon. Or how Lily simply stood in place without even bothering to put her guard up.
These things didn't seem important, but in actuality...she should've paid more attention.
Finally within striking distance Blake swung with a finishing yell escaping her lips.
*Clang*
The first years stopped cheering.
Ruby's jaw hit the floor, Yang's eyes widened to the size of dinner plates, Weiss gasped in shock.
And Blake started in surprise.
Just as Blake had struck Lily had stood completely still, her arms held behind her back as she rocked on the heels of her feet calmly.
She had done absolutely nothing to block the attack.
Yet somehow, Blake found her blade stopped by a circular red crystalline barrier that covered Lily's entire upper half.
"Surprised?"Lily asked smugly.
Blake numbly nodded her head and Lily giggled again.
Suddenly the barrier shattered outward and Blake was sent flying back from the force of the barrier breaking.
Blake hissed in pain as she realised that some of the shards actually nicked a good bit of her aura, pushing her into the lower yellow.
Looking up at Lily revealed that the orange haired girl had taken to having the shards circle around her in a globe like shield.
"I hope you don't mind me using my semblance."Lily said innocently.
Blake grit her teeth at the girl's tone.
'She was holding back.'Blake realised grimly. Now with the clock running down to about a minute and fifteen seconds, Blake was forced to make a decision;either continue the fight and try to work around Lily's strange semblance, or concede the match before things got complicated.
Blake pondered this for a few seconds before sighing begrudgingly.
"I surrender."She called to miss Goodwitch.
The blonde instructor nodded and stopped the timer on the clock.
"And the match goes to Lily Tigresa. The score is now 1 to 13 in favor of the Second Years."
The Second Years clapped and celebrated while the First Years slumped and groaned in defeat.
Lily made the shards floating around her disappear into thin air before walking over to Blake.
Smiling good naturedly she held out her hand,"That was a good match Blake. You put up a great fight."
Blake shrugged with a small smile and took the older girl's hand.
"Good fight. You were pretty amazing yourself. You're very skilled with your weapon."
Lily waved off the compliment with a light blush,"Oh stop you're making me shy."
Blake laughed.
"Very good match you two,"Miss Goodwitch said as she approached the two student."Well done on your victory miss Tigressa."
"Thank you professor."Lily said with a small bow.
The teacher turned to Blake.
"You did very well yourself miss Belladonna. You showed good analytical thinking and adapted well. I'm glad the point of the lesson was reached."
Blake blinked in surprise at being congratulated.
"Uh, thank you, miss Goodwitch."
The deputy headmistress nodded before turning to the class.
"And with that, I think that was a good way to wrap up the class. The final score in the First Years vs the Second Years is 13 to 1 Second Years. Well done to the winners, and well fought to everyone."
At that, both sides clapped and exchanged congrats to one another.
"Class dismissed."
And with that, miss Goodwitch turned to leave, entering notes into her scroll for next class.
All the students stood up and started to make their way to the exits.
Blake was looking in the stands for her team when she felt Lily's hand on her shoulder and turned to look the older girl in her purple eyes.
"Hey, if your not busy, wanna hang out in the garden? I'm all done with classes today but the others still have other stuff going on."
Blake was about to answer when she suddenly remembered something.
"Sorry but I have to meet with the Ozpin in a little bit."Blake apologised.
Lily tilted her head curiously,"Headmaster Ozpin? Is everything alright?"
"Yeah it's fine, we just like to have talks about things every now and then."
Nodding her head Lily smiled good naturedly. "I understand, maybe some other time then."
"Yeah."Blake smiles back.
"Alright, see ya later then."Lily said as she walked away.
"Bye."Blake waved.
When the older girl left, Blake took out her scroll and sent a quick message to Ozpin saying she was done with class and was ready to come over when he was ready.
It didn't take long for him to respond saying he was ready.
Nodding her head, Blake set off to the headmaster's office...but she should probably tell her team first. Just in case they tried to 'stealthily' follow her again.
X.x.X.x.X
Ozpin set out a tray of white mistrilian cheese and spicy vacuean crackers with some grapes and carrot sticks. A small pool of dressing was put to the side.
He grabbed a picture of ice water from the his mini fridge and put it next to the tray.
Setting the picture down next to the tray he was sure to place a stack of styrofoam cups next to it as well.
Just as he was about to sit down for a second, he suddenly stopped.
'Drat. Napkins.'He thought in exasperation.
Looking around his office he sighed when he realised he didn't have any. One would think that with all the coffee he drunk he would have a few spills and would in turn have some at hand.
So he begrudgingly went to his bathroom and simply pulled a few paper towels to use.
Once that was done, he sat down in his chair with a relieved sigh.
Now to wait.
…
…
…
Patience was a virtue.
Rubbing a hand down his face, Ozpin contemplated the meeting he was having with Blake.
'I'm putting an awful lot of faith in this. Is this really what I should be doing? Too much is at stake if this goes wrong.'
But her words stuck with him.
'By whatever means necessary.'
Her words made him feel hollow, and guilt-his old friend-had decided to sink its claws into his heart once more.
Whatever means necessary. Curse the one whomever first said those words. Such a simple small phrase, yet it carried so much meaning.
To simply let those words go unchallenged...would most certainly invite history to repeat itself.
His hand closed into a determined fist as he gazed down at his cane.
'Never again.'
His thoughts were halted by the chime of the elevator.
'Ah, perfect timing,'He thought as he sat up in his seat. The door opened and out stepped the black themed member of team RWBY.
"Good day miss Belladonna."Ozpin said pleasantly.
"Hello headmaster,"Blake said with an easy smile. Blake had to admit, these little sessions they had was making her a little less uneasy about being around him.
"Please have a seat,"He said gesturing to the chair,"And help yourself to some snacks."
Blake nodded and took a seat.
"Water?"He asked as he grabbed the picture to pour her a cup.
"Yes please."Blake said eagerly. Her match had left her a little thirsty.
Pouring her a cup of ice water in one of the cups he handed her the drink before sitting back and taking a sip from his mug of coffee.
Blake relished the cold water as she took a few sips, the cool liquid doing wonders for her tired body.
"So, how was classes today?"Ozpin asked.
"Everything was fine."Blake said as she reached for a cracker.
He nodded."I heard the annual bout between the First and Second Years was today, how did that go?"
Blake groaned.
"We lost. Badly."She took a bite of her cracker."It was actually a little embarrassing."
Ozpin chuckled lightly as he picked up a few grapes and plopped them into his mouth.
"Yes well, the Second Years have considerable more experience so it's to be expected. However, this year was actually a lot better for the First Years if the data Glynda sent me is correct."
Blake stared in surprise.
"It is?"
"Oh yes, usually the losing streak is a lot bigger, but it seems the First Years were more of a challenge than previous ones."
"Huh."Blake said in astonishment. She would have to tell her team later, that would hopefully make them feel better about the crushing defeat.
"Indeed. But we can discuss that later, for now I want to know, how's your progress in the book?"
Blake wiped her mouth with the paper towels before answering.
"I finished chapter five yesterday, I didn't start six yet."
Ozpin shook his head.
"I cannot express how impressed I am with your progress in this book. You must have a lot of questions in all that you've read."
"Yeah,"She agreed."A lot has happened. I don't even know where to begin."
"Well, why don't you take a moment and think of the things that stood out to you the most and we'll go from there."
Biting her lip in thought, Blake tried to recall all the most important things in the book she had read so far.
"Well…"She began.
"Yes?"Ozpin said patiently.
"Something I really liked was when we saw how he met Mono."
Ozpin chuckled, recalling the scene in particular.
"Ah yes, the meeting that changed everything in both their lives."
"Yeah,"Blake agreed,"I like the background it's giving about the two. It's simultaneously building the world and their romance at the same time. All we know in the beginning is that he loved her, and we never really understood why, so I appreciate seeing how they came to be."
Ozpin took a second to absorb her reasoning before responding.
"I agree. The romance elements in the book offer a different way of seeing the main couple come together. Though it is through a tragic lense since we know from the very beginning that Mono has passed."
Blake felt her heart tweak at the reminder that Mono was actually dead.
"But she might come back!"Blake chimed.
Ozpin simply smiled mysteriously.
"Maybe."
Blake wasn't so sure she liked that answer so she just decided to move on.
"Another thing that stuck out to me was in the middle of chapter four. When Wander dreams about the colossus he slayed."
"Mmm,"Ozpin nodded."Very interesting that part. I noted that he seemed to have taken on the persona of the colossus he was in at the time."
"Yes!"Blake exclaimed."I noticed that too. It was so weird, how could he possibly know what they were thinking? I thought maybe it was just part of his dream but it seemed too vivid."
"So you think that he gained their memories?"
"I don't know, maybe?"Blake shrugged."If that was the case, shouldn't that be happening with every colossus he killed? So far it's only happened with two."
Ozpin laughed lightly.
"Are you sure you want to know now? If we delve deeper into the topic i'm afraid I might spoil something."
Blake bristled in indignation,"Never mind moving on!"
Ozpin laughed again. And soon after Blake joined in.
"Anything else you want to discuss?"He said after he finished laughing.
Blake shuffled a little in her seat as she thought about it.
"There was one more thing."
Ozpin waited for her to continue.
"When Wander broke his arm, and Agro led him out to that stone pillar…"
Blake looked at Ozpin dead in the eye.
"What was that vision he had?"
Ozpin stared back for a few seconds before he smiled slightly.
"I was hoping you would ask that."
Leaning back in his seat, Ozpin let himself get comfy in his chair.
"What are you most curious about?"
Blake bit the inside of her cheek as she thought.
"What was the overall point of it? Why did he have that dream?"
"Why indeed."Ozpin pondered."Maybe to give him an extra push to fight the new colossus he had to face. Maybe to scare him into a warning."
Ozpin stared at Blake as he finished,"Maybe to hint something to the reader."
Blake scrunched her brow and blinked in confusion,"What do you mean?"
Ozpin sat a little straighter as he began his explanation.
"We talked last time, about the morality behind bringing back the dead. Clearly, Wander has no issue with doing so. Yet it gave us pause."
"In the vision we saw what was basically a bit of a tease of what might be. Somehow, someway, Wander receives a great and terrible power. And with it, he does horrible and unspeakable things. He becomes greedy, vain, selfish, and develops a god complex."
"There has been a fight amongst philosophers for centuries; what is the heart truly made of? Does it have desires to be kind and help those around us? Or does it wish to be cruel and unforgiving, to stand for nothing but it's own happiness. The book I think, offers a bit of insight as to what Wander's true character is. When faced with a situation in which he could literally do anything, he chose to glorify himself. This brings up the question, is the hero of the story truly as heroic as we would think?"
Blake stared at Ozpin in astonishment.
A whole new set of thinking had been brought to her and she could only sit in stunned silence for a few seconds.
"Wait,"She spoke up after a minute,"Do you mean to say that Wander is actually the antagonist in the story?"
Ozpin shook his head,"I wouldn't go that far. All I mean is, I think we were too quick to judge him. We as Huntsman can obviously connect with someone who slays monsters, so we immediately label them as a good person-"
"But not all Huntsman are good people."Blake interrupted.
Ozpin didn't seem to mind, of anything he was glad that she chimed in and offered a rebuttal.
"You sound like you know this first hand."He stated.
Blake shrugged.
"There were some incidents in the past, back when I was younger. Some Huntsman were hired to break up a protest the white fang had set up outside a dust factory. It wasn't pretty."
"I can imagine."Ozpin said with a frown. Huntsman were trained to fight monsters much bigger and stronger than any human or faunus, so for them to apply that training against civilians...the thought made Ozpin's insides simmer with anger.
"But continuing with my point, I think Wander was given the title hero too soon. I simply believe he's a man following his passions and ambitions."
"But can't that person still be a hero?"Blake asked.
"Possibly,"Ozpin answered,"But one must consider, if a hero is only a hero for themselves, then what would be the point of saving and helping others? What would they care if others are hurt so long as they accomplish their goal. Could this person truly be counted as a real hero?"
Blake was put into silence again. She retreated in on herself to think about the question.
A hero who worked only for themselves and didn't care who they hurt so long as they got what they wanted.
Blake's mind came to a slow halt as a single thought came to her.
"Adam."She whispered.
Ozpin watched her closely.
"This sounds like Adam."She said louder this time. She looked Ozpin in the eyes as a few things started to connect to her. He gave her the book the day after he spoke with her about her resolution, and has wanted to talk with her about it ever since...
"Headmaster,"She said slowly,"Why did you give me that book?"
Ozpin remained perfectly calm as he stared back into Blake's amber eyes.
"You'll have to keep reading to find out."Was all he said.
He could tell by the look in her eyes that Blake wanted to press the issue but she knew that she wouldn't find anything from him, at least not now.
Instead, Blake silently stood up and walked to the door.
She paused just as she was about to push the button for the elevator.
"Are you trying to change my mind?"She asked softly.
She waited for a response, but she was rewarded with silence.
So she simply pushed the button and got onto the elevator.
Ozpin listened to the elevator descend and sighed quietly.
'...I was right. This is what needs to happen.'He thought dejectedly.'For now, this may seem like the means to an end. But if all goes as I hope it does,"he turned and looked out the window to see Blake walking back to the dorms.
'Then this will help to change things for the better.'
X.x.X.x.X
Later That Night
It was nine o'clock at night, her team had decided to turn in early, and like many other nights, she was still awake.
In her sleeping yukata Blake sat against the headboard as the thick black book she had been reading for the past few days sat on her lap, a small candle to provide reading light was placed on the desk to her right.
Normally Blake would be digging deeply into the story, maybe even finish the chapter by now. But tonight was different.
As she stared at the book, she couldn't help but wonder just what about it Ozpin wanted her to see. It was just a book, granted a very good book, but a book nonetheless.
What did it have to do with Adam? What did it have to do with her?
Running her hands along the hardcover book Blake shook her head and frowned in confusion.
If she wanted to understand more, she had to keep reading.
She opened up to her last saved page and began reading.
Chapter 6: Avion
The early morning sun brought a warmth to his skin that made him feel excited and hyper. So it was no surprise that he had breezed through his morning chores with all the swiftness only a child could muster. And once he was done, he hightailed it out of his home and eventually out of the village into the forest.
After all, he had a promise to keep.
'Oh yeah, he promised he would go back to see her!'Blake thought giddily. She could already imagine how cute their interactions would be.
When he arrived at the small hut he was careful to see if the witch had left already. When he noticed the absence of the basket he was sure he was safe.
With that out of the way he walked right over to the door, and pushed it right open, as if he owned the place himself.
Blake had to roll her eyes. Children, oh so young and rude.
He saw her immediately, sitting on her sleeping mat. She was playfully bouncing her doll between her hands, making the little toy dance and twirl to a song only she knew.
When Mono noticed the light of the open door flooding the room she looked behind her and saw him.
Blake's toes curled in anticipation.
At first she was surprised, probably not believing it was really him. That quickly melted to the happiest and brightest smile he had ever seen in his life.
Before he could even say something, she leapt up from her spot on the mat and all but lunged onto him in a tight hug.
'Oh I can't do this.'Blake thought as her heart was pounding.'It's too sweet.'
His eyes widened as he felt her wrap her arms around him snugly. She nuzzled her face into his shoulder and he could hear her muffling tiny sobs that tried to escape. He could only barley make out her small voice whispering between soft cries,"Thank you. Thank you for keeping your promise."
'Dang it!'Blake thought as her eyes started to water. She had to put the book down to dry her eyes before she started crying on the pages. Whoever this author was, they were cruel. Making a scene this sweet and beautiful should be a crime! Picking up the book again, Blake steeled herself and kept reading.
Not knowing how to respond he simply raised a hand and awkwardly patted her on the back.
Why did boys seriously have to be so stupid?
When she finally let him go, all she grabbed him by the arm and pulled him inside the small hut.
"Come on, let's play."She whispered excitedly.
He let her drag him inside and didn't even fight back when she gently pushed him onto the floor next to her sleeping mat. Once he was seated she flopped down in front of him.
He opened his mouth to say something but was stopped when she suddenly shoved her doll into his hands and looked at him expectantly.
He blinked and looked down at the toy in his hands.
It was just as he remembered. As haggard and dirty as the first time he ever held it. There were more braids added on the left side of it's head that made him think that the doll looked ridiculous with only half it's hair long.
He looked back at her to see her still staring at him.
"What?"He blurted out.
She started and looked away from him.
Rolling his eyes he held the toy out for her to take. When she saw him trying to give it back she shook her head and pushed it back to him.
His brow scrunched up in confusion.
"What am I supposed to do with this? I don't play with dolls!"He said indignantly.
Blake had to stop herself from facepalming. Really now? Was it so hard to just be nice to the girl? Shaking her head in exasperation Blake turned the page.
The girl shied away at his tone and he immediately started panicking when he noticed her eyes start to water.
'Good.'Blake thought with a nod.
Gritting his teeth in embarrassment the boy took the doll by the arms and started waving her around like he saw her do earlier. He was relieved to see her smile at his actions. But he was still mad he had to play with a doll.
'Nobody will ever find out about this!'He thought determinedly.
Blake smirked at his thoughts.
After playing with the small toy for about a minute he decided he was finished. He tried giving it back to her, but she simply pushed it back to him.
"I'm done,"He said,"I don't want to play with this anymore."
When she still didn't take it, he sighed and put it on the floor next to him. Seeing her try to reach for it, he quickly grabbed her hand.
The action startled them both.
Blake felt her heart spike in excitement and anticipation. Please, please don't do anything stupid!
Feeling his face start to burn he looked into her surprised eyes and gulped softly. His heart raced as he thought of what to say to explain himself.
"How about we go outside!"He blurted as he released her.
Mono tilted her head at his strange behavior. First he wanted to play, then he didn't. Now he wants to go outside. He was really weird.
Snickering quietly, Blake turned the page.
'All boys are weird sweetheart.'
But she was willing to go outside if that's what he wanted. So she stood up and held her hand out to help him up.
The boy stared at her hand before deciding he promptly did NOT want to hold her hand again and simply stood up by himself.
He gave the slightly hurt look he saw no mind and promptly walked out of the house. He heard her hurry to catch up.
'...I've never had the urge to hurt a child. But Oum damn it he is really starting to push it!'Blake thought sourly about the boys indifference to the girl's kindness.
When he stood in front of the small hut he was met with the sudden realisation that he told her to come out of here and didn't actually have any idea what they would do.
He looked behind him to see the girl watching him expectantly.
'I have to think of something!'He thought in a panic. What was something fun they could do outside?
Looking around he spotted a few low hanging branches from the trees and he was suddenly struck with an idea.
Mono watched curiously as the boy ran over to a tree and ripped off two branches and proceeded to strip away the leaves.
He came back with a proud smile and held the two branches in his hands.
"Let's have a sword fight!"He announced as he held the two branches up. This was perfect. He and the other boys had sword fights all the time and it was alway fun. So now they won't have to play with dolls.
Blake felt a bad feeling settle in her stomach as she imagined all that could possibly go wrong. Someone might get hurt, who knows how badly?
Blake stopped when she realised just how invested in these children she was getting.
'I really should get out more.'She thought morosely.
Mono, for her part, blinked and stared at the branches as if they were completely foreign to her.
He frowned when she didn't react in the way he was hoping.
"What's the matter?"He asked,"Don't you know what a sword fight is?"
She shook her head no, and he nearly dropped the branches in shock.
Blake had to laugh at this. He was being so overdramatic it was funny.
"How do you not know what a sword fight is?!"He said incredulously."It's the coolest thing ever!"
She blinked again and continued to look at him strangely.
He sighed when he saw that she was completely lost on what he was talking about.
"Look I'll show you."He said as he held out one of the branches."Take this."
Mono took the stick gingerly and looked at it like it was treasure.
"Now,"He said as he held up his 'sword'."Do what I do."
He held the branch in both hands and bent his knees. It took her a minute before she had copied him as close as she could.
He nodded excitedly.
"Good! Now, try to knock the stick out of my hand."
Mono just watched him intensely.
Realising that she's waiting for him to do something, he rolled his eyes.
He reared back his branch and swatted the stick from her hands.
Mono looked at the branch in bewilderment as if she didn't understand how it suddenly got out of her hands.
"Like that."He said,"Now pick it up and try to do the same to mine."
Mono looked between the fallen branch and him a few times before she shook her head.
He raised his brow in confusion.
"What? Pick it up."
She refused.
"What's the matter? Don't you want to have a sword fight?"
She shook her head so heavily her hair waved around violently.
"Looks like she doesn't like violence."Blake whispered. For some reason, this made her all the more precious to Blake.
He sighed in annoyance."You are such a girl."He grumbled.
"But I am a girl."She said quietly.
He started at her voice. She was so quiet he forgot she actually had one. And the way she spoke, it wasn't defensive or angry like how the other girls in his village reacted when he teased them with that insult. She said it more like she was trying to point out a simple fact to someone who might not know better. And for some reason, it made him angry.
"I know you are!"He yelled,"I just mean that you act like one."
Not seemingly put off by his yelling, she responded with,"It's because I am one."
Again, it wasn't angry or sarcastic, just nicely said to one who made a mistake. And it ticked him off even more.
"That doesn't mean you have to act like one!"He screamed.
Mono tilted her head curiously,"But what if I want to?"
He grit his teeth.
"Then...then...do whatever you want I don't care!"He said with a humph as he turned his back to her.
They stood in silence for a few seconds before she spoke again.
"You're acting really weird."
His eye twitched as he bristled in indignation.
Blake snickered as she fought the laugh that tried to push itself out of her. There interactions were the best!
"Oh yeah?!"He said as he spun around to face her, his face twisted into a snarl."Well you're even weirder than me!"
Blake rolled her eyes at the childish comeback.
Mono blinked as he said this and pursed her lips in thought.
"Then...then we're both weird."She said a smile started to come to her face.
He felt his anger fizzle out and die when she laughed and seemed to enjoy the fact they they were both...weird.
"We're both weird!"She cheered.
As much as he wanted to argue that he was in fact normal and she was the weird one, he didn't have it in him to crush her happiness...however strange it was.
So he simply sighed,"Yeah...we're both weird."
Hearing her laugh again almost made up for that though. Almost.
'That has to be my favorite interaction between the two of them so far.'Blake thought in amusement.
(-)
He had regained consciousness a while ago, but an intense feeling of nausea had kept him down.
'And now we're back to the present. Okay, let's see what happens now.'
His face twisted in pain as he felt his insides scrunch and stretch, swirling around the contents of his stomach violently until he was close to actually vomiting.
'Too descriptive.'Blake thought woozily.'Way too descriptive.'
The pain was so intense, he didn't even hear the sound of another statue crumbling, or even see the four shadows that stood over his prone form and stared down upon intensely.
'And so another one falls.'
He doesn't know how long he stays on the ground, but by the time his stomach starts to settle he opens his eyes, and he sees that the sun was starting to set.
Slowly pushing himself onto his hands and knees, the young Wanderer breathed deeply as the simple action proved to be exhausting to him. He gave himself a minute before he staggered to his feet to stand unsteadily.
Wiping a few drops of sweat from his forehead, he looked towards the altar and was met with a sight that caused his heart to squeeze painfully.
Agro stood in front of the altar, his head bowed low as he gazed upon Mono's still form. He heard his horse neigh softly in what he could only guess was sadness as he stood over her.
'...oh the cruel twists of reality. Forget the happy childhood and say hello to the pain of the dead future.'Blake thought depressingly.
He strolled over to his stallion-a small limp in his walk-and placed a hand on his steeds head.
Together, they stared at the girl that had changed their lives so much. The boy didn't bother to say anything, he was sure Agro was thinking along the same lines as he was.
'We're getting closer. It won't be long til I can hold you in my arms again.'He thought as he fought a tear that threatened to spill from his eye.
Blake also had to do this.
Blinking away the tears, he was startled when Agro suddenly gave a worried whinny. He was about to ask what was wrong when he felt the familiar presence that haunted this temple.
He turned and cast his gaze to the light that shined down from the ceiling and felt the hairs on the back of his neck start to stand as Dormin's layered voice filled the entire sanctuary.
"Thy next foes is…it casts a colossal shadow across a misty lake…as it soars through the skies..."
His fists clenched as Dormin's voice seemed to seep deep into his mind and touch a part of his soul.
"To reach it is no easy task…"
Blake's mind started to kick in as the clue rewound in her head.
'Wait a minute...do you mean that this next colossus can fly?'She thought in shock and concern.
'Oh boy…'
As Dormin's presence left the room, the young man released the breath he hadn't realised he had been holding. For some reason, as Dormin spoke, his voice and very essence felt...uncomfortably close. Normally it just seemed like Dormin spoke from a barrier beyond the realm of man, but now, it seemed like he was speaking only a few feet in front of him. He shivered in discomfort.
Blake had to agree with how he felt.
As he turned to mount Agro, he was suddenly struck with how tired he was. His limbs felt heavy and his head was starting to pound. And his stomach was starting to act up again.
He was met with the decision to either go and find his new opponent, or rest to reclaim some of his strength.
He sighed begrudgingly when he realised that it was better to just rest for the night. The sun was already setting anyway, he couldn't even use his blade if there was no sun to help him.
"We'll rest for now,"He told Agro,"And start back up in the morning."
He let Agro go out onto the fields to graze for a while as he went out to gather anything edible for himself.
X.x.X.x
In the end he had barley found anything, just a few roots and some small lizards had made up his dinner. He had gone to sleep hungry and thirsty, due to not having found any water.
And that was just the beginning of the night. His sleep was troubled as well and he could barely find it in himself to keep still and not toss and turn.
Meanwhile Agro witnessed all of his suffering. He watched as his master lay on the temple floor, trembling and thrashing in discomfort. Agro almost went to try and comfort him, but when he got too close, his master jolted and started clawing the air, and growling as if he was possessed.
Agro backed away and watched this happen until his master fell quiet again.
He didn't move for the rest of the night, even as the fire went out and a chill started to enter the temple.
And Agro felt safer for it.
X.x.X.x
Blake grew worried for Wander as she read more of the chapter.
What was happening to him? And why was Agro afraid?
Blake bit her lip in anxiousness as she kept reading.
When the morning came, the young Wanderer barely felt any better then last night.
His head had stopped hurting, but he was still fatigued and slightly sick to his stomach. So he simply slept until he felt he was well enough to go back out.
And sleep he did. For nearly the entire day he slept and didn't wake til it was nearly the evening. And only then did he start to feel better.
Groaning as the evening sun washed across his eyes the young man slowly sat up and ran his hand down his sweat soaked face.
He blinked wearily to get his eyes to focus and was caught off guard to be staring right into Agro's eyes.
Blake couldn't help the smile on her face. Animals were awesome.
He blinked a few times before letting out a sigh,"Hey bud. Are you ready to go?"
Agro neighed in response.
Taking that as an okay, he climbed to his feet and struggled into the saddle. He sighed once he was seated on top.
He must be ill, the simplest things were not taxing to him.
Blake hoped that wasn't the case. If he was sick, it'd make it harder for him to complete his mission.
Leading Agro outside he drew his sword and let it catch the light of the evening sun. The light split and pointed off to the east.
Lightly kicking into Agro's sides, he set them into a steady gallop.
They ride through the empty field for a quite a while, the constant sound of Agro's running feet the only sound to accompany him. He slows Agro down when the land starts to narrow, and it wasn't long after that when the path thinned out as cliffs started to rise to their side.
The further they went the higher the cliffs became, he had to worry when he noticed that the sun's light started to dim more from the high cliffs blocking the light.
Remembering the last time Wander couldn't use the sword's light, Blake felt nervous for him. He almost didn't make it the last time, and she doubted he would be lucky again.
He pushed aside his worries when he came across a fruit tree tucked away in the shade. He nearly cried in relief when he saw the plump fruit hanging from the branches. He ate his fill of the juicy, if somewhat sour, before he early picked the tree clean of it's contents before loading it into Agro's side bag.
He felt his energy return as he finally had a decent meal. Hopefully he wouldn't go hungry again like last night for a while.
'I still don't understand why he went crazy last night. He might've been hungry but how he acted wouldn't be just because he was hungry.'Blake pondered. Food for thought later.
He remounted Agro before they set off, with him making sure they were going the right direction whenever the sun peeked over the cliffs surrounding them.
Soon, they came to a halt as the path they were on lead to a lake.
The boy had to sigh.
'Great. More water.'He thought in irritation.
Blake could feel his pain. She didn't like swimming either.
He noticed ruins centered in the lake, almost as if what was once there had been flooded. Maybe he could use them to find the next colossus.
Dropping down from the saddle, the young man turned to his companion and gave a gentle pat on his snout.
"Wish me luck pal."He whispered before turning to the lake.
Taking a deep breath in and out, he stepped back a few paces before running forward and diving straight into the water.
'I feel like that was a little more dramatic than it should've been.'Blake deadpanned. She wasn't the biggest fan of water either but she could at least get over it easily enough.
The cold impacted him more than anything. Like thousands of needles being stabbed into his body, the young man almost felt his body lock up before he fought through the chills and swam to the ruins.
Diving under an arch, he came into what might've been a courtyard, but was too flooded to tell. A large pillar sat in the middle of it, and he was certain he almost could see a ledge a top it. Grumbling under his breath, the boy began the arduous climb up the rock pillar.
Pulling his soaked and cold body atop the structure, the young wanderer was surprised to find a walkway on top that seemed to lead to a balcony. He took a minute to warm up and get his stiff muscles back into working order. Once that was done, he jogged down the walkway and up a set of stairs that led him to the balcony, the edge cut off by a tall black gate.
The wind blew softly up here, he realised as the breeze wafted over him and his wet clothes. He looked over the ruins to spot his next foe, his hand clasping the handle of his sword in case he needed to be ready.
His brow scrunched in confusion as he looked over the flooded ruins but didn't see the next colossus.
'Why do I feel like it's gonna make some sort of entrance?'
A sudden shift in the winds caught his attention.
'And there it is.'
The wind had been steady and constant, the soft breeze slowly drying his clothes, but a sudden burst of wind nearly pushed him off his feet. He looked up and blanched.
A huge shadow circled above him, it's wings flapping in a loud beat. The giant bird flew low, and he ducked as another wild burst of air from its wings nearly blew him over. Looking up he saw the bird fly over the ruins til it perched itself a top a high pillar at the other end of he ruins.
A light fog slightly distorted the image, but he confirmed that this was his target, the new colossus.
Stone armor lined it's wings and tail, and more protected it's feet and head.
And it's eyes...were staring directly at him.
Blake shivered at the thought of a giant bird staring her down.
His stomach dropped as he locked eyes with the new behemoth creature. It's eyes as serene and blue as it's kin, the young man found himself transfixed on the giant bird. It was truly unlike any of its kind, and he almost found himself reluctant to kill this one.
Almost.
Steeling his nerves the boy found an opening in the fence before he slipped under it and dove into the water again.
The cold wasn't as bad this time he thought as the water welcomed him back into it's freezing embrace. He took a deep breath when he resurfaced and started swimming towards his next opponent.
Blake's eyebrow raised in skepticism.'I don't think you'll be able to do much with you being in the water.'
He swam as long as he could before he started to get tired. He only stopped when he got near the center and saw the tip of a column poking out from the water. Climbing on top, the boy breathed deeply as he glared at the giant bird that still gazed down at him impassively. He sneered as he stood when he realised that it wasn't gonna come down anytime soon from it's cozy little perch.
Looks like he'll have to make the first move.
Blake bit her lip in anticipation. The next fight was about to begin.
Taking out his bow and loading an arrow, the young man aimed for the fur of its wing. The arrow flew swiftly and struck the giant bird.
It's eye burned like fire.
He gulped.
The colossus spread its wings and fell forward, the wind catching in its powerful wings as it attempted to divebomb him.
Eye widening at the speed of the giant bird, the young man felt his heart spike in fear as it got closer.
He barely had enough time to sling his bow around his back before he did the only thing he thought of in his panicked mind, he jumped toward it.
Blake's eyes nearly bulged out of her skull. He what?!
He met the bird wing with a huff as the air was smashed out of him and his fingers clung for dear life as the bird started to ascend.
Body flailing in the wind with each powerful flap of the giants wings, the young wanderer scrunched his eyes shut and grit his teeth as the wind beat against his ears and fought to stay on the colossus's wing.
Blake felt her heart pound as she read line for line of the exciting scene.
'Don't fall, Don't fall!'
He only got a relief once the colossus had gone into a smooth glide. Knowing he didn't have too much time he quickly drew his sword and held it up to the sunlight. In its aerial climb, it had ascended up past the shadow of the cliffs and he was able to freely use the sun.
Blake internally cheered at his luck.
The sword flashed before a glowing sigil appeared on the ends of both the giant's wings. He had his targets.
Climbing a top the colossus, he was quick to get up and run for the weak point before the bird tilted to it's right and he was sent flying towards the sigil faster than he wanted.
Blake gasped softly as her heart stopped.
Twirling in mid air, the boy spun and stabbed his blade through the wing to stop himself from falling. The colossus screeched in pain.
Blake sighed in relief.
When the giant leveled off again, he pulled out his sword and shielded his eyes from the stinging winds that threatened to push him off the giant.
Gritting his teeth in annoyance, he held lifted his blade and with a snarl jabbed the blade straight through the glowing mark atop it's wing.
His insides lurched when the giant dipped in its flight and bashed against the side of a cliff loudly.
Flapping its wings, the colossus fought to stay in the air even though it's right wing pulsed with a searing pain.
When the colossus returned to a glide, he dashed across it's back to try to reach the other wing in time.
He fell forward and grabbed the beasts fur when it did a sharp spin that left him dangling from it's upside down flight.
Blakes toes clenched and unclenched under the blanket as she kept reading. This chapter made Blake wonder how many more of the remaining colossus could fly. Cause certainly, those would be the most challenging ones.
Turning right side up again, he flopped onto the beasts fur and growled at the fight this one was putting up. Standing back up, nothing kept him as he ran for the sigil on it's left wing. He didn't hesitate to lift his sword and stab.
The bird lurched in pain and he waited for it to stabilize before he pulled out his blade and stabbed once more.
Screeching as it's wings pulsed with agony, the colossus lowered to smack it's underside in a raised pillar before it attempted to rise higher and dislodge the pest on its back.
'I hope he can finish this soon.'Blake thought as the colossus seemed to be suffering unnecessarily.
He cursed when he saw the colossus was still flying. There must be another sigil somewhere!
Turning his back to the wind, he looked around frantically before he saw a soft flow coming from the end of its tail. There!
He crawled slowly to the center of it's back, fists gripping it's hair painfully as he tried to stay on through all the spins and turns the beast did to dislodge him. He only reached the center of it's back when he realised he didn't have a safe way to reach the sigil. So he might as well stop wasting time with crawling.
Blake narrowed her eyes. What was he planning?
He slowly stood up and eyed the end of the beasts tail warily. He sure hoped this worked.
Gritting his teeth, he clasped his blade in both hands and made a run for the tail. Once he had a good enough start, he jumped forward, and with the wind pushing him towards his target, he practically flew.
Turning the next page, Blake felt anticipation burning a hole in her stomach.
Eyes watering, he almost didn't see the sigil in time from the high winds burning his eyes. At the last second, just as he was above the weak spot, he spun and while in mid air, stabbed his blade deep into the beasts tail.
'I honestly can't believe even half of these work.'Blake thought as she shook her head in disbelief.
Using his sword to keep him in place, the wanderer snarled and didn't even bother to pull the blade out. Placing his hand on the end of sword, he pushed until the blade was nearly buried to the hilt, all the while hearing the beast cry out as the last real peace of itself that allowed it to fly was wounded with a sparking pain.
With a snarl on his lips, he cried out and with both hands, gave one final shove that left sent a bolt of pain all across its body.
'Is it over?'Blake wondered.
With a dying screech, the beast started descending, it's wings and tail seemingly giving out and going limp.
He pulled the sword out of the tail before he launched himself off the dying colossus.
His landing in water was painful, his back smacking painfully against the surface before being immediately gripped by it's icy presence. He opened his eyes to see the giant form of the bird colossus descend to the depths of the lake, it's body seemingly decaying the farther it sunk.
His eyes widened slightly when he saw the black tendrils escape it's body and begin making their way to him.
Eyes widening he attempted to swim to the surface before they reached him, but alas, he always was a bad swimmer.
He braced himself and flinched when they pierced his skin and sunk into his flesh. He almost laughed as his vision started to go dark and he felt all his energy leave him.
He was almost getting used to the pain.
The next page began the new chapter.
Blake sighed and didn't bother to look at the clock. Knowing her luck, it was probably five in the morning. She laughed quietly.
Closing the book after saving her spot, she slid the book under her bed and laid down on her bunk, staring up at Yang's bed.
Her thoughts might be keeping her up for a while now, after the day she had. The talk with Ozpin had changed her outlook on the book and what she was actually doing all this for. None of it made any sense.
'Ozpin,'Blake contemplated,'What are you trying to show me?'
It would be this question, that would keep her up for the next few hours.
X.x.X.x.X.x
Aaaaaaaand done.
Well that was an experience. Who'd of thought, we actually got this far. Already passed a quarter of all the colossus. It's not been an easy road people, but we've made it together!
…
That's about it. I don't have a lot to say this time. God knows when the next update will be. I just hope I can continue to please the masses.
Review folks, it's literally one of the only reasons i'm doing this. That and it's fun.
Til next time, GhostAngel14