Disclaimer: I don't own RWBY and Tales of Berseria they are the rightful property of RoosterTeeth and Bandai Namco.
Italics are thoughts
Bold and Italics are flashbacks
Bold are artes being performed
Chapter 14 The mission part 1
(Time skip: the next day)
(Location: Tavern Bloodwings Butterflies hideout Loegres Jewel of the Empire Midgand region Midgand Empire)
Jaune woke up in such a great mood. It's been a while since he has had a good rest. He actually missed sleeping in a warm comfy bed. Tabatha's tavern even had an inn but she will only borrow it to" associates". So the blond was lucky he was in good terms with the older woman. It even had a shower, which he gladly took one. Cleaned and refreshed, he got dressed and was ready to start the day. The Arc hasn't forgotten that today was going to be a busy day.
They've been given an important task by the contact of the Shadow Guild. The older woman wanted them to do some things on a list. Some worried him, they weren't legal. But they didn't had a choice, they needed the guild's assistance when it comes to gathering information. Tabathat was very useful from past experience so it was for the best to have on their side. Once he had his weapon and gear ready, Jaune left the room. No surprise he saw Selene running to him and got disappointed.
The blond had to smirked at his malak's reaction. His malak had a decency to wake him up early in the morning, in a very rude way. Like jumping on him and continue jumping until he wakes up. So the Arc had no choice but to wake up way earlier before the girls rude awakening. Selene wasn't happy, pouting to see him up already. Jaune figured, everyone else must be up by now. At least Velvet, must be up. The black haired woman was very determined to do anything. As long as it gives her any kind of information to take down Artorius, she would even sell her own soul.
But maybe he was overestimating the Crowe's thirst for vengeance. She did got angry when she first saw the man at the ceremony. She was ready to lose it but she was able to control herself from going after the leader of the Abbey. Aware that will be nothing suicide going after him during the ceremony. So he shouldn't be getting so worked up or concerned for the long haired woman. No doubt she hated Artorius but at the same time, she was keeping a cool head. Until the times comes for her to fight him.
Thinking about that will only worried him more. His own feelings for Velvet were getting the best of him. She was strong and she can take care of herself, no doubt about it. She was also clever, able to come up with effective and crazy plans. Jaune kept a calm head. He needed to focus in doing his best to support the Crowe on her mission. The Abbey, stopping Artorius and the resurrection of Innominat. The mission he was given by the primordial Empyreans, he hasn't forgotten about it.
Climbing down the stairs with Selene following he met up with Rokurou, Eizen, Laphicet and Velvet. Looks like they were waiting for him. They must have woken up earlier than him. The Arc mentally sighed, maybe it would have been better if his malak woke him instead. Though it seemed, she was going to wake him late. There was always a first time for everything. The blond exorcist gave a mental prayer wanting for things to go down smoothly today.
Velvet walked over to him, showing the Arc the list Tabatha gave them. Going over it, reading the tasks they needed to do. His blue eyes were on the first one. The group finally decided to leave the tavern as the older woman gave them a nod. No pressure really. If they messed up, he could kissed his alliance with the shadow guild goodbye. Failure wasn't an option not to mention they truly needed the aid of the Bloodwings remembering how the odds were against them.
"Destroying red crates in a warehouse? Doesn't sound very nice" said Rokurou.
"Have we ever been nice?" asked Velvet.
"Point taken. I'm curious to know what's inside those crates" said Jaune" as long as I have known Tabatha. It must be something serious. Or maybe, dangerous."
"It matters not. What matters it's our mission is to destroy those crates. Regardless of it's content" replied the Crowe.
"Right. This is a contract job, so let's keep costs down" said Eizen" I'll call the Van Eltia and have her draw the guards away."
"If you would" replied the therion.
"This job isn't going to be easy. This is the capital, security is tight. If we get spotted by soldiers or exorcists we're done" said the Arc.
"Then we better make sure we don't get caught. We do the job done quick before they noticed" said the Crowe.
"So we don't know what we're going to destroy?" asked Laphicet.
"Like Velvet said, it doesn't matter the content. We do what the shadow guild wants us to do" said Rokurou.
"We have to do everything in the list right. That is, if we want to earn Tabathan's trust. It's important that we do. We need the Bloodwings as our allies. They will be very useful if we want to take down the Abbey" said the blond exorcist.
"I'm ready to cause some mayhem and havoc" Selene smirked" Jaune, we should have left the Abbey way sooner if we were going to be doing this sort of thing."
"Glad to know that you're enjoying yourself as we become most wanted terrorists in the Midgand Empire" sweat dropped the blond.
"I want to return to the tavern. I really like Tabatha's mabo curry!" smiled Laphicet.
"Me too!" followed the archer malak" her pancakes are very good too!"
"You guys had breakfast?" asked the Arc.
"Yeah, it was delicious!" smiled the young boy.
"You better do your part Laphicet. If you want to continue having mabo curry, and pancakes" said Velvet.
"I will!"
"Me too!" followed Selene.
"Then we're off to Port Zekson" said Jaune.
The group has left Loegres traveling once more through the Dannan Highway. They were hoping the trip will be smoother than the first time. By not encountering too many monsters. Half of the trip was truly smooth. No enemies on sight so, they have saved enough time. Velvet wanted this done already. The less time they waste, the better. She was wondering where Artorius. Was he still on the capital. Or maybe he took off. He was a very important figure to the people. So staying in the city should be obvious.
The long haired woman will be patient. She waited three years to have her revenge, she can wait a few more hours, or days. So she kept her focus in doing these jobs for the shadow guild. Having allies that can bring them plenty of useful information was a must in her journey. The more you know of your enemy, the more you will know of an advantage. Learning of the Abbey's weaknesses, she will benefit herself a lot. Even if she knew a man like Artorius was very hard to find a weakness.
After a couple of fights with some wolves, snakes and Gibbons. The group arrived at the gate that leads to Port Zekson. They have finally arrived at the destination where their first job was awaiting them. There were plenty of people around just like when they first arrived. But as they headed to the warehouse, they immediately noticed the lack of security. Looks like the crew of the Van Eltia came true. They have managed to get the attention of the guards. Leaving the warehouse unprotected. Meaning they can do their job without getting their attention.
Not wasting time, they entered the warehouse. They immediately saw a large group of red crates. That was it, their target. Jaune carefully took a glance at the boxes. Curiosity got the better of him, wanting to know the contents. If it was enough to get the attention of Tabatha and the Bloodwings. Then, whatever must be inside must be something precious. The Arc's eyes widened when he saw the seal of Midgand's cathedral marked on all red crates. So the content belongs to the church. The blond was really in deep thought.
What could possibly be inside of the crates that the church will need. Money was out of the question since the priests always collect the gald for donations during their ceremonies. It couldn't be food either because they buy the ingredients fresh to make the food for the poor and the orphans, never to order them in crates. The Arc's curiosity was truly high. The other thing he thought was the water. Or better yet, the holy water. True Loegres didn't had any water sources close by. So the church will obviously buy the supply for their holy water.
"I'm still confuse...If it's really holy water. Why would the Bloodwings want this shipment destroyed? It doesn't make sense. Destroying property from the Church is extremely illegal. Tabatha wouldn't do something like this unless she has a valid reason behind her actions. I will have to ask her when we return to the capital."
"Should we look inside?" asked Eizen.
"There's no need. Burn them, Laphicet" said the therion.
"Wait" Jaune stopped the boy malak from casting a fire arte" we're suppose to make little damage in order to get less attention. Not that I don't trust Benwick and the others Eizen. But it will be a whole lot safer if we leave before the warehouse catches fire."
"Good point. We'll get a clean getaway by the time the warehouse is burning" the pirate malak nodded.
"Selene, you got this."
"Right" the girl malak nodded.
The archer prepared one of her arrows before the tip was burning. She released the fire arrow as it hit one of the red crates. The fire started little before it will eventually grow destroying the entire shipment of crates along with everything else. Jaune mentally sighed, there goes another crime to add to the list. The fire was spreading faster than they hoped.
"The job's done. Let's get out of here" said Rokurou.
Jaune had a strong feeling that everything was going according to plan. And that meant, that it was too good to be true. That they will be able to leave Port Zekson without problem. He was wrong. As soon as they left the warehouse, trouble found them. The blond stood his ground as he saw Eleanor. The last time he saw the red head praetor was back at Hellawes. After their fight with Teresa. He made it sure to his former friend that he chose to help the daemon woman on her quest no matter what. A choice he knew it will bring him consequences.
"It's you!" the red head gasped.
"Oh hey. The crybaby" Velvet won't hesitate to call her that nickname, it seems to have grown on her.
"What will you do Eleanor?" Jaune has already unsheathed Crocea Mors and readied his shield.
"You don't have to do this" the red head stared at him" please, turn yourself in. I'm sure Lord Artorius will forgive your crimes if you come quietly now. I've known you long enough to know that you're a good person Jaune. Maybe I can help."
"I think it's a little late for that. There's nothing you can do to help me with. I already committed enough crimes to grant me the death sentence. You would think Artorius will give me a pat on the back forgiving my bad deeds? Sorry, that won't happen. But if I'm given the chance. I will do my choices all over again."
"Why? Why would you go so far for this...Daemon!?" she glared at the long haired woman.
"This daemon is my dear friend, who's been through a lot of hardships. I'll be a fool to leave her side just when she needs the most."
Eleanor's eyes widened in realization" I see...It's her. She's the one you talked to me about. She's the only reason you joined the Abbey. You never told me she was a daemon."
"You would have seen me in a different light if I had. Look Eleanor, I'll give you a chance to leave right now. Forget that you ever saw us, and we'll be on our way."
"You know I can't do that. You might have turned your back on your duties as a praetor. But I sure won't!" she pointed her spear at the black haired daemon" I need to know if you're responsible for him betraying us! Jaune would never do this unless you did something to him like...Taking over his mind. I'm sure you brainwashed him!"
"What…." the Arc sweat dropped at her comment while Selene laughed.
"What if I did?" Velvet gazed at her unfazed, never showing fear" what will you do?"
"Say what?!" the blond turned to the Crowe as if she was crazy" what are you doing?"
"So you admit to take control over his mind! You vile daemon!"
"That's right. He's my loyal servant. He does all my bidding and he enjoys it too. I see it as ironic to have him working for me. What better way to take down the Abbey than using one of your own?" yet the therion keot her face calm, hiding her humor.
"I'm confused. I thought Jaune joined Velvet because he wanted to" said Laphicet.
"Velvet. I think we better check your head after this" Jaune sweat dropped.
"She's being sarcastic" his malak was still laughing.
"Really? A bad time to be sarcastic" the blond exorcist shook his head.
"Guess there's no running away for us" Rokurou unsheathed his short swords.
"Would have been too easy if we did" Eizen got into a sighting stance blaming it again on his curse.
"I will stop you all here!" Eleanor summoned two masked malakhim holding rapiers.
(Music:" The will that opposes reason" from the Tales of Berseria original soundtrack)
"You won't get away this time!"
"Rgh! You really want a fight, don't you?"
"Velvet! Don't forget our priority isn't fighting Eleanor. We're suppose to leave here immediately!" warned Jaune.
"Not like she's going to let us walk away freely" argued the Crowe.
Laphicet and Eizen chose to fight one of the Duelist malakhim. While Rokurou and Selene went after the other one. That left Jaune and Velvet to fight Eleanor. It was hard for the blond exorcist to fight a former friend. But they had the advantage so this fight wasn't going to last long. It was basically what worried him the most. The red head praetor knew, the numbers were against her. It might lead him to believed that she wasn't fighting them seriously. The Arc realized as he and the Crowe attacked her. She blocked but she didn't wanted to counter.
That was it, she wasn't fighting them seriously because she was actually waiting. Jaune realized her true intentions. By now the guards must have gotten suspicious of the Van Eltia's intention to lead them away from here. Eleanor must be waiting for their return to gain the upper hand in numbers. Maybe they might call reinforcements from the Abbey. It surprised the Arc how smart the red head can be. She couldn't fight them like this so she was leaving it all to chances. It was a risky move but she knew they were in a hurry.
The blond signaled Velvet with his sword and she nodded. Looks like she was thinking the same thing too. So beating her quick was their only option. By now, the two malaks have been defeated by the others. Seriously they didn't stood a chance against three malaks and one war daemon. Eleanor tried to remain calm. With her malaks downed, it was going to be very difficult to take on so many opponents. They're not going to let her cast any artes or martial artes. The odds were against her. So waiting buying herself time until the return of the guards was out of the question.
It was the Crowe and the Arc that attacked while dodging some punches from Eizen and sword strikes from Rokurou. Then Laphicet and Selene cast some malak artes, that will only spell trouble for the red head praetor. She kept her distance avoiding the artes. But she was unable to avoid Velvet's attacks, so she blocked. But to block the others, she was done for. The red head fell on her knees, refusing to give up. Eleanor couldn't lose, not here. Not when she was about to capture the daemon for the destruction of Hellawes.
(Music end)
"Willing to fight without your malakhim?" asked Velvet.
"No" Eleanor could smelled and see smoke coming from the storehouse" you set the warehouse ablaze?! The people have worked so hard to withstand this time of crisis...How can you destroy what they have so painstakingly built?!"
The black haired woman was about to speak before she was stopped by the Arc.
"Won't argue what we did was wrong" Jaune really did felt ashamed but this was being done to look good before the Bloodwings, of course he couldn't say that to her.
"Then why would you still go with it?!" she shouted tears forming" you would never do something like this. You hate this kind of pointless destruction. Not when it comes to supplies that belongs to good people. Supplies they worked so hard to make. Only for those supplies to get burned down in the end."
"Anything I say won't change your mind. But your strategy won't work Eleanor. You knew you couldn't take on all of us, so you carefully tried to buy time until the guards return. I made my choice and I'm not being brainwashed. Just stay out our way from now on. Can't guarantee the next time we ran into each other will end well for you."
"I'm not done yet" her grass-green eyes narrowed turning to the long haired woman" and you! You'll pay for this! You daemon!"
The red head praetor has just summoned another malak.
"More malakhim up her sleeves?!" Velvet gasped.
"Stay on your guard!" followed the Arc.
The malak revealed himself to the group. It was small, smaller than the others. With purple skin, the portion of his belly colored creamy white, with red bath wings on his back and small red shoes. The most noticeable feature was his black top hat with holes for his eyes, the hat was acting as some sort of mask, with dark eyes and a red gift ribbon on top of the hat.
"I will protect you, Madam Eleanor! Come and face me now, daemon!"
"He's adorable" Laphicet was the first to speak.
"A-Am I?" he felt like blushing from the compliment.
"Bienfu?" Jaune was shocked staring at the small malak.
"Yeah it's Bienfu all right, hi buddy!" Selene waved at him.
"It's Jaune and Selene. Fancy meeting you guys here."
"You know them?" the red head praetor didn't saw that coming.
"You're telling me you've been with Eleanor this whole time?" said the blond exorcist.
"Oooh! I found you at last."
The top hat malak trembled at the voice" that bad-bad voice!"
"Bienfu, you traitor! You'll never leave my clutches again!" Magilou stood on the top of one of the ships of the port she jumped down reuniting with the group.
"N-Not her! Nooo!" the poor malak vanished returning to his new master.
"Wh-What are you doing? Get out there and fight!"
"Wow, can't blame Bienfu for acting like that. I would act the same way if Magilou was my master" Selene smirked making her blond master laughed.
"The fire has spread enough. Let's get going" said Velvet watching some of the people panicking.
"You're coming with us" Rokurou grabbed Magilou as the others were running with him.
"Let me go! Witchnappers!" protested the platinum-blond.
"I'm sorry Eleanor" it was all Jaune could say as he went after them.
"Madam exorcist! What happened?!" asked one of the men.
"Oh! You're badly hurt!" said another.
"It can wait. Gather the people and put out the fire!"
"Y-Yes madam!"
The red head praetor got closer to the warehouse emitting a lot of smoke" tell me, do you know what was being kept in that warehouse?"
"Um...Mostly nectar. I believe. Vast stores of the medicine, provided by High Priest Gideon, to be distributed to doctors across the land."
"Medicine given by the church? Why would anybody destroy it?" Eleanor stood in thought" what are you up to Jaune?"
"Whew...Looks like we're in the clear" said Rokurou as they stood outside of the gate of Port Zekson.
"Aaiiiaaaghh…." Magilou was crying fake tears, up to no good again" misfortune and anguish! I had little turncoat right in front of me!" she calmed down" well, at least now I know where to find him!"
"That weird little malak was the one you were looking for?" asked Velvet.
"The very same, the malak Bienfu! A creature unfathomable wickedness and beguiling cuteness who broke the heart of this wretched maiden! Heh-heh-heh...Once I finally catch him, who knows what I'll be capable of…."
"I finally understand why he left her and went with Eleanor" said the girl malak.
"Definitely. He may not look like it but he's strong like any other malakhim" said Jaune ignoring the witch's comment" without him, Magilou here is useless in a fight."
"Must you always be so cruel to me?! I haven't done anything to make you hate me!"
"Don't get me started. I haven't forgotten what you put me through that one time" and the Arc sweat dropped because Selene was laughing out loud.
"Sorry! Every time I think about it, I just laughed" the archer malak dried her tears.
"Nope, sorry don't remember" the witch shrugged her shoulders.
"Not sure I get it" said the daemon swordsman.
"Me neither" followed Laphicet.
"Good. Pray that you never do" said the Crowe.
"Trust me you're better off not understanding it" said the Arc.
"So what did Magilou do to you Jaune?" asked Rokurou.
"Stop it Selene!" he frowned watching his malak laughing again" I'm not bringing it up...Like ever" his whole face was red from embarrassment.
"He doesn't want to say anything, leave him be" said Velvet.
"Now I'm getting curious" followed the boy malak.
"Let's go back and report our success" said the therion.
As the group returned to Loegres Jaune and Selene have already their hoods back on. They will never feel safe as long as they were in this city. However, there was a slight change as they returned. Gazing around the capital, something was awfully out of place. For some reason, the Arc couldn't see any of his wanted posters anywhere. It's like they all vanished. There wasn't a single one around the walls of buildings, houses or even stores. That's when it hit the blond exorcist what could have happened to them.
A grin spread over his lips. He should have thought they will be behind this. Tabatha must have already know of their success at Port Zekson. So she decided to do him a favor in return for the job being done. What better way to repay him by having her spies get rid of all the wanted posters in the city. It was good, but it won't solve the problem. Even if it was only temporary, the blond was more than relief not seeing them around. Still, he and his malak were going to keep wearing the hoods. Just in case and they will feel safe having them on.
As Jaune smiled he didn't noticed Velvet staring at him from the corner of her eye. She kept asking herself, why was she feeling so upset when it came to the Arc and the crybaby exorcist. He told her they were friends from when he was still with the Abbey. That really made her angry. Judging from the way she was looking at him, it seems they were" close". The Crowe hated this feeling of anger of, she didn't know. It annoyed her, why was she bothered that they were friends. He's not with the Abbey anymore and that exorcist was his enemy now.
But Jaune has shown hesitation towards Eleanor before. Back at Hellawes and now at Port Zekson. He was holding back fighting her obviously, a sign that he didn't wanted to fight her. There was no hesitation in his composure when he met Oscar at Titania or Teresa at Hellawes. Yet, this girl, that damn crybaby seems to have really triggered some emotional strings in the blond. What if there was something more than just a simple friendship between them. The thought really irked Velvet to no end. It was only angering her further more.
"What is wrong with me? Why does it bother me so much? Jaune and HER…." chest nut eyes widened" what if...Could it be that, I'm jealous…?"
Velvet snapped from those thoughts. None of that mattered. What matters right now is to report back to the shadow guild the result of their first job. Again, revenge was her main priority, nothing else. She reminded herself again probably, for the fourth time. Why should she care if Jaune and that crybaby have something deeper than a friendship from being exorcists and praetors. The Crowe saw the tavern coming to view, finally. They might begin their second job soon. The long haired woman needed all the information she could get on the Abbey and Artorius.
As they entered to the tavern they were surprised not to see Tabatha at the bar counter. There was someone else obviously, a Bloodwing agent. There were more people than the last time they were here, before leaving. They really do get a lot of customers here. Maybe that was one of the methods why the shadow guild will get information. They spotted the older woman seated on a couch. Looks like they can't expect her to always be the one to be the bartender when she can have her people, do her job.
"Trouble at the docks, was there? Well, so long as the job was done…."
"We'll be taking the next job, if you allow it" said the Crowe.
"Of course. Your next job should be easier than the first one. You are to find and bring back a scholar named Mendi who disappeared along Galles Lake Road" replied Tabatha.
"So our next destination is Galles Lake Road" Jaune stood in thought, he has been there before during his missions" I think we should prepare ourselves before heading out again."
"Feel free to rest, eat or buy any goods. Your are welcome to stay here. Good luck. I look forward to hearing your report."
"By the way Tabatha. Thanks for removing all the wanted posters."
"It's the least I could do. Though it won't solve the problem for good. It won't be long before the Abbey puts then back again."
"I know. But you still helped me so you have my thanks. I also wanted to tell you that we have stopped a couple of code red daemons on our way here" said the Arc.
"I see. Then that means, you are to be rewarded properly. Follow me."
"I won't take long" the Arc told the group.
"We'll wait outside" said Velvet.
Jaune returned a few minutes later. The blond looked very pleased as he was holding a bag of filled with gald coins. This was great. Unlike the Abbey, the Bloodwings actually pay for taking down code red daemons. For the two they defeated, he got a little more passing ten thousand gald. This will be enough to help them through the journey. He kept in mind to find code red daemons in order to earn more money. Not that he was greedy but having gald was important if you were in quite a journey like Velvet's. The Arc left the tavern meeting up with the rest of the group.
"Sorry If I was late."
"You weren't. What did you get from Tabatha?" asked Velvet.
"Gald of course. The Bloodwings have rewards for defeating code red daemons. Since we beat two, we get a nice share."
"It's even better to defeat a tough opponent especially when they pay you for it" said Rokurou.
"A scholar missing on the road to Galles Lake Road" the therion went with the details of their second job.
"Strange request" said the daemon swordsman.
"If they know where he vanished, why don't they just look for him there?" asked Laphicet.
"Exactly. And what's so illegal about a missing-persons case that you gotta go to the underworld?" followed the war daemon.
"I can think of a few possibilities. But our job isn't to ask questions" said the Crowe.
"So, are we finally heading out?" Selene was hyped to start the next trip.
"You guys wait for me outside of the gate. Magilou you're coming with me" said the blond exorcist.
"Huh?" that took the witch by surprise" what do you need me for?"
"You'll see. We'll see you guys in a little bit." '
"All right" Velvet nodded.
Selene stood with the others outside of the gate of the city capital. The archer malak stood patiently waiting for her friend and master. It has gotten her interest and curiosity what could Jaune would want with Magilou. Whatever it was, it must be something he was buying. Because he got plenty of gald from the shadow guild for defeating the two code red daemons. But will he really buy. Maybe supplies, more items will be good. They never knew when they will face a strong creature. The Orc Kong they fought recently wasn't a push over.
The girl malak was able to see her master in the distance. He was leaving the gate not holding anything, like he didn't do any shopping. Then the group looked behind Jaune as Magilou was holding some sort of backpack. The platinum-blond witch didn't looked happy in the slightest. The whole sight was really amusing. Selene was the first to smirked at the scene before her. Looks like her master found the perfect punishment for the witch. The others didn't know what to think. Laphicet was curious, Eizen and Rokurou were surprised and Velvet raised an eyebrow.
"We're here. Let's get going."
"What's with Magilou holding that backpack?" asked Rokurou.
"Is this your idea of a sick joke?!" shouted the witch glaring at the blond exorcist" how dare you even suggest poor little o'l me to carry something this heavy!"
"Quit the melodrama, it's not that heavy. I made sure it was on the right weight so you don't have a problem carrying it around."
"You will pay for this insubordination Jaune, you hear me?! Once I take back that little traitor, I shall condemned you with the nail spitting curse that will last fifty days!"
"I guess, I can see this as payback for" that time". Besides we need someone like you with us."
"I should have known you wanted to get even. You desire nothing but revenge on this humanitarian witch!"
"Humanitarian, you? I find that hard to believe. Now quit complaining and try to adjust to your new duty."
"What's this all about?" asked Velvet.
"Since Magilou can't help us when we're fighting. I decided for her to help us in a way that will suit her more. Until we find Bienfu again, she will be the" supply girl" of our group.
"It's a good idea to have one of us to carry everything we will need for a long journey" said Eizen.
"Yeah, she's finally becoming useful for once" Selene had to say it, giving a smirk at the witch.
"You shall pay dearly for this! How can you even think of me or even calling me that?! I'd prefer" supply witch", it suits me more."
"She's carrying items, ingredients for cooking, gald everything that is important for these kinds of trips" smiled the Arc.
"I'd say you came up with a good plan to make her useful" the Crowe approved of his idea.
"Um...Magilou" said the boy malak" if it's too hard for you, I don't mind helping you carrying a few things."
"That's okay Laphicet, she can carry them no problem" Selene was still smirking.
"Why is fate so cruel with me?!" the witch was crying comical tears" these so called" comrades treat me as if I was the enemy!"
"We're heading out" said Velvet.
"Galles Lake Road is located northeast from here" said the blond exorcist.
The group took noticed to be heading into the right direction. It was a good thing Jaune has traveled to Galles Lake Road before. The blond was able to memorized the path. But even so, they weren't spared when it comes to enemy encounters. They had to fight more creatures passing through the Dannan Highway. The usual ones who were starting to become annoying. No matter how many times they have fought and beaten them. The monsters weren't taking no for an answer. Gibbons, wolves, snakes they were too weak for the party.
The Arc carefully traveled the road, remembering this path. He has come here with Selene before. Though he doubted his malak will remember. She was too focused doing sightseeing or looking for Katz. The blond signaled at the others that they were on right track to their destination. The Jaune heard groaning coming from behind. Magilou wasn't having a pleasant trip carrying the backpack he bought for her. He knew those were excuses of the witch because he bought it to be light. Someone with her weight wasn't going to have trouble carrying it.
As always the platinum-blond was being melodramatic. She didn't wanted to carry it obviously. But his plan was very good. If she couldn't help them in the battles at least, she will help them if they needed items or with the cooking. Better to be useful than useless. Besides it wasn't going to be permanent. Until they find Bienfu again and Magilou manages to take him back. That is, if the small malak wanted to return to his original master's side. He was pretty scared when he heard her voice. Though the Arc didn't blame the malakhim for choosing Eleanor over Magilou.
After entering through a corner they eventually arrived at Galles Lake Road. Jaune smiled at the scenery. This place hasn't changed since the last time he was here. Grassy plains, surrounded by many layers of water. Thus, it was the reason it was given such name. This territory was basically created on a large body of water. Galles Lake obviously. When the Arc came here on a mission, it was around noon resembling how it looks now. But there were rumors that the place more beautiful at night. He didn't know since he has never being here when the sun goes down.
The others took the chance to have a look around. It was really breathtaking more beautiful than the Dannan Highway. Though they weren't here to admire the sight. Still they took a couple of minutes. Eizen, Rokurou, Magilou, even Velvet. The black haired woman went next to Laphicet who was enjoying the view with Selene. It didn't hurt to stared for a little while. It's not like the Bloodwings wanted the job done in a hurry. So they took a short break before resuming the journey. They continued the path ahead through the land surrounded by water.
It was such a shame this region was inhabited by creature just like other places they've traveled. The party encountered more snakes, and quite a number of them. Along with the new species like beast type marmot. They may be small but they've shown to be a nuisance when it comes to beating them. If that wasn't enough they have the most annoying opponent yet. The pixie, a flying magical creature. Very nasty when it comes to casting exorcist artes. So the group didn't gave them the chance to cast them. Needless to say the journey through Galles Lake Road wasn't easy.
If they weren't fighting they were opening new routes to pass through. Using the sorcerers ring Velvet gained from devouring Seres she will burn the vines from large boulders, allowing the group to push it. The results, it creates a new pathway. With little effort because the therion was the one who did all the job. While others volunteered. Still the Crowe's way was quicker and more effective. The hours went by as they continued traveling, getting deeper into the lake road. Just as they thought it was going to take them longer than expected to find this scholar.
But Velvet knew better than push everyone to their limit. Though Jaune, Eizen and Rokurou wouldn't get tired so easily. They were people with plenty of fighting experience and with enough stamina to fight off plenty of daemons and exorcists. She was unsure of Magilou because she has never seen her fight before. But Laphicet and Selene, even if they were malak they had a limit. So she wasn't going to risk it and let them get exhausted from all the traveling and fighting. The therion decided to take a break so they went to make some camp on a zone that doesn't have any monsters to bother them.
Eizen and Rokurou went to search for firewood while she went scout the area making there weren't monsters or daemons around. Jaune started taking out the ingredients,a pot with some dishes and utensils, while Magilou was helping him because she was the" supply witch" as stated by the platinum-blond. The pirate malak and the daemon swordsman returned shortly with enough firewood. Thanks to Selene casting a fire arrow while the Arc chopped all the ingredients for the dish he was preparing. As the minutes went by, the group were able to smelled the aroma coming from the pot on the fire.
Velvet was the first to recognized it as she took a peek inside the pot. It was meatball stew. The Crowe stood in thought remembering that this was one of the many dishes she used to cook when she was living in Aball. Her brother loved it but he hated whenever she will add spinach. Taking another look, there weren't any. It shouldn't be a surprise Jaune knew how to make it, because, she was the one who taught him how to make it. Too bad she couldn't taste food anymore. She would want to eat it. Maybe through the years the blond has been able to perfect it and make it taste like how she used to make it.
Minutes later the meat ball stew was done. Jaune served Laphicet and Selene, followed by Magilou. The witch looked very hungry like she hasn't eaten in a while. But the others weren't left out. The Arc thought ahead since he bought something additional when he was in the capital. For the pirate and the war daemon he bought some fine drinks. When the blond exorcist took them from the backpack the witch is carrying, they seemed pretty pleased. Eizen grinned and so did Rokurou. Both appreciated the thought.
Jaune wasn't feeling so hungry so he waited for the malaks and the witch to finish up. While Eizen and Rokurou were busy drinking. It was a miracle how either of them don't get drunk. But he has never heard of a malakhim that will get drunk. Suddenly, he saw Velvet staring off at the beautiful view of the lake as the sun was shining on the crystal-like water. The expression her eyes held, she was in thought. Something was bothering her. And what better way than to check up on her and see what was running in her head.
"You okay?"
"Not feeling hungry" she rolled her eyes" that meatball stew looks tasty."
"It is. You can see for yourself" the Arc smiled watching Laphicet, Selene and Magilou chowing down" I'm sure you will like it too."
"If I could taste it."
"I'm sorry Velvet I didn't-"
"It's okay. I got used to the taste of blood over food."
"What has you in thought? I don't think you're here just to enjoy the view."
"Thinking. About you" she turned to him.
"Hm…." Jaune suddenly blushed" wha-I mean, what?"
"I wasn't considering your situation much. I was only focusing on myself. It doesn't sound like you had it rough but I can imagine being in your place."
"This is about, after the Advent?"
"Yes. Always being by Artorius side. You must have hold that anger inside for so long. I would never be able to do that."
"I wasn't always by his side. I always kept myself far away from him as much as I could. I will always asked if there were any missions available so I could have the excuse not to be on the capital, or near him. The only times were it was so hard was during my training. He was always strict, more than usual. There were times it felt like he wanted me dead. But at the same time, his eyes, showed mercy."
"He didn't showed mercy when he killed Laphicet" the Crowe's eyes narrowed in anger.
"Velvet" the Arc gazed at her" I hate him for what he did. I hate him for what he did to Laphicet, I hate him for what he did to Aball, I hate him for what he did to you. He ripped your life apart, he destroyed both of our lives on that night. I want justice to be done, he has to pay for his crime. But we can't forget that there's also a priority in stopping his plan."
"His plan? You know something I don't?"
"He wants to awaken the Empyrean Innominat. But that's all I know, I have no idea how he's going to do it. He never told me a word about it. But I've been curious for a while. Back at the Advent, Innominat didn't awaken when he...Well you know, but instead, it brought fort the malakhims. So it leaves me to believe that there's more. There are more things that need to be done in order to summoning it."
"You really believe in the Empyreans? I know it's an old religion but the whole thing feels like a way for Artorius to take control over the people."
"Using the Empyreans was one of the many reasons why everyone supported him and his vision. He reminded the people of the Empyreans as the creators of the world and the ones who rule over it. But anyway, yeah. I do believe in the Empyreans especially, Innominat. Whatever is his plan to awaken it I have a bad feeling about it. It gives me the reason to stop him no matter what."
"No need thinking about it, if you don't know yet. All we have to do now is focus on our current situation. We do the jobs the shadow guild asked us to do, then we'll hear what Tabatha has to say. They must have gathered enough information on the Abbey more than we think. After that, we'll plan our next move."
"Velvet, I want to stop Artorius as much as you. But, stopping Innominat's awakening should be our focus too. Who knows the danger our world will face if that Empyrean is around."
"You've always being caring. Always kind, always thinking about others. I guess, that's what I admire about you. Even after three years, you haven't change. Wanting to get strong so you can protect others. Becoming some kind of hero."
"That's always being my dream from a long time" his eyes softened thinking of his time in Remnant.
"How do you plan to become a hero when you're helping me? Look around you. Daemons, malakhims, pirate, witch. Not exactly the best combination of heroes."
"I know. And the list of crimes we have so far doesn't help one bit" the Arc chuckled.
"Neither a wanted poster" the therion gave a small smile.
"You have to bring that up, didn't you?" he laughed" I guess becoming a hero is going to be whole lot tougher than I thought."
"Bringing down Artorius and the Abbey doesn't help your dream either. What will the people think when they found out their savior and the institution he founded has been destroyed by a group lead by an evil daemon that wanted revenge?"
"It doesn't matter what they think. All I know is that Artorius has to be stopped, his plan can never come true."
"Agreed. Let's stop him together. Let's make him pay together" Velvet kept her eyes on the blond exorcist.
"I'm with you all the way" he smiled.
"Jaune!" Selene shouted" I want more! I'm still hungry!"
"Way to go to kill the mood Selene" the Arc sighed at his malak" be right there!"
"Oh what to do?!" shouted Magilou" my tummy is still rumbling and it's getting louder! Someone feed this witch, she can't go on any longer with this hunger killing her! Will this be the end of the mighty Magilou!"
"Keep your drama level low!" he sweat dropped" just so you know I only cooked because of Selene and Laphicet, not you."
"What's that Jaune?!" the witch was grinning" the loud of noise of my dear stomach is preventing me from hearing you!"
"Better give her the food" Velvet sounded annoyed" or I might end up throwing her into the lake."
"That sounds tempting" the Arc grinned.
"Jaune!" now Laphicet and the girl malak have shouted in unison.
"I'll be right there, be patient you two!" he walked off heading to the pot.
"Kids…." he muttered.
To be continued
-Its official Velvet is getting jealous of Jaune's relationship with Eleanor I so had intention to do that. This won't be the last, her jealousy will grow strong. I can only say the consequences might get drastic
-Magilou the supply witch lol. It has a nice ring to it. And don't worry I will eventually have that flashback when Jaune met Magilou and what she did to embarrassed him so much. Yes the story is a funny one and a horror one for the Arc, what to expect when you have the funny, annoying and cynical witch behind it.
-replying to reviews and PMs
*Taromaru- I really can't say anything about the so called "insurance" as you call it. But its true The Primordial Empyreans assured Jaune that they will" aid" him just in case things turn from bad to worse. However everything will be clear further in the story.
*Eizen- not kill Silva hmm...I know what you mean. I didn't like him transforming into a dragon when he was about to regain his will. It sucks, but maybe I can change that. That's all I will say.
*BulletstormX- now that is an interesting concept but I don't know if I'll be able to bring that up in this story.
*Dragon109- obviously because around the time I uploaded ch3 volume 5 was almost half way. So obviously I wouldn't know about Jaune's canon semblance.
-As always thank you very much for the favs, follows and reviews I really appreciate it.
Next time: The mission part 2