Chapter 21

Trial of the Wolf

YOU DID THIS! YOU'RE RESPONSIBLE! SHE IS DEAD BECAUSE OF YOU! WE ALL ARE! JUST DIE!

I gasped out of my dream in a cold sweat amongst the cool autumn air. Rubbing my face from the terrifying nightmare I had just experienced. They were more frequent now, every other day I saw something of a darkened life of what would become. But the question is, what is it? And how do I decipher it?

"Kyran? You all right?" Flyresa entered my tent seeing the excessive sweating.

"Yea, I'm fine. Do you need something?" I asked her as she kneeled down to my level.

"Do I need a reason to see you?" She said in a seductive tone.

"I don't think so." I said kissing her before she broke it off prematurely.

"Unfortunately, I do have a reason. Ms. Belladonna and Mr. Taurus would like to speak to you." She said getting back up as I grabbed my shirt, slipping it on quickly.

"Did they say why?" I questioned throwing my coat on quickly as Flyresa tossed me my Gunblade.

"No, they said: Send him our way when he wakes. And that's it." She said as I clipped the Gunblade to my back, securing the belts properly.

"Then let's go see what its about shall we?" I asked as we both exited the tent to the bustling community of Faunus among homes, shops and tents all scattered. It was surprising to see such unity in a single place. Then I felt a tap on the shoulder as I saw Flyresa holding my mask.

"Forgetting something?" She stated as I chuckling grabbing the mask and putting it on my face.

"Thanks." I simply said following Flyresa into the community. I was probably one of the very few humans who had ever gotten this close into the White Fang. Which would explain why everyone was distrustful of me here in the first place. But I made a promise to end this war. And the only way I can possibly do that is if I earn their trust, much to my dismay. We stopped by the door of a small one story house as Flyresa opened the door.

"I'll be outside, good luck Kyran." She said as I walked inside, the door closing behind me. I removed my mask and saw Adam and Blake standing before me.

"You called?" I asked.

"Indeed Mr. Lightning, I am here to request that favor. But first, I must ask a question from your perspective.

"Go ahead then."

"Explain why we are at war with each other. What is the purpose?" She asked.

"Simple, the current conflict is a danger to present society and the only way it can be saved is if one side finishes the conflict and secures the remainders." I stated.

"Very good response but that isn't why I brought you here. To the real question instead. What have you heard of the creature known as the Ethereal Grimm?" She asked me as it sounded very familiar, yet. It was the very first time I have heard of it.

"Nothing, why? Is it a new species that the White Fang has discovered?" I was curious now.

"On the contrary, your race discovered it first. In the early years of Remnant, when humanity was born. It was considered the most powerful Grimm of its kind. Destroying entire civilizations with just a touch. It took the considerable might of nearly all of humanity and a few select people to bring it to its knees. From there, it went into hiding, regaining its strength. Legend speaks of its return and with it, the fall of the world." She spoke in a foreboding tone. One that terrified her to her bones.

"What does it look like? Is there any description?" I asked.

"It has no real physical form, that we know of anyway. All we know, it embeds itself into a person every generation. Seeping off their strength but it has a specific choosing. Those of high aura concentration, willpower, or considerable power. Always watching from a distance. Waiting for the moment, to bring justice from the Heavens Fall." She stated.

"And what may I ask does this have to do with any favor?" I asked her as she smiled.

"The favor I ask of you is to participate in a trial. One we have called the Trial of the Wolf. It is ancient tradition that only the "chosen one" is to participate. Everyone else who does will die. But I feel something different about you. For I want you to retrieve something from the temple atop the mountain at the end of this trial. For it may be the only hope that this world has against the monster." She said.

"So let me summarize what I just heard. You want me to participate in a test that has a 99 percent death rate to retrieve an item that is supposed to defeat this Ethereal Grimm to stop global genocide before it even begins. Based off an ancient legend that we don't even know where it could be located or if it is even true. Am I correct?" I asked.

"In simple terms, yes. That is the task I want you to complete. When you return, I will provide you with the resources and manpower necessary to assault the Schnee compound. Are we understood?" She questioned.

"Yea, crystal clear. But I have a question of my own. What item will I be looking for?" I said.

"A sword forged through blood. It is the only weapon capable of harming this Grimm. It is the only reason we are alive today." She said.

"Its been countless generations, how can you be sure it isn't destroyed?"

"That sword was made from the souls of man and beast. Designed with a unbreakable steel bond. It isn't damaged in any sort Mr. Lightning I can assure you. Now take your leave. Every moment we waste here is another lost for this planet." She said as I walked out of the house to breath in fresh air and sighed with a heavily annoyed tone.

"Sounds like it didn't go well." Flyresa noticed.

"Aside from the ridiculousness of the shit I just heard. I have to ascend a mountain, to a temple, to retrieve a weapon to get what I want. That and the mouthful I just went through." I scoffed stretching.

"Sounds like you'll need some help." She reflected as I sighed.

"I got this Flyresa, I'll be back before dawn tomorrow." I said softly.

"Are you sure?" She asked.

"Yes I am sure, but on the off chance I don't return. Please leave with Yang. Got it?" I stated as she gripped my hand.

"You better not die, you hear me?" She growled. I leaned and gave her a kiss.

"I promise Flyresa." I said walking off towards the forest.

Elsewhere...

My black and red hair flowed with the wind overlooking the village to where I saw the Black Lightning clad in his normal attire. So it was true, he really was here. If I kill him here and now, so many lives will be saved. I promised him that before I left. And I don't ever intend to break that promise. He will suffer for what he did.

I promise Father...

You will be avenged.