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 54 Settling the score
(Location: Dannan Highway Lifeblood of Trade Midgand region Midgand Empire)
The party stood on a vast field of the highway. The reason they were here, because Ruby has called them to this exact spot. They had no idea why, but some might have a clue, like Jaune. The silver eyed huntress has been very busy during the past days. She has managed to create ammunition for her and Pyrrha using gunpowder. Due that they have ran out of dust rounds. But now, the red cloak reaper was working on her latest project. She was making a weapon as a prototype. That will make the first fire weapon that uses gunpowder in this world. Nobody used such weapons. And the exorcists will rely more on their malakhims. But now, that was impossible with Innominat being held back by the four elemental Empyreans. If Ruby succeeds, it will be a real breakthrough in the history of this world.
The group didn't minded coming here. It's not like they have done any progress on their journey. They still didn't know how to remove the barrier blocking the path to the Empyrean's Throne. They have traveled to many towns looking for books. So Grimoirh can check all of them in hopes of finding a way for the removal of the powerful barrier. Needless to say, the female normin wasn't happy in the least. The results were the same. Nothing, they came back empty handed. Wherever they go they haven't being successful. Some of the members got annoyed at their current situation. Namely, Velvet. The more time they waste, the longer Innominat might recover his strength and proceed with the suppression of mankind. Even Magilou was annoyed for someone who claimed, had little interest with finding the method to remove the barrier.
Jaune didn't had a problem. True he wasn't happy after searching for so long. Looking everywhere and coming back with the same results. It was always empty handed. So he look at it in the positive way that they won't be wasting their time here. He knew Ruby has probably finished making that weapon. Instead of the party's interest, he will support the silver eye petite's interest. It won't hurt and the group weren't doing anything at the moment. Like he thought, if she succeeds it will be an amazing breakthrough in history. People in this world don't use fire arms that require gunpowder as a power source. The Arc thought the silver eyed girl was doing the right thing. The people needed to defend themselves with the current situation. Ruby though she loves weapons, she was doing this for a good cause.
And speaking of Ruby. The red cloak petite was heading their way. Just as Jaune thought she was carrying a weapon, what it seems to be an assault rifle. It definitely looked different from the brands from Remnant. Obviously technology in his world was way more advance than in this one. But it still looked bad ass with the materials they were available for the silver eyed huntress to make one. The sight of the weapon caught everyone's interest, looking curiously at it. Pyrrha was right next to the red cloak girl and she was carrying a small bag. But from the looks of it, it seemed to be heavy. Looks like Ruby has something up her sleeve. True whenever she puts her heart into her work, she always comes out on top. The petite ran to the group in her usual cheery perky self, jumping up and down.
"Guys, I finally did it!" she couldn't contained her excitement any longer.
"Did what?" asked Velvet.
"This!" the red cloak girl showed them the weapon" it took me a while. But I finally made the necessary adjustments to make it work."
"I knew you were going to do it sooner or later" smiled Jaune.
"Uhuh. It wasn't easy though. I needed to calculate the amount of gunpowder to use before testing it. Don't want an unfortunate accident to occurr" the silver eyed huntress twiddled her thumbs nervously.
"Last time you almost blew half of the Van Eltia" reminded Eizen.
"Exactly! That's why we're here instead. All that is left is to test this baby. If it works, which I'm sure it will. Everyone, let's all cross fingers it does!"
"With the reaper with us, who knows. The whole thing might end up blowing up on your face" Magilou gave a grin.
"Let's all be positive. Ruby knows what she's doing" sweat dropped the Arc.
"Before I test it. There's something you guys need to see" the excited petite kept a hold of the prototype rifle as it transformed, becoming a entire new weapon.
Everyone stood in awe at the sight. Velvet, Rokurou, Eleanor, Laphicet and Silva were the most shocked.
"It became a sword…?" said Selene.
"Yup! It actually has two more functions. A sword for close combat, a rifle mode for moderate range and finally a sniper feature. For long distance."
"It's like you made a copy of Crescent Rose" said the blond exorcist.
"Not exactly. It doesn't change into a scythe. I thought of making it at first. But it will take me too long to forge the blade. So I went with the basic design of a sword."
"That sword looks impressive" Rokurou gave his opinion on the new weapon.
"Is it safe?" asked Eleanor.
"Well...It's suppose to be. Hehe, that's why we're here. To find out if it works and safe while we're at it" smiled the silver eyed girl.
"I think I'm going to keep my distance" the red head exorcist took a few steps back, not wanting to be caught in a disaster like what happened at the Van Eltia.
"What's in the bag Pyrrha?" asked Laphicet.
"Different type of ammunition" smiled the red head huntress.
"Shhh...Pyrrha not yet. They're not suppose to know. It's a surprise" pouted Ruby.
"I kinda figure that was the case" Jaune wasn't that surprised, a fire arm will obviously need ammo.
"What's the target?" said Velvet.
"That!" the red cloak huntress pointed to a far away tree before changing the prototype to sniper rifle" let me get in position. I can't wait. You guys are going to be amaze. You'll be saying" oh Ruby this weapon is the most epic invention this world needs". You'll see."
"I don't know how something that uses gunpowder as a source be considered as" amazing"" Eleanor stood worried.
"As long as it doesn't harm the Van Eltia is fine with me" said Eizen.
"Might as well see it's destructive power while we have the chance of being alive" followed the witch.
"Um...I think I'll get behind Velvet" Laphicet got behind the female therion.
"Over here Silva" Selene told the malak as they went behind their blond master as the Arc sweat dropped.
Ruby crouched as she readied the prototype weapon gazing through the scope. Her sights were on the tree. Carefully having it on the aim of the scope she carefully pulled the trigger. The barrel fired a medium sound as it hit the tree dead on. The impact was enough to caused a hole right in the middle. But that wasn't all. The tree split in two parts showing the power behind the force of the bullet. Jaune was shocked. Weapons that uses dust as ammunition wasn't as powerful. Meaning, gunpowder was stronger than dust. The others were shocked too. What they have just witnessed wasn't an exorcist or malak arte. It was power created using gunpowder. Maybe it wasn't in the same level as a ship's cannon. Because one blast from one, would have totally destroyed that tree. But seeing it being reduced to a portable feature. It was really something to behold.
"It works!" the silver eyed petite got up jumping up and down" the weapon works with gunpowder!"
"That was something" followed Velvet.
"It was strong enough to split it in two. Not bad" said Rokurou.
"It's like having your own small version of a cannon" added the pirate malak.
"That was amazing" said Laphicet.
"It was...Destructive" Eleanor was now getting more worried.
"We're just getting started. Now we're going to test it on a living target. A daemon!"
"You want to test if it's strong enough to kill one?" now Jaune knew what she was up to.
"Yeah. That's the whole point of this. If it can take one down. We just have to find it."
"No need to wait too long" said Pyrrha.
As lady luck was smiling down on them. Ruby was truly lucky to have spotted a daemon in the distance. An axe beak, it was too far to have noticed the group. The silver eyed girl crouched again preparing the rifle as she gazed trough the scope. Aim was at the bird daemon. It was standing still, the best way to take it out. Nothing bothering was a sitting duck waiting to get shoot. A couple of seconds later, the petite pulled the trigger. The axe beak was shot down, with a head shot. It wasn't moving, confirming it was dead. There was a small silence between the party as they stood staring at the downed daemon. It was pretty much dead revealing that Ruby's prototype weapon is very effective against the creatures. Maybe a couple of tests were needed if it was able to take on stronger types.
"The results speak for themselves" Ruby said proudly.
"That was…." Eleanor was speechless.
"A weapon that can kill a daemon without it being malak artes" Eizen stood in thought.
"I'd say Ruby is a miracle worker" Rokurou pointed out.
"Miracle is the right word. I know gun powder has it's limits. But it's strong enough to take out a daemon. This little display will only make the Abbey even more obsolete" Magilou was amused, she could imagined Melchior turning on his grave.
"With this, who knows. Maybe the empire will consider in building more cannons that isn't meant for ships" the earth malak stood in deep thought.
"You did it again Ruby" smiled Jaune.
"Oh stop it. Okay, maybe I do deserve a pat on the back. After all I just created the most awesome weapon ever. AND first type in this world! I'm making history here!"
"The daemon killing weapon is a success. Now what?" said Velvet.
"Now for the big part. To build more of them. I also want to build different models cause come on, same models where's the fun in that. It will be boring. But that's just another step. First I have to make my own weapon shop. Then gather workers with experience to give me a hand, and then we can create many of them, maybe hundreds, thousands!"
"Thousands…." the red head exorcist stood worried.
"I'm sure you'll do great Ruby. We can help you with your shop, if you want to" smiled Laphicet.
"Count me in! I like this weapon idea of yours" followed Selene.
"I want to help too" said Silva.
"I'm sure we all agreed to help" said the daemon swordsman.
"Now hold on a minute" the red head praetor interjected" Ruby. I don't want to sound rude. But are you planning to hand out weapons as powerful as this one to everyone?"
"Only if they're willing to pay for them. I'm not giving them for free silly. This is a business I've been thinking about for a while. Of course, the prizes will be fair. I'm not greedy. I just want everyone to appreciate my work, that's all."
"While using your work to kill daemons in addition. It's a good business if you ask me" said Rokurou.
"That's my concern at the moment" started Eleanor" what if...What if those people buy your weapons and instead using them against daemons, they do it on each other?"
"Wha…." that took the red cloak petite off guard.
"Having powerful weapons that are out of control of the Abbey's jurisdiction will bring conflict among the people. They might willing to use them against each other. And then what? We have a war between humans on our hands. The consequence of this action will spread a lot of malevolence. They'll be more daemons around. I'm sorry to say this Ruby but your idea, it only brings more harm than good."
"She's not kidding. Having so much power can corrupt anyone. Even the kindest of hearts can fell prey to it. I've seen it with my own eyes" said Velvet.
"I agreed. Man is easy to be manipulated, having weapons like the one Ruby has will give them a surge of power. They might become drunk with it, thinking they possess all authority over everyone. Eleanor's right, this will cause a war. And a war that will only unleash more malevolence to the world. It's the last thing we need with our current predicament" said Magilou.
"I…I didn't know. It never cross my mind" the red cloak girl lowered her head in shame
"We can worry about that later. What matters right now is to have enough gald to open her shop and contact weapon smith with experience. It also depends if they're willing to cooperate. They wouldn't be happy finding out someone has an improvement in weapons and it's willing to open business. It will be a real pain for them to keep their businesses up" said Jaune.
"I'm sorry Ruby. I didn't meant to destroy your idea. I know you're only thinking about everyone and what's good for them. Your heart is in the right place" said Eleanor.
"It's OK, I don't mind. But it wasn't my idea to create weapons and a shop."
"What?" both the red head and blond exorcist said in unison.
"Actually, it was my idea" spoke Pyrrha" I convinced Ruby to make a weapon shop to help the people defend themselves against the daemons. With Innominat's domain being suppressed by the four Empyreans many exorcists of the Abbey have lost their power and their malakhim. Meaning, they can no longer fight and protect the people. Their work has been cut out."
"That's for sure" agreed the platinum-blond witch.
"We can't be in too many places at once. So I figured if we give them the arsenal necessary to protect themselves against this threat. Then, they can feel a whole lot safer. I'm sorry, I did thought about Eleanor's justification and you have every right to believe so. But I believe the people can think straight and realize what matters the most here. Go at each other's throats or stand their ground and fight the daemons. This current situation will make them reflect that this is the best time for everyone to get together. If the Abbey can't help them, then who will?"
"Pyrrha you…." Jaune was at a loss for words that she thought ahead all along.
The rest of the group stood in thought. She was right. Innominat was no longer in charge and the Abbey has lost any authority over the world. There weren't any more exorcists that will fight the daemons. Those that will get caught in the middle and victims will be the innocent people who lack any malaks to perform artes. If something isn't done, malevolence will continue to spread, the daemon threat will never end. The only hope that they have at the moment were Ruby's weapons. Though Eleanor also made a good point that they can start a revolt with such fire power at their hands. But again the red head huntress made a valid point. Knowing who's the real enemy, getting together to fight for the same cause. The people will soon realize they can't count on the Abbey anymore. It will be worse if Artorius has his way if Innominat successfully performs the ritual of suppression.
"We can't forget we're the ones that caused this. It's because of our actions that the world has been left defenseless against any daemon attack. Therefore, the people are the ones to suffer the consequences."
"Having second thoughts now?" asked Velvet crossing her arms.
"I don't. I made my choice when I joined Jaune and all of you and I don't regret it. That's why we should come up with a way so they can stand up against the enemy."
"We're the big bad that caused chaos and disturbed the balance of the world. Following the orders of the evil Lord of Calamity. I doubt we can repent for our sins" said Magilou.
"We know exactly what we gotten ourselves into the moment we agreed on it. We're not to be consider heroes in the people's eyes. But everything we have done, up until now. Has been, because we think this is the right thing to do. It's our fault and I gladly take the blame. But Artorius, Melchior, the Abbey, they're to be blame as well. For using religion and the faith of the people over the Empyreans for their own twisted schemes. They all think Innominat will bring them salvation. How wrong can they be. That's why it's up to us to prove them otherwise" said Jaune.
"If they only knew the truth. They will go into a panic frenzy" Selene shook her head, if they ever find out, it will spread so much malevolence.
"It's for the best if they never know" followed Laphicet.
"Pyrrha, I'm sorry. I didn't meant to be negative. I was just trying to be logical" said Eleanor.
"It's all right. Your point of view is valid. Giving new types of weapons that are more dangerous than the average ones isn't really a good idea. But this was my choice and I hope all of you understand and come to an agreement with it."
"As long as you don't think twice. Our group are no saints. Especially me" said the Crowe.
"Now I think you're wrong" Pyrrha shook her head" you might have done some bad things but you regret them and eventually, they hurt you. You felt guilty and put the blame on everything. You even tried to shoulder the burden on your shoulders. That's not something a bad person would do. We all know, you're a good person Velvet. Don't sell yourself short, all right?"
"I was wondering where did you get your naivety" the long black haired woman turned to her boyfriend.
"Well, she's part of it" Jaune scratched the back of his head.
"Don't forget about me. I agreed to do it. I didn't argued with Pyrrha's choice. I want to help as much as I can" said Ruby
"I agreed with Pyrrha. I think it's time for the humans to start taking matters into their own hands and fight without relying on the Abbey. Though it won't be a hard task to accomplish. It might take them years. But, who knows. Ruby's weapons might be the key to begin that achievement" said Eizen.
I'm not done yet" the silver eyed girl was getting hyped again" I still have to show you the other features and the ammunition too. Prepare to be amaze!"
"Things are going to get nasty" Magilou grinned looking forward to the destruction.
"You just want to see daemons getting blasted" sweat dropped Selene.
After the show Ruby pulled off with her prototype weapon. The party head back to Port Zeckson. They were quite impressed at how much damage it was able to caused. The red cloak girl used it's assault rifle feature to take out so many daemons. Then she used the sword form for close range combat. The huntress made quick work of the creatures. It was definitive proof that her creation works perfectly. The silver eyed girl was so excited. Now she'll be able to create more weapons once she sets her shop and the working hands. All in due time but she couldn't contain her excitement. As they were heading back to the Van Eltia, they met an agent of the Bloodwings Butterflies. He had a message from Tabatha about an antique collector named Wanjin. The man died and his large stash is currently being sold off.
The group was confused. Seeing this piece of information being completely useless. That's not what they wanted to know. The shadow guild promised to give them any leads that will help get rid of the barrier at the Empyrean's Throne. This was not it. However, the information was useful to Eizen. In fact, the information was meant for him to hear. They didn't had a clue why he was so interested. Then, they forgot the pirate malak likes collecting all sorts of antiques. So it should be obvious why he would want to hear about this. The Bloodwings agent resumed that this Wanjin was a researcher on dragons, amassing old books and materials on them. This definitely caught the attention of the earth malak. There's a shop at Port Cadnix handing the stash of the collector. Giving his thanks to the blond malak left heading back to the ship to their next destination.
Hours later they arrived at Port Cadnix, entering one of the storehouses near by. The party met the man that was selling Wanjin's stuff, claiming his father and I go way back and that his family begged him to handle it. The man was also responsible for selling Eizen the Fujibayashi's rod. The fishing rod he used when they were fishing for the therion that it turned out to be a regular daemon in a large pot. The seller named Donera have sold everything by the time they arrived. But he saved the best for last for the pirate malak. A book written in ancient Avarost. He revealed the Abbey has been taking any book written in the ancient language for a long time. That was pretty much true, Jaune knew it and so did Eleanor. Donera gave the book to the earth malak free of charge. The group was taken back he would willing to give the book just like that. The seller wasn't very fond of the Abbey so he was hoping the content of the book will be useful in using it against the exorcist institution.
As they left the storehouse Magilou was way ahead of the group when it comes to translating the book. So the witch actually brought Grimoirh with her. The gray normin didn't looked like she was in the good mood. But she still chose to help with the translation with her trusty student. Laphicet helped without arguing. They spent a while with the translation while the others wait patiently. Looks like it wasn't as complicated as Innominat's book. Or the one Jaune gave the normin. Since they seemed to have already figured it out what it was about. It didn't took them that long. It made the Arc smiled seeing how Laphicet has come so far when it comes to reading the ancient tongue. He was curious to know the content of the book. But he was even more curious to know about the he gave to Grimoirh a while back.
"Yes, this is quite the extraordinary book you've found…." said Grimoirh.
"Hey, you two mind explaining what's so special in a way the rest of us can understand?" said Rokurou.
"It's research about dragons and malakhim...Written long ago by someone trying to figure out how to change a dragon back into a malak" explained the gray normin.
"Change a dragon back to a malak?" Jaune was shocked.
"They can be changed back? Does the book tell us how it can be done?" Eleanor sounded very interested.
"The book only contains records of failures and the conclusion it was impossible. But something interesting is written in the corner here…."
"Unless the intact heart of a white-horned dragon is consumed, a malak's blessing shall be everlasting" read Laphicet.
"Hmm…." Eizen stood in deep thought.
"By devouring the heart of a white-horned dragon, a malak's blessing will be lost. Are you saying that this is a way to break the Reaper's Curse?" said Velvet.
"If what this book says is true, yes" replied Grimoirh.
"Meaning one malak would have to eat another malak's heart? That's a little goose I'm even by my standards" said Magilou.
"That sounds gross" said Selene.
"Same" followed Ruby.
"Wait, was that something that actually happened during the ancient Avarost period?" said the red head exorcist.
"The book states that during the course of the research, some malakhim were discovered to have lost their blessings, but it's not conclusive" said Laphicet.
"Guess there's no way to know unless we give it a shot" said the witch.
"….."
"Do you intend to try?" Zaveid arrived hearing the conversation.
"Zaveid?! What are you doing here?" said the malak boy.
"A nice old lady at the market place told me what you guys were up to."
"I guess you know the Bloodwings , too, then" said the female daemon.
"Oh, you know, the ladies just can't keep away from a good man like me. Young and old, they just love me."
"I doubt that's a fact" sweat dropped Jaune.
"Feh" the Crowe didn't believed him.
"Not a chance" followed Eleanor.
"You guys don't know how to take a joke, do you? Well, some things aren't a joking matter" the wind malak got serious gazing at the blond pirate" you gonna try and kill her?"
"And what if I do?"
"You won't. I'll stop you" he meant it, the tone of his voice was deadly serious.
"Even if it means you'll have to kill me?"
"Eizen…." the Arc got worried, he could feel the tension from the two malaks.
"What is with you and killing everything? Maybe you've been a little too receptive to the whole Reaper thing, huh?"
"Don't answer a question with another question."
"I asked you first, Eizen."
"Sometimes, depth can be the release someone desperately needs."
"…..."
"I will kill that white-horned dragon" the determination in his voice was obvious.
"Don't call her a dragon, dammit!" snapped the wind malak" she has a name. Theodora."
"I have nothing more to say to you."
"This is your final warning" Zaveid walked out without another word as he teleported away.
"I guess he's really that committed in taking down that dragon" whispered Selene.
"We can't blame him. We know the reason why he's doing this" followed Jaune.
"Do we know if the dragon will return to the Aldina Plains?" asked Rokurou.
"I would have never thought eating a dragon's heart could lift the Reaper's Curse" said Pyrrha.
"Oh what a glorious day it'll be...When you drop the" Curse" part and just become a reaper at heart. It's like a bad fly...The more you try to serve a way it will more sticks around" said Magilou.
"Do you really think Eizen will go through with it?" asked Eleanor.
"Don't ask me" said Velvet, honestly she was unsure.
"Well I can't talk to Magilou and Rokurou about it. Tact is lost on them. You and Jaune are all I've got."
"We can't forget why he's doing this" added the Arc.
"Hey, Eizen…." said Laphicet.
"What?"
"Are you...Are you really gonna kill the dragon to get rid of the curse?"
"Yeah, I am…."
"Even knowing what she means to Zaveid?"
"All the more reason to do it."
"All the more…What do you mean?"
"I said my piece. You can figure it out on your own. Let's go" the pirate malak walked off.
"We know once a malak becomes a dragon, it can't be change back to normal. No matter what that book says" said Jaune to the boy malak" Eizen knows it and Zaveid knows it too. That dragon has probably lost any humanity it had as a malakhim by now. She's not Theodora anymore. He has to open his eyes to the truth and move on. If he doesn't, who knows how many people that dragon will harm in the long run. By killing it, I think we're saving it. That's what Eizen means. To him...This is more than just lifting his curse. It's about closure…."
"Closure...For Zaveid, you mean?" Laphicet turned to the blond exorcist.
"Yeah…."
The party arrived at Port Hellawes after hearing more information from the Bloodwings. Information they wanted to confirm. Not that they didn't trusted Tabatha's sources. But as they walked through the snowy town they heard rumors among the people and guards. According to them, they spotted a white-horned dragon at the Gaiburk Ice Field. Praetors have managed to fight it and hurt it, but they still got wiped out. That really caught Jaune's interest. So he and Eleanor weren't the only exorcists that haven't lost their powers with Innominat's domain being suppressed by the four elemental Empyreans. Looks like they didn't had to return to the Aldina Plains after all. But even if the dragon is supposed to be wounded. It wasn't going to be an easy fight. They knew how strong the dragon is when they first fought the daemon.
"With people talking about that dragon so much, I wouldn't be surprised if we ran into Zaveid" said Rokurou.
"We'll have to assume the worst, that he's already there. Fighting them both at the same time won't be easy" said Jaune.
"Yeah...And if he and Eizen butt heads again, I don't think we'll be able to avoid a fight this time" said Eleanor.
"Eizen said he was going to kill that dragon BECAUSE she's important to Zaveid. And he said to kill was to save…." thought Laphicet" Jaune said it's because Zaveid needs closure and he has to move on. I know that dragon isn't Theodora anymore. But is it really right to kill her, even when she's no longer a malak?"
The party traveled the snowy and cold path towards the Gaiburk Ice Field. It was strange the white-horned dragon was there. Considering it usually hangs around at the highest peak of the Aldina Plains when it's raining. It might have made an exception and decided to go for a colder climate. Laphicet stood silent in deep thought. The boy hasn't said a word since they were on Port Cadnix. Eizen's words were still troubling him. The other hasn't noticed his behavior due that they were focusing on the road. There was also some daemons that got on the way, so the group fought them. But Selene was the first to noticed. Inf act, she's been watching him for a while. Then Jaune, followed by Silva. They knew the boy was troubled. This whole thing with Eizen and Zaveid had him concerned.
During one of the fights Laphicet lowered his guard and he almost got hurt. If it wasn't for the others keeping an eyes on the battle. The boy gasped not believing he made such a rookie mistake. He's being fighting for so long, he was experienced. He should haven't made a mistake like that. Thankfully, he was fine. He didn't suffered any injuries. But the next time, he might not be so lucky. Velvet got worried but she was frowning at him. He should know better than anyone not to lowered his guard during a fight. Selene was in the same boat, frowning but she looked more worried for him. Silva too, and so did Jaune. The Arc realized he will have to talk to him now before reaching the dragon. The blond waited for the rest of the group go ahead until it was just him, Laphicet and the other two young malakhim.
"You almost cut it close back there."
"I'm sorry. It doesn't usually happen."
"You used ti act like that back when you had no free will" reminded the Arc.
"I guess."
"You got us worried" scolded Selene.
"Look Laphicet. Don't think too much about it. This is something only Eizen and Zaveid can settle. Talking isn't an option, it's not their style. The only thing they can do is express it through their fists."
"Will killing Theodora save her?"
"….."
"I guess it must be so hard on Zaveid. I kind of understand him. I wouldn't want you, Selene or Eizen to become a dragon. I don't think I would be able to fight any of you" said Silva.
"In her current condition, there's nothing that can be done" Jaune turned to the bleach blond malak" maybe there's some part of her that remains as herself. But she's dangerous. For how long she will remain in control? When she losses any trace of humanity in her. What then? Any deaths in her path will be on Zaveid's hands. Eizen wants to save both of them. He has come to respect Zaveid as a comrade. Especially after Aifread trusted him."
"So killing her will be setting her free?"
"Yeah. I know it sounds cruel. But it's the only way to release her from all the suffering she's going through. As for Zaveid, like I said. He has to come to terms with it and move on. He can't keep on clinging to the past. The longer Theodora is alive, the more he'll be suffering."
"…..."
"But I'm with Silva. I wouldn't want any of you to become a dragon. I only wish I'm never put into that position. You, Selene, Silva and Eizen are my friends. I don't want anything bad to happen to either of you."
"Thanks Jaune" smiled Laphicet.
"Do you think he's really going to go through that? Eating the dragon's heart?" asked the archer girl.
This time the blond exorcist couldn't answer his malak. It really sounded disgusting. But if it was really the only way to remove the Reaper's Curse. Nothing should really stop him. It's like he said, killing the dragon will be saving her and Zaveid. At the same time, his curse will be lifted. That was the whole reason why he joined Aifread's pirates. Why he left Edna. If Eizen removes the curse for good, he can finally return to his sister. Without a word he hurried the three malakhim to follow the others before they noticed they were missing. He didn't wanted Velvet worrying more over Laphicet.
They fought more daemons nothing they could handle. At least Laphicet was back to normal, focusing on the fights and watching out for his companions. It was a relief for Velvet. And just when she was about to lecture him. Good thing Jaune came to the rescue just in time. No matter what, the malak boy knew there was going to be a fight. And it couldn't be avoided. The group climbed a rock wall carefully leading up in the snowy path. As they resumed ahead they were able to see it in the distance. The four malaks in the party felt the powerful malevolence, that was familiar from back at the Aldina Plains, minus Silva. This will be his first time laying eyes on the dragon. Shenlong the white-horned dragon stood ahead. It looked like it hasn't noticed their presence yet. It was resting. Obviously trying to heal from the wounds it received when it fought those exorcists.
"She's hurt, just like they said" replied Laphicet.
"Is this really how you mean to lift your curse?" asked Eleanor.
"I'm not the cursed one" Eizen walked over to the white-horned dragon.
"I'm game" Velvet agreed to help in the coming fight.
"Let's go."
"Eizen! Look out!" shouted Jaune.
The pirate malak was able to dodged in time a large whirlwind. From it appeared Zaveid looking angry. Of course, the party was expecting him to show up. He was planning to protect the dragon from getting hurt any further. As expected, they will have to face off against both wind malak and the white-horned dragon. There was a good side to all of this. If Shenlong was badly hurt, it will mean it was in no condition to fight. So it won't be as strong as when they first fought it at the Aldina Plains. They had the advantage now. That's why they couldn't waste this chance. On the bad side, Zaveid wasn't going to let them proceed any further. But no matter how strong he is or how he strong he will become with Siegfried, the wind malak was still outnumbered by the party. Either way, the odds were in their favor. Though honestly Laphicet didn't wanted this and neither did Jaune.
"I told you, that ain't happening on my watch!"
"And if you stop me?"
"What else? I'm going to figure out a way to save her!"
"You have your work cut out for you Zaveid. There is no way for a dragon to be change back to a malak. All there is, are nothing but theories and failed hypothesis" said the Arc.
"I don't care. I will find a way, one way or the other!" the wind malak got into a fighting stance.
"Forget it Jaune. You can't convince someone as hard headed as him" said the pirate malak.
"Y'know, I just don't get it...How could a guy like Aifread be friends with someone so hell-bent on senseless killing?"
"Sometimes, to kill someone is to save them" Eizen learned it the hard way when he had to killed Aifread.
"Who the hell is going to be saved by being killed? There's not one damn person in the whole world! No matter what happens, you can't give up on living. That's my creed!"
"But don't you think Theodora has already gave up on living?" Laphicet spoke" don't you think the moment she became a dragon, she gave up in having a life."
"What the heck are you talking about?! It doesn't matter if she's a dragon, she STILL there! It's still her!"
"I know. Whatever part of her that remains herself, she's probably suffering. Do you really think she wants to live the rest of her life like this? A dragon and eventually her consciousness will fade away, and she will be gone. All that will be left is nothing but a daemon."
"Who do you think you are?! You don't know me, or even Theodora! How can you know how she's feeling?!"
"Because I finally understand what Eizen meant when he said to kill is to save someone. You're right, I don't know nothing of Theodora. But if she's very important to you then, it must mean she's a good person right? I don't think she wants you to continue seeing her like this. That's why I believe she's in pain if you let her live like this. So please Zaveid let us save her. Eizen had to kill Aifread in order to save him because he didn't wanted to live as a daemon. He'd chose to die as a human, that was his choice. It was his salvation."
"…."
"That's enough Laphicet" the pirate malak smiled putting his hand on the boy's shoulder" you're not going to get through to him. There's no other way."
"Guess we're doing this" the wind malak cracked his neck getting into his fighting stance.
"We are" the earth malak turned to the group" everyone, I'll handle Zaveid. You guys go after the dragon."
"Got it" replied Velvet.
"Like hell I would let you get near her!" roared the wind malak.
"You don't have a choice. I'm your opponent" grinned the Reaper.
"Be careful Eizen" said Jaune he knew Zaveid was no pushover.
"Why does it have to come to this? You both want to save the same person" said Eleanor.
"Sometimes you just have to fight these things out."
(Music: "Raise your flag" by Man with a Mission)
"I ain't holding back Eizen!"
"Good. If you want to stop me, then fight to kill!"
Eizen charged at Zaveid with no holding back. It was impossible for the wind malak to take on all of them from getting to the dragon. So he focused all of his attacks on him. And it was a success. Zaveid failed to attack any of the other members of the group. They proceeded going after the white-horned dragon. The wind malak glared only to get punched in the face by the Reaper. Both malaks were now exchanging blows while using martial artes. Pendulum versus bare fists, that was all the pirate malak needed. Neither weren't backing down as each use every bit of strength. This fight was different from the one at the Dannan Highway. It was serious because both were putting their lives on the line. If one of them dies, that was it, they didn't care. Because they were fighting for something. Eizen to break his curse and Zaveid to protect his love.
Saving Theodora by killing her, his logic was so flawed. Zaveid refused to believe in such way of thinking. Just what did Aifread saw in him. This guy didn't care about human or malakhim life. He'll be damned if he lets him kill Theodora. She was weak and she needed his protection. Though he had some respect for Eizen, his creed was stronger. Protect others instead of giving them death as a payment to be saved. There was no salvation in death. When you die, you die that was it. Just because he has the reaper's curse it didn't meant he had to take the lives of others. It was ridiculous. The wind alak cried in fury using his pendulum, fists, kicks combining them with his artes. He wasn't going to lose and he wasn't planning to. Not to Eizen, the life of his loved one was on the line.
The longer the two collided, the fiercer their attacks were getting. Eizen was now using his arcane and break soul artes. Zaveid was doing the same thing, both were getting hit. It's like they were on the same level. Both lunged a fist as it hit both on the face. Taking a step back, they were now panting. The pirate malak knew this fight wasn't going to be easy. Yet, he couldn't help it that he was having fun. He was starting to think like Rokurou. Usually Zaveid enjoys a good brawl, but this fight was too serious for him to chuckled in amusement. The earth malak was stronger than he thought. He should have used Siegfried before the fight. Too bad he couldn't do it now. He knew his opponent wasn't going to let him get the boost in strength. Receiving another punch from Eizen, the wind malak has had about enough.
Glaring at the blond malak, Zaveid charged using his mystique arte. He attacked Eizen from all directions with his pendulum, it was his" Outlaw Barrage". For a moment he thought he has gained the upper hand and it was the end. The Reaper was on his knees but not down yet. It made him grinned, he was truly tough to be able to take his mystique arte and to be barely standing. Blue eyes snapped as the wind malak gasped in shock. Eizen flipped his coin with a charge using his mystique arte" Perfect Mayhem". He was caught off guard getting hit by the barrage of strong attacks. But the pirate wasn't done, he went for his second mystique arte. As he finished Howling Dragon, Zaveid was on the ground. The earth malak was panting from exhaustion and from the wounds he received. But it was worse for the wind malak.
"Damn…." he spit blood" taking you seriously ain't no joke. But…." he slowly got up.
"I'm not done yet."
"That's my line" replied Zaveid.
(Music end)
Jaune wasn't paying attention to the malaks fight. He knew Eizen can take care of himself. But he couldn't believe how easy their fight has turned out. It turned out even better than he thought. Shenlong was truly weakened from getting attacked by those exorcists. Losing some strength, it was enough for him and the rest of the party to fight it on even ground. He ordered for Magilou and the three malaks to attack it with long range artes. While he, Velvet, Rokurou, Eleanor, Ruby and Pyrrha will take control of the close range front. The dragon's attacks were weaker but they weren't going to underestimate it. They focused on arcane and break soul artes while reserving their mystique artes for later. If they were necessary. The white-horned dragon gave a roar that it was in pain. The Arc felt sorry for the poor creature. He knew it must be the same for Laphicet.
They only needed it to weaken it even more until Eizen was done with Zaveid. Once the wind malak was out of the way, he can finally do what's necessary to remove his curse. Even by now, Jaune still didn't believe in that rubbish of the Reaper's Curse. But the pirate malak highly believed in it. If this was the only way then, it has to be done. The Arc felt for the dragon, but the malak known as Theodora was no more. She was no longer human. Shenlong did it's best to defend itself, countering their attack but it wasn't working. Suddenly he saw that Silva was glowing with a powerful energy. Blue eyes widened in shock, has he finally learned a mystique arte. Just in the right time he would say. The others stopped their attacks as they stared at the silver haired malak. He was ready to fire something strong, as they kept their distance.
Silva unleashed rays of brilliant light from the ground hitting the white-horned dragon. Then it went to the sky hitting it by a large wave of light.
"Holy light from below and above, strike down my enemy Innocent Shine!"
The mystique arte brought Shenlong to the ground and it looked like this was it. It was downed for the count. It was too weak to get up or defend itself.
"No!" Zaveid shouted running to the creature" Theodora hang on!"
"It's over…." said Eizen.
"No it's not" he took Siegfried, he knew what to do to save his love.
Suddenly the dragon got up and hit the wind malak with it's long tail. He threw away the gun in the process as it gave a loud roar that could be heard all over the Gaiburk Ice Field. The party didn't know what it was up to, until they heard another roar in the distance. Eyes widened as they spotted a creature flying their way. Jaune was shocked. He couldn't believe his eyes. It was another dragon, Hellkite. The dragon they fought at Hexen Isle. It was pretty strong and they were lucky it decided to retreat back then. But what was it doing here. Did Shenlong called it. Is that why it roared. As a sign to summon this dragon and lend it it's aid. If that was true, then they were in for it. Truly they were in big trouble. Sure Shenlong was weakened but Hellkite was still at full strength. Fighting it wasn't going to be a walk in the park.
"We can't never catch a damn break with that Reaper's Curse of yours!" said Magilou.
"How did it find us?" followed Eleanor.
"Did the white-horned dragon called it here?" asked Rokurou.
"It's not looking good. Jaune what are we going to do?" Selene turned to her master.
"Can we fight it as we currently are?" followed Pyrrha.
"We don't seem to have a choice. If it's going to protect Theodora, we'll have to fight it" said the Arc.
"Any suggestions?" asked Velvet.
"Keep it busy!" said Eizen" I won't take long once I remove it's heart."
"I guess he's really going through with it" thought Laphicet.
Before the party could take action the unexpected happened. Shenlong has devoured Hellkite, taking all of it's strength and malevolence. It shocked everyone as the dragon has suddenly transformed, changing physically. It was covered in darkness before it was lifted, revealing it's new form. Zaveid was up and he was so shocked at what he has witnessed. What it was standing now before him was no longer Theodora. He could feel the tremendous malevolence emitting from it. The new creature was similar to Shenlong but it was bigger and color has changed to crimson red. It's scales were thicker. They were still trying to come up what just happened. This new dragon has become Shenkite. It gave a roar looking like it was stronger than the two dragons. It gazed down at the group like a predator eyes it's prey.
"What...What just happened?" said the shocked Eleanor.
"It fused with it!" replied Magilou shocked too.
"Can dragons do that? They're not therions" said Rokurou.
"I don't know. It's a first time for me" said Eizen.
"No…." Zaveid fell on his knees looking heart broken" Theodora...You…."
"Everyone! We're leaving!" Jaune made the call" that dragon must be stronger than Hellkite or even Theodora. We're not risking it!"
"No arguments?" Velvet turned to the pirate malak.
"Works for me. I doubt we stand a chance against it."
"Run!" said the Arc.
The group ran as fast as they could but the fused dragon caught up with them. It was now blocking their path from leaving the icy region. It wasn't going to let them escape. The party kept their weapons drawn ready for a fight. They didn't had a choice in the matter. Selene glared at the dragon. Jaune was right, it was stronger than the two dragons. A whole new species filled with powerful malevolence. It was still a wonder how it was able to fused with Hellkite. The archer girl knew what to do. Using her special abilities she suddenly teleported the dragon from sight. It was gone. She was about to collapse before her blond master caught her with Laphicet next to her, worried for the malak girl.
"Where did you send it?" asked the Arc.
"An earthpulse. Don't know which one" panted the archer girl.
Eizen saw Zaveid walked slowly as he picked up Siegfried. His eyes were empty. Like he has lost an important part of himself. He couldn't blame him. Theodora was that important to him. The wind malak must have realized the truth. When it fused with Hellkite any traces of his former love were erased forever. The malak was broken. It wouldn't surprise him if he takes his anger on him. He is the one who started all of this after all. The earth malak gave a sigh as he approached him. It was his fault so he was ready to face his punishment.
"Go ahead. Hit me."
"…...…...….."
"Eizen…?" Laphicet stood worried.
"It have it coming. You can blame it all on me for what happened to her. Don't know how, but I know it's my fault."
"It wasn't her…." he whispered" when I looked at it, she was gone. That fused dragon took her away from me. I can't believe she was willing to throw away what little humanity was left of her just to get stronger….She...Theodora is dead…She loved children so much, she couldn't bare the thought of harming one. Children is what make her strong and made her feel alive…."
"If you're going to hit me, better do it fast. I won't apologize for my actions."
"Just answer me this" Zaveid was so serious" were you really planning to take her heart?"
"At first, yeah. But something held me back. It doesn't matter now. Anything about Theodora died with that dragon. If it's really on a earthpulse, there's no need for you to protect her anymore. Or am I wrong?"
The wind malak stood silent as he sheathed Siegfried" Eizen...This isn't over. We'll finish our fight someday" he teleported away.
"That went better than I thought" the pirate malak flipped his coin as he started walking off.
"What now?" asked Velvet.
"We're done...For now."
"We can tell Tabatha the dragon has been taken care off. Well, sort of" said Rokurou.
"I just wish things would have been different" said Ruby.
"We should have expected this coming. This fight couldn't be avoided. But at least, nobody got hurt" said Pyrrha.
"Except for Zaveid and Eizen" smirked Selene" but anyway, that dragon won't be able to escape from the earthpulse. So it will pretty much remain there. Maybe, forever."
"Those are good news indeed" said Eleanor.
"Eizen…." started Jaune" I'm sorry if you couldn't...You know, end your curse."
"I don't think it would have worked. The book Grimoirh deciphered didn't showed concrete proof" the pirate malak stood staring at the horizon.
"Besides. The Reaper's Curse is a part of me and it will stay with me until the end."
To be continued
-I am SO sorry for the delay but I have a valid reason. Well not really. My copy of Vesperia FINALLY arrived on June 28. Talk about a late delivery. But somehow I ended up with two copies of the game. Don't ask me how lol. Anyway whenever I had free time on my hands instead of writing I will just play, play and more play.
-As you can see I went to a very different route than from canon. Shenlong never die, Eizen didn't took all that malevolence. Instead it fused with Hellkite and it was sent to an earthpulse by Selene. Talk about a twist in the making.
-Behold Silva's first mystique arte is Innocent Shine which is Tear's MA from Abyss. I already know what will be his second and third.
-I chose the song" Raise your flag" by Man with a Mission because it was a request from Cloud Link Zero and also the song is amazing. It fitted well with Eizen and Zaveid's fight.
-Replying to reviews and PM's:
*The Emerald Mage- really happy you're liking the Rokurou/Eleanor ship. I'll do my best to develop nice and slow. And I already confirmed Vesperia definitive edition will be release this December amazon has it wrong. But I can still see the PS3 walkthrough on youtube because years back a large group of Tales fans translated the whole script of the game and created an English patch. You can download the game with the patch. Sadly I bought the Japan import. But it won't hurt my progress with the future Vesperia/RWBY crossover. And don't worry I will give you a heads up when I write the first chapter of the story. Count on it.
*Andromeda- that's okay no biggie. It's understandable if you don't like Selene. I don't have a problem with it. When I first created her I wanted her to be the annoying childish character of the group. But now she has matured for the better. Of course she will still have some of that bratty attitude. I have already updated lol but I'm still way far from the hot spring scene, sorry.
*Guts and Toes- sorry but I won't make a crossover of Berseria and Fate (Stay Night)...Yet. I admit I love the Fate series my favorites being Unlimited Blade Works and Apocrypha. This will be a story for the future and I don't know when. Like I always say only time will tell.
-Will there be an Eizen/Zaveid rematch in the future? Maybe I'll leave it to you to decide.
-As for Vesperia I'm over 130 hours into the game. Holy crap I have played the living hell out of it even when I don't understand squat what they're saying. But I love Patty her attacks are so unique and her magic is even stronger than Rita's. It makes me a bit sad because she's my fav Vesperia girl. On the other hand Rita remains my fav girl with Patty being second and Judith being waifu material. Can't forget Flynn he's a permanent member in the party and a very important asset since he excels in attacks and magic.
-Please keep supporting ZonZus's art based on this story on his deviant art page. If you don't know the address PM me and I will send it to you.
-As always thank you very much for the favs, follows and reviews I really apreciate it. I promise I won't delay the coming chapters. I will do my best to release them ASAP.
Next time: Land of the Eastern Sun part 1
