Disclaimer: I don't own RWBY and Tales of Berseria they are the rightful property of RoosterTeeth and Bandai Namco.
Italics are thoughts
Laphicet's character short: The gift
(Location: somewhere in the Sonus continent Kingdom of Vale Remnant)
The Crowe siblings were traveling the high road surrounded by forests and rock paths. Laphicet happily chowed down on an apple they got from a merchant of a small town. The fruit was so juicy and tasty, it's been a while since he has had one. Velvet was also eating one and how she loves it. So glad her taste buds have returned. She hated those times when she was a daemon, all she could taste was the blood of all the daemons she has devoured. As a therion she lost the ability to taste normal food. Now, she was a new person and back human. Best of all, she still has her abilities as a daemon. It was all thanks to the Empyrean Origin. The younger Crowe was still chewing his apple hoping they can buy more. Being in this new world was truly a second chance to start over. Something both needed a lot after everything they've been through. Mainly, his older sister.
What's she went through because of his choice. Becoming the sacrifice to resurrect the Empyrean Innominat. What else to do if he was going to die anyway because of the twelve year sickness. He could at least stay with her over the year he had left. But he wanted a world where she could be happy. Boy, did he screw up big time. The teen should be expecting Velvet wasn't going to take his death lightly, not when she witnessed it with her very own eyes. That was something he wasn't expecting. Arthur assured him she will be safe as long as she stays at home. Looks like she refused to stay. His death tore her apart and ending up turning her into a daemon. How she was going to live in a world where she can be happy when he was gone, and living as a daemon too. For three years she has suffered, he knew it so well because the memories are still alive.
How she spent those years on a cell while feeding on daemons in order to provide the necessary malevolence for Innominat's awakening. Her life was shattered, she changed for the worse with the only purpose to get revenge on Arthur. Laphicet may have been gone but he had the Empyrean's memories and he saw the hell his sister has to go through. Then how Innominat tormented her with the memories of the past using the earthen historia from the earthpulse. The truth that he volunteered to be its vessel. Something he wanted to keep a secret from her and of course Arthur kept it too. She suffered because of him and that was the truth he will have to live for the rest of his life. The younger Crowe stood still, silent and probably doing everything he can not to tear up. And he was here, after the consequences of his actions and hurting his own sister. Something he will have to learn to live with.
"Laphi?"
The teen was halted from the long train of thought as he gazed at his sister. Concern was on her chest nut eyes. On her hand, she was done with her apple.
"You haven't finish your apple yet?"
"Oh, yeah sorry" he took a bite smiling remembering how tasty it is.
"We've been traveling for a while. I know it's not going to be easy to get adjusted. A new world, a new life, I'm still trying to come to terms with it. I'm human but, with my abilities as a therion. Won't be returning to devour daemons, or Grimm that's for sure. I know you must be feeling the same way" she was having a hard time there were no daemons or malevolence here.
"It feels like a dream" he replied.
"If it is, I hope it never ends. This is something we both need a lot. A fresh start, just the two of us" the older Crowe smiled.
"I'm glad to be here with you, Velvet."
"Same."
They kept walking as Laphicet mentally sighed in relief. So she didn't noticed what was bothering him. He needed to be careful, his sister can read him like a book. She can easily tell when there's something on his mind. It was still in his head, the memories even when he apologized to her she told him it was all right. True, he died and his body was taken over by Innominat so it wasn't really him the one who put his sister through hell at the earth pulse. How much he regretted that stupid decision, he was so naive. And he still is. Suddenly, Velvet stopped his as her eyes narrowed. Before he could ask what was wrong, the long haired woman has released her gauntlet blade. The young Crowe realized there was danger ahead, more Grimm. Soft growls could be heard as the teen got behind his sister. Definitely trouble, it wouldn't be the first time they will encounter it while traveling.
They come from the bushes in the forest side. Just as Velvet thought, Grimm. A pack of Beowulves. These are the types the siblings have encountered as they have traveled through Sonus. Others were Ursai and Boarbatusks. There was a total of eight of the dark creatures.
"Laphicet get to safety!"
The boy nodded taking a safe distance away from the coming fight. He hide behind a tree watching his sister fight the Grimm. She was amazing, still as strong as always. Too bad he couldn't be like her. Because of his sickness, he never got the chance to train. Neither Velvet or Arthur could give him lessons due to his condition. Laphicet felt something, like a presence near him. His eyes gazed at the corner, as they widened from the shock. He couldn't believe what he was seeing, there was no way. Next to him stood Arthur wearing his regular clothes from when they were living in Aball. What was he doing here, he's supposed to be alive. Maybe it was just an illusion, his eyes were playing tricks on him. It was impossible for him to be here. The former Shepherd and leader of the exorcists Abbey. His expression was calm and his eyes were clear, he was so real.
"What are you doing?" his tone was calm just like his posture.
"Um...You can't be. How are you-"
"Velvet is fighting aren't you going to help her?"
"I can't fight, I'm not like her."
"Origin grant her to keep her powers as a therion, you're not the same. However, you can still fight. Your power is far greater than you think."
"I don't know what are you talking about. I don't know how to fight."
"Have you forgotten Laphicet? Your choice to the sacrifice to become Innominat's vessel."
"Was that has to do with it?"
"Velvet isn't the only one to keep her abilities. Origin has blessed you as well."
Chest nut eyes wide opened" what…?"
"You have the power to fight as the Empyrean of Suppression."
"No...No, I…."
"You can't let your sister fight always. There will come a time when she won't be there for you."
"It can't be, I'm not Innominat, I'm not an Empyrean I'm me. Origin brought me back as myself."
"Along with the powers of the Empyrean, you can cast powerful artes and aid Velvet."
"I don't believe you, you're lying. Why would I trust you?"
"The harder for you to believe, the harder it will become to develop your power."
"Stop it…."
"You can't run away forever. You will have to take a stand and fight."
"I said stop it!"
He ran off, forgetting his sister was still fighting. Laphicet refused to believe his lies he was just a normal person now. Velvet was the only exception, Origin let her have her abilities in order to fight the Grimm and possibly stronger foes. Why should he get abilities, he was not the Empyrean anymore. His soul was back in his body, while Innominat was still sealed by his sister back in the their world. The boy tripped not wanting to teared up. After all the pain Velvet went through and he wanted to believe he has the same powers as that being. And Arthur appeared again before him, gazing with those soft eyes. Was he here to torment him, to remind him of his mistake. Not realizing his name being called. The young Crowe hide behind a rock, wanting to avoid the apparition of the former exorcist. Eyes widened hearing Grimm, they were here too.
"Laphicet!"
Eyes widened, Velvet was calling for him. He emerged from his hiding spot seeing Beowulves not that far. Maybe he should have stay hidden. In a flash his older sister was there as she cut through the Grimm, killing them. The boy noticed there was no sign of Arthur anywhere. He was gone, it has to be his head playing tricks with him. So he calm down, nothing was wrong with him. It was all a bad dream, not real. After his sister was done with the Beowulves, she gazed around making sure there weren't any more around. The boy was scared knowing she has to be worried sick that he wasn't around when she came looking for him.
"Laphicet! Are you okay?!"
"I'm fine I-"
"Where were you?! I didn't saw you, I was calling out for you and I got no reply" yep, she was worried.
"I'm sorry, I went too far thinking I was safe. But then, that Grimm came."
"I told you to get to safety, not to get away from me."
The young Crowe didn't replied as Velvet gave him a hug holding a sob. Looks like he was only good for making his sister worry.
"We finally get a second chance to live a better life together. I...I don't want to lose you again, do you hear me?"
"I already said sorry, I didn't mean it."
"From now on, you should stay close to me. You can't fight it's better that you stick with me."
"Should I tell her I saw Arthur and his words? She won't believe me. But, what about training me? I don't want to be a burden forever."
"Looks like that was the last of them. Let's keep going, before more of them shows up."
Laphicet nodded as they resumed the path of the field, away from the forest. Telling her about Arthur won't do. She will tell him that he might need some rest or that he's hungry. At the same time, he couldn't tell her. Afraid that it could be true, Innominat's power. Will she even accept him in the first place. As for training, he doubted she will give him lessons. Velvet was too over protective of him specially after what happened at their world. It wasn't every day they will get sent to another world and live again. More of a reason to learn to fight. It was different now, he wasn't sick anymore. He was happy to be healthy to be standing here and just for walk for days. Being defenseless wasn't really his style. Not when his sister was protecting him. Can he at least tell her something to make him feel better.
"Velvet?"
"Yeah?"
"Can we go fishing?" that's one of the things he missed the most.
"Sure" she smiled.
Eventually Laphicet found out the truth. What the apparition of Arthur said is true. He had the powers of the Empyrean of suppression because Origin made it that way. Just like he did with his sister to let her keep her powers as a therion. The ability to use break soul artes, break artes and mystique artes. He can also fight, but this was different. Basically he was powerful like Innominat, a being that was able to suppresses the emotions of every single person in their world. Creating a world free of malevolence but no free will. Nothing but emotionless dolls inhabiting this new world. And he volunteered to be it's vessel, great job. It scare him how Velvet would react when she finds out. It terrified him she might hate him, but he was wrong. She accepted him no matter what. And he has become a valuable asset helping her and his new friends. So in a way, he was glad to have these powers.
Everyone from his friends accepted and care for him, not caring about his power. But because of this power, Salem was after him. Just like she was after Ruby because of the power her silver eyes hold. He was constantly in danger meaning, he was also putting them in danger too. This journey has been a risk they all knew and they still went for it. The young Crowe felt his body was floating, shortly his feet landed on the ground. His eyes opened as he in unfamiliar ground. The was place was unknown to him, or was it. White walls, white floor, very decorative details all around and a symbol he very well knows. The symbol from the book of Innominat, now he realized what is this place. This is the Empyrean's Throne but how he was here. This has to be a dream and yet, it feels so real. Just why is he here, this place definitely not one to have fond memories remembering this is where Velvet first fought Artorius.
There was an earthquake, as Laphicet fell to the ground. The walls and ceiling were cracking. Everything around him was destroyed as something emerged from the destruction. The young Crowe realized the cause of the earthquake as it was standing right before. A giant creature, colored in bright yellow with a dragon head and it's body had seven tentacles with seven dragon mouths. Eyes widened, it's like he already knew what is this thing. Before him stood the Empyrean of suppression, Innominat. Now he knew this was a dream. He once offered himself to be the vessel of this creature with a lust for malevolence in exchange to get rid of any emotions in people. Looks like this was based on his fear that he was the Empyrean. To be rejected by his sister and friends. But why now, it's not like he was scared anymore. This wasn't real so the teen kept a tough front, not fearing it.
"It's only a reminder."
Laphicet turned to see Arthur next to him. He was wearing his Shepherd garb, gazing at the Empyrean.
"I'm dreaming?"
"No need to confirm it when you already know. Innominat is very powerful, it is why he was the leader of the four elemental Empyreans."
"You said this is a reminder?"
"That you have a great gift given by Origin. You have his power not his soul. It is why you can help Velvet on her struggle."
"Do you regret that Scarlet Night?"
"Which one? I suppose it matters not, but I do regret it more than you'll ever know. All I ever wanted was a life of my own, to be happy and forget my destiny. Celica, you and Velvet were the sole reason I chose to ignore my duties and my master's teachings. I'm sure you regret your choice, am I correct?"
"We both regret many things. I guess around the time my choice was the right one. I had nothing to lose, I was going to die either way. All I thought was Velvet's happiness, pretty stupid to think she will live a happy life without me in it."
"I believe it's time to bury the past. It's been far too long, I have learned to live with my mistake and so have you."
"Yeah, so why are you here? I mean, I'm glad to see you again even if it's only a dream. I know you were in pain too and what we did to Velvet was unforgivable, but she doesn't care anymore. She has moved on, just like me."
"As I said, to remind you how important you are. Your existence is essential to Velvet's safety."
"Because I have Innominat's power?"
"And that you also possess a gift that can change the fate of this new world. Never forget, your bond with your sister is more powerful than Innominat's power."
"I know. Okay, I didn't know about the change of the fate of this world part. What does that mean?"
A smile spread the former Shepherd's features" you will know in due time. Until then, stay by Velvet's side."
"Always" he smiled.
Innominat's true form suddenly vanished as the young Crowe's body was glowing. The power of the Empyrean in him. He no longer fears what he holds because he will use it to protect his sisters and friends. To save Remnant and stop Salem.
"Laphicet."
The teen's eyes widened as someone appeared next to Arthur. His older sister Celica who was smiling at him.
"Sis…." he broke as he teared up.
"I'm so proud of you Laphi. It doesn't matter of your mistakes, we're all human we will make them. I'm so happy you and Velvet are together and living a wonderful life filled with great people."
"I…."
The woman gave him a hug as he continued to teared up, sobbing.
"I love you very much baby brother. Don't you forget it."
"I love you too."
She broke the hug as she walked back to Arthur's side. Now, he didn't wanted this dream to end.
"Wait, don't go yet!"
"We will always be watching."
"Your gift will help this world. Innominat's power and Velvet are the key" said the exorcist.
Laphicet's eyes slowly opened, awakening from his dream. He was back at the Altesian battle fleet that it was still heading for Atlas. Next to him, stood Velvet who was still sleeping. He heard a lot of racket coming from Ruby and Yang. The young Crowe hushed them, scolding the sisters so they don't wake his sister. The red cloak girl pouted, more angry at her older sisters teasing as the blond brawler kept smirking. The teen just shook his head as he turned to Velvet. Arthur's words came back as he was in deep thought. This gift, his bond with his sister and Innominat's power. The man said this power can change the fate of the world. His question, will it help in a good way or bad. Wonder if he's animal form has something to do with it. Clearly this was about the powers of the Empyrean. The teen tried to get some rest thinking about this gift. Whatever it is, he will need it if they want to stand a chance against Salem.
"Gift...What is it?"
End
-This character short has raised many questions as to what this gift Arthur mentioned and how powerful can it be. No, I won't say a word except with how v7 ended I have a feeling we might get a glimpse at it in v8. I'm still not saying anything lol.
-The first scene is way before the events of the story, before going to Jaune's village.
-I think it's obvious for Arthur to be the one to appear in Laphicet's dream being the one who sacrificed him to awaken Innominat. Even in death he's still trying to redeem his past actions. Also Celica needed to be there being his big sister.
-As for Laphicet's animal form like I said it will be reveal in v7 and I already know the perfect animal to fit him. It's not a dragon and I can give a small hint it's a ground type animal not a flying one.
-Replying to reviews:
*Dracus6- things are going to go very different from canon v7. First I will give Robin's character justice instead of screwing her up. I refuse to destroy a cool character like her specially when she's voice by Cristina Vee.
*Sweetdesire2002- Laphicet will be more active in my version of v7 specially his animal form reveal. And judging from his character short he will show how strong he is. He will get more credit than Velvet that's all I will say. Your other review ZonZus is the one who made the art for Proving his Worth, as well as Journey to Redemption and even the Alternate Path. But so far I haven't gotten a reply from him yet. He's always busy so I don't know when he will go back to draw. If you want to check out his DA page PM me.
*TheEmeraldMage- lol with the Bleach joke and yeah I think this is how Ruby's character should have been not what RT did. Unlike canon I am making her grow up slowly as for her and Laphicet, only time will tell.
*Jamieoeyes- we shall see I just don't see characters like Jaune and Ruby killing Cinder due to their innocent nature. I know they hate her but to actually take her life, I still find it hard to believe. Cinder has already failed Salem more than once, ignored her warnings of not letting her emotions get the best of her. Big deal if she brings her one relic. If it were me, I would find another candidate to be the next Fall Maiden (Neo) and get rid of the failure.
*TPoynt- I know I didn't like who they treated Winter either. First Robin, then her it's one of the many reasons I didn't like v7. I will make sure to make things different. Winter will get development and just like Robin I will give her justice.
*Gabriel443- como dije no me gusto mucho el final del volumen fue demasiado apurrado. No me gusto Winter actuando leal hacia Ironwood en irse en contra de su propia hermana. Tampoco Penny convirtiendose en una maiden. My version va a ser muy diferente que la original.
-As always thank you very much for the favs, follows and reviews I really appreciate it.
Next time: Velvet's character short oath
