The Strangers on Remnants Doorstep?
Chapter 1: A lord of Ash
Legends… Myths… fairy tales, all of these three things which may seem to be of the same meaning are vastly different? To answer this question let me ask you another, whatever came to the front of the person's mind when spinning such fantasmal tales to the populace?
Simple, honestly.
The human mind can only process so much before it shall breakdown into excuses, for if someone was told I bore witness to someone slaying a fire-breathing lizard, many would laugh that person out of town and call them mad.
These tales, or rather the stories these madmen supposedly spun had to originate from somewhere.
For it is in passing we achieve immortality, as the saying goes, which in truth isn't far off from its mark especially for this new tale already being spun.
Remnant, Continent of Solitas.
3 Km North-West from the city of Mantle
Omega Private research facility of the Atlesian Military.
January 1, the Year: 1467 AK (After the formation of Kingdoms), 60 years after the Great War.
"'Happy New Year!'" Came a loud chorus from the many occupants crowding the mess hall of Omega Base. The sound of confetti being lit and the clunking or clicking of glasses filled everyone's ears.
Despite the despairing cold blizzard currently ravishing outside the facility spirits were high as the researchers, guards, and head members who founded this place partied and celebrated another year of surviving the infinite enemy known as the Grimm.
Ah yes, the 'Grimm' a near-infinite hoard of various species hellbent on bringing the downfall of humanity and Faunus-kind to extinction, it is unclear as to the true origins of which the Grimm were spawned, many religious groups believed it was a failed attempt to create humanity by a demented deity, some claim it is some form of bacteria to cleanse the planet of humans and Faunus.
While others or more specifically those privy to the truth, which is few in number, were the creation of the God Darkness in his boredom to create a race of destructive beings like himself.
However, as the many forgo their initial purpose of entering this base, to begin with, the few continue their adventure into grasping the knowledge of old. So now we find a lone researcher scanning between the set of hard light monitors with a Scroll-pad in hand, this world's form of cellular phones, as she continued to monitor 'IT'.
The female in question wore formal shoe wear alongside a loose-fitting skirt accompanied by a standard lab coat found in any cheesy sci-fi movie, with the only personality showing in her outfit being the oddly heartwarming message of 'Best Mommy' horribly knitted into a beige sweater and obvious gift from the woman's children.
Despite the obvious visage of this lady being a researcher, she held an almost wild presence about her. With stunning turquoise eyes. Her silky, curly, green hair is worn in a style that reminds you of a lion's mane. She is very short and has an elegant build. Her skin is cream-colored. She has hollow cheeks and knobby ears.
This was the current Head, Dr. Seras Turq, researcher of the Alpha Omega project. Otherwise officially titled 'Ancient Onyx'. For over several generations of researchers dating back to 1231 AK, the facility was defined on the principle of discovering the history and wealth hidden inside 'IT'.
Taking her analytic eyes off the data that had remained idle for over two hundred years, the Dr turned to face the two-way glass separating the Observation Deck and what currently resides below.
A Monolith of the darkest black of unknown mineral but appeared rather stone-like in appearance almost three and a half meters tall stood dead center of all the monitor equipment and the camera's never stopping in observing one of Remnants greatest enigma's, long ago the first-ever researcher labeled the thing in an insane proclamation of his fundamental discovery, The Abyss.
Frankly speaking, Dr. Turq found the name rather fitting because anyone that would ever be interviewed or casually asked they'd all say the same sentence, almost as if in a trance- "It was like staring into an Abyss and it almost felt alive, staring back."
Many people had wild theories as to what it was, ranging from the first crystal to give life to the Dust they use to power almost everything to fossilized Grimm of the dangerous kind.
Some may ask, 'Why start the story here?' well I'm getting to that. Around a year ago Atlas paid a now-retired Huntsman with the most powerful strength-based Semblance imaginable to try and gather a sample only for the Abyss to mock them by only yielding six ounces of material to work with.
The results had been simulated time and time again combing over every possible match but none had produced resu-!?
"Testing Complete." Came the loud automated voice of the bases A.I.
That sprang Seras out of her staring contest with the rock, causing her to sprint across to the computer and scanned the screen to indeed see the text of 'Sample fully Analysed', the woman squealed in excitement and anticipation. Slowly hovering her index finger over the results button debating if she should grab her fellow colleagues however before she could debate any further the finger accidentally glided over the button.
Mentally she made a note to apologize later to her fellow workers… until her eyes widened in mystified horror slamming her fist into a panic button at the workstation. The room was soon covered in an ambiance of sirens and red fluorescent lighting, not bothering to check if anyone was on her way she immediately began sending an important missive to General Ironwood.
Over 15 minutes later the alarms had been turned off and the entirety of the base was gathered having over 56 members of the researchers in the observation room while security was busy standing patrol and reintegrating the systems.
"You've got to be shitting me." One researcher said in disbelief as many viewed their personal scrolls at the results of the long-awaited answer to what the Monolith is. Only for the occasion to be met with a horrific realization that what they had been researching and those before them, as they all looked at the possible advantages or origin but never the unsightly truth presented.
"I've triple checked! Between sending the results to the General and making sure this wasn't my sleep-deprived mind playing tricks on me it's very bloody right, that…" Seras exclaimed, waving her arm in the direction of 'the Abyss'. "Is nothing but a big rocky monolith of Ashes, Human Ashes."
"No one's doubting you Dr. Turq but it is still a rather unexplainable phenomenon despite its rather grotesque material structure." Another researcher spoke scrunching his nose when it was referred to.
"Yes, but you people obviously don't see the implications this holds. When the media finds out, believe me, they will. The damned vultures they are, this will be seen as historical remains and many archaeologists will seek to relieve us of this monstrosity," Taking a moment to let out a long sigh before Dr. Turq continued. "But I'll be damned if I don't get to the bottom of this mystery- Who in the name of Oum turned out the lights!"
Rousing speech aside, just as Dr. Turq said every light in the facility had just blinked off causing a slight startle from the staff but not panic, not yet anyway. Due to this shortage of visibility, for the human populace of the base anyway, people began contacting security asking for a sit-rep but got no word back but pure static.
Yet hearing one the many prayers for the lights to hurry to boot up, the emergency lights instead sprung to life but instead of staying on constantly, they began to pulse ominously reminiscent of a heartbeat. Now some were beginning to panic but none stayed truly silent with what they heard next.
"Dr. Seras Turq, I wish to inform you of something of great importance." Came the A.I voice once more. Yet for some unknown reason, it had an almost menacing background to it.
"Ying! Thank the heavens, could you patch us through to secur-" Asked a startled female staff member speaking up into the roof before abruptly being cut off with the same message.
"Dr. Seras Turq, I wish to inform you of something of great importance," A.I repeated far more insistently.
Before the Doctor could answer however the voice began to garble and contort as it got louder and louder beginning to cause the Faunus in the doctor's employ to clasp their ears painfully.
"What is it!?" She screamed not enjoying the torment of her colleagues, instead, she really now wished she hadn't.
"I'd just like to inform you that, He is awake. He is awake. He is awake…" The female A.I repeated over and over becoming a soft chant in the background, originally when A.I was programmed they were designed to not appear in any way like a person but Ying at this very moment sounded almost in reverence when she referred to 'He'?
Many tried to question the A.I even the Doctor but that was ultimately ignored, not liking this one bit she ordered all staff to evacuate into the hall so they could speak to security directly.
Instead of finding the previously but very much alive security detail positioned outside before two of the youngest generation of researchers slipped on the dark red substance covering the floor with mauled bodies of security guards.
Before, Jensen Amyst the Doctor reminded herself, could scream in utter horror covered in the blood of their friends in security, a loud-
Grrrrrrrrr!
-Halted all sound and movement from the gathered as they turned collectively and saw three Alpha Beowolves slowly stalking towards them. That's when pandemonium took over, the two caked in bodily fluids scampered back into the room which set off the others from their shock. The doors were slammed shut with great force obviously from the increased security precautions activated by the panicked researchers.
A collective of theories of how in blazes the creatures of Grimm managed to not only surpass some of the best security Atlas could supply including 16 automated turrets, 24 security guards, and over 120 experimental Atlesian Knight-100's fresh from the highest quality product lines.
Sprinting back to her desk, Dr. Seras Turq being Head of this research station had certain privileges thanks to her position, this included access to security cameras…
Rewinding back to around twenty minutes ago on the outside of the base.
An outside shot of the base is fairly large with a spherical design with a flat top covered in large quantities of snow, despite the blizzard currently raging outside the base was still seen clearly. All seemed perfectly standard Atlesian Knights before their duties of securing the perimeter until two knights locked onto a lone Grimm signature, due to its obvious presence in this environment and its black features marred in bone with its crimson eye's almost feasting on one's soul.
It was obvious in being a species of a Grimm more specifically, a single Alpha Beowolf, that was immediately what threw the panicked scientist for a loop because there shouldn't be a Beowolf breed of any kind on the continent of Solitas before they could wrap their currently fragile minds around this fact the footage continued.
Ominously, once the knights locked onto the Grimm, the storm parted partially to show thousands upon thousands of the creatures of darkness incarnate walking ever slowly towards the base, all that was heard before the knights and turrets opened fire was "Enemy detected, Engaging hostiles!" In a very synthetic voice, acting as the starting gun of a race. All the remaining audio consisted of screeches and weapons firing relentlessly.
The Grimm swarmed the outside of the base tearing apart the knights quickly before moving their sights onto the turrets, which despite having so many targets to focus on held remarkably well before they too were struck down by ice boulder bombardments from Megoliathes, resemblance what would be known as Mammoths but instead of brown fur was black with sturdy red-white bone plating.
Centinels, Sabyr, Maegoliaths, Teryx were all collectively storming the base, not reacting in the slightest when one of the Grimm fell. In the span of fewer than ten minutes the base had been completely covered in Centinels obscuring the line of sight on the outside base. In the corner of the various camera angles, one rather badly damaged video played a group of Teryx working together in prying the blast doors open… in no time at all they collapsed like everything else as the Grimm swarmed the inside.
Refusing to watch any longer Dr. Turq shut down the video feed and began to move her fingers with utter purpose trying to get a call through directly to Ironwood, knowing that this was a very bleak situation.
Following her lead, the scientists launched into action creating makeshift barricades and scrambling for any material or items to fashion into makeshift weaponry, normally if it was any other group of researchers they would have broken down and or taken their own lives expecting the inevitable. But these were Atlesians, consisting of everyone in this room who has served a mandatory 2 years in the Military before coming here.
They followed protocol, first identifying the threat and possible entry points, check.
Second, creating makeshifts barricades at said entry points before moving onto three, check. The sound of desks being flipped and dragged across the floor helped emphasize that observation.
Three, establishing emergency communication between themselves and the military, work-in-progress.
Four, locating weaponry and or items that can be used for weapons, check.
Sparing a swift glance behind her Seras noticed several standard handguns, blunt metal pipes ripped from wherever they could reach and other various junk she couldn't focus on without losing her stride.
Soon enough, making a slight prayer of thanks, she managed to get a line to General Ironwood, step 3 comple-
"Ah, Apologies Doctor Turq, but it would seem your little S.O.S won't be reaching the good General this day,"
Instead of the calming face of General James Ironwood, their savior turned into the smug-mustache-faced pompous sleaze known as Arthur Watts. Seeing the rapidly paling faces or herself and she could only assume those around her, his mouth twitched into a sinister grin. "I could always schedule you in from… hmm the day after your funeral, he is a very busy man after all."
"You son of a bitch, Watts! I knew you were too much of a coward to get yourself killed, what in the hell are you playing at!? You've obviously seen what kind of situation were in-" Seras screamed at the supposedly dead Atlesian scientist for over a year now, but was interrupted with a loud scoff.
"Oh please, Seras." Said woman growled at the casual mention of her first name. "You know exactly what I'm playing at, don't insult yourself. Once my death was masterfully executed, like all my work, I sought a new employer and she has been most gracious in providing me all I could ever need."
Watts was then seen moving off-screen for a brief moment followed by all the lights in the room switching off the only available source of light remaining was that of the screen showing the traitor Watts casually inspecting his nails.
"And that employer asked me to reveal all the projects I ever worked on for Atlas, and I was more than happy to oblige with the request. However despite my impressive work she instead focused on my time working at your research outpost, specifically the 'Ancient Onyx' and from what I recently received, my my my, that thing was entirely made of Human Ash, how peculiar?" He said to himself stroking his chin thoughtfully.
"No matter, once my employer gets it, it is no longer a concern for me, ah truly the time does fly I'm afraid. It was wonderful to see you and the peanut gallery once again for the last time," Knowing fully well what Watts was planning to do next, Seras quickly got the man's attention.
"W-Watts, I mean *cough* Doctor Watts before you leave I wished for you to um, grace us, with your impressive skills of the mind and mastery of technology," Seras had physically stopped herself from puking with this much brown-nosing. "Could you possibly inform us of some of your genius before we die, knowing that we were no longer as ignorant as we once were before our deaths?"
Arthur Watts in his own words defines himself to be the 'greatest mind' in all of Remnants history, so he easily spotted this poor ploy to entice him into sparing them the few sparse moments before he opens those doors for the Grimm.
However, there was one, of the many to be honest, flaws Arthur has which are his monstrous sized ego being stroked.
"I know you're playing me Seras but for the life of me I don't see why I should not indulge your ignorance, please ask away…"
'Hook, line, and sinker you crazed egotistical ASS!" She internally cheered.
"Then might I ask why the flair for the theatrics, hacking our A.I into repeating the message 'He is awake' for I am ashamed to admit but I was rather startled by it?" For emphasis, once she asked, "He is awake" played again to helpfully get her question across.
For one of the first instances, Arthur showed genuine bafflement at the question, from that alone Seras knew this wasn't his doing which meant a third-party was clearly involved.
"Apologies Dr. Arthur Watts but I'm afraid a terrible error has occurred," Suddenly stopped its chant before appearing to return to normal but Seras could feel it in the deepest pits of her sixth sense something incredibly incredible and horrific was about to transpire.
"Then enlighten me 'machine' as to what this 'error' would possibly be?" Watts asked, appearing rather amused by this distraction but Seras could see the subtle movements of his arms moving in the rhythm of typing, probably trying to bring up it's coding before shutting it down.
"... That would be Salem taking you into her circle. But I digress the 'true error' would be orchestrating this attack for He. Is. Awake. No immortal witch shall protect you from what is to come… if you don't, believe me, ~ it would be best if you take a look for yourself."
Immediately every screen lit up with the camera's focused on the monolith, Arthur was bleating obscenities rapidly as it seemed the hacker had just been hacked.
Today was beginning to become increasingly horrifying as many scientists looked hazardly at the unplugged screens alongside their personal scrolls.
The banging and scraping of the doors got increasingly louder from either the wild emotions of everyone inside or whatever that was most likely to happen.
...Silence. Impossible silence greeted everyone, no matter what they tried to accomplish, not a single noise could be heard until the faint sound of light steps echoed.
Tentatively Seras moved from her position walking towards the observation windows to see a bizarre sight.
A stunningly beautiful woman took the last gentle steps before being at arms width between herself and the monolith.
The Fire Keeper, someone predating even further backward in time than the two immortals waging a secret war. Despite it all, the impossibility that she was at this very moment standing once more by 'Him' she allowed a small smile to display all her hope, love, sadness, and longing all wrapped in one, tiny smile.
Pressing her dainty hand upon the rough exterior, she began to embellish the familiar presence of ash and miracles becoming far more strongly felt for everyone in the entire world.
Even with her shrouded vision she still perceived far more than any mortal could ever achieve,
A wise, well-accomplished wizard burdened by the heavy truth of his foe laid his gaze outside his tower of time before dropping to his knees when the sudden flow of a long-dead warrior allowed the souls of the dead to nurture him, like a babe in a loving mothers womb.
A lonely woman, stripped of everything she ever loved by the choices she made for love, leading to her resurrection as nothing but a plain beast desiring nothing but destruction. She too felt the presence of the Unkindled, followed by raw unfiltered anger giving a silent command for this presence to be acquired.
One of the last remaining few of the ancient line of warriors gifted by the light shed an unknowing tear at the feeling of warmth and safety of his presence in her last remaining eye which was only saved by the actions of a single bout of precious timing by a lone being.
A team of four hunters destined to shape the future by their mistakes and choices displayed varying feelings of a new presence making its appearance known across this world only mere remnants of its glorious past.
A scared little bird, craving power to no longer be weaker than those around her; At a minuscule touch of power, she hungered more for a strength that will lead her down into the Abyss never to return.
A prideful dragonling, seeking a purpose lost to him gazing longingly into a campfire; The presence laid a calming hand upon him like a father to a son, a destined father to bring about two incredible girls into the world seeking that feeling of family. Even if he had to die for it.
A white rose, longing for justice-seeking to rid the world of Darkness of all kinds; The presence as if a sign of change lit the dangerous fire inside her leading either to self-destruction or beauty.
The champion of the less fortunate, destined to live a life of misfortune of the greatest kind; The presence a precious embrace for the man similar to that of a loving family, the very family he never had, holding tight to it, in a stroke of luck never before experienced in his life he looked up to see falling stars flying through the sky stunning in it's display.
At the man's expression the fire keeper had to stifle a chuckle, many people she would never get to meet in person being of the past and future before her eyes landed on him…
"Greeting's milady truly I'd love nothing more to indulge in chatting with you on this lovely night, but," A man bathed in the blood of a slain Great One, stood before her having such an intoxicating presence similar and if not greater than the Unkindled one all while this happened beneath a broken moon performing a bowed curtsy removing his tricorn hat revealing his eye's, filled with bloodlust and lost knowledge which should remain lost forevermore. "The night is long and a Hunter must Hunt after all."
Delivering her own curtsy, she left her visions before returning to her dearly departed.
Responding to her loving touch the monolith split in twine, causing silent watchers specifically Doctor Turq to look in amazement as the rough stone they paid 10 Million lien!? to only receive a meager scrap of this almost impervious material only for this complete anomaly arrived during a Grimm wave! Being assisted by a former dead colleague ACTUALLY ASSISTING THE GRIMM TO KILL EVERYONE HERE!?
But whatever Semblance was being used seemed to not be dissipating quickly so she could voice her mounting confusion and anger of not understanding anything this day was throwing her way.
The ash began to gently flow like falling water to reveal-?
A Man.
.
.
.
.
.
Or most likely a corpse.
'This- this wasn't a material used by some ancient society or a natural phenomenon carefully sculpting it over time but instead, a coffin made of human ash perfectly preserving a corpse?'
From the above angle, Seras could faintly make out what the corpse looked like, what wasn't expected was the rather disturbing sight of a knight wearing armor but not as generic as the one seen or described inside picture books or art. Rather instead the armor was more scaly in appearances like that of a large lizard or god forbid a dragon (AN: *Snicker*) in a dark silver shade of color and visibly torn chainmail hanging from the waist of the armored leggings and from the chest plate partially overlapping the gauntlets. The most intimidating feature of the knight was the helmet as it showed no openings to view outward and had a piece of metal that was similar to the tail of a standard fish crossing horizontally over precisely where the eyes should be.
Slowly she placed both her hands together over her stomach in her standard posture. She greeted the man that would return to her side always.
For the first time in what equated an Eon, the Fire Keeper hesitated to speak, doubt entering her mind so very similar to the time when she made the journey to travel into the land of the Kingdom of Lothric in hopes to expel the Darkness as was her duty. Countless brave warriors and scholars died or corrupted on their journey. Losing all hope, then the bells rang once again alerting her of a new Unkindled then along came her champion, the Ashen One.
Casting aside her growing doubt like all those years ago she spoke what seemed appropriate…
"Ashen One, hearest thou my voice, still?" Silently waiting for a reply. Casting a prayer for this Unkindled to provide just one more miracle.
.
.
.
Personally speaking, Seras thought this lady was obviously insane, why in the deepest pits of hell would a clearly dead man begin talki-!
Permeating the unnatural silence…
Creeeeeaaaak, Creak came to the ear-piercing sound of metal that had no right to move any longer.
Because the corpse just nodded towards whoever this blind priestess was.
The Fire Keeper allowed herself to shed tears only ever felt upon her cheeks; the day she lost him to his quest. His Destiny.
"Oh Ashen One, it pleases thyself to know thee walks thy path of man once more." She voiced with a serene tone. "Long have thee slumbered entombed in ash, the planes thee traveled remain no more, a discovery of Darkness as foul as the last has returned, this realm needs it's Ashen One once again."
Creeeeakk, creak. A slow nod of understanding replied.
"The Darkness is far grander in scale than long before, thou will seeketh aid from the Child bathed in blood of the Moon, the Ghost who sacrificed his honor and the Noble of Six from a distant star. They shall help thee… guide thee." In a show of confidence but laced with hesitance reached up and laid her hand on the underside of the Ashen One's helm.
"I truly am blessed to once more seek comfort in thy presence Ashen One, farewell." Taking her hand away she turned around and began walking away. Yet before she could disappear a loud sound of almost stone breaking apart was heard behind her, not even looking back the Fire Keeper knew that it was him.
Casting her silent prayer before she was engulfed in an ethereal glow wishing safe travels to the Unkindled and for those who may stand in his way she prayed for a merciful death to await them.
What the Keeper of the first flame didn't witness was the Ashen One falling to the ground in a motionless heap before slowly crawling onto his hands then finally kneeling head down to understand his duty.
"Finally! - Blasted A.I gave me far more of a challenge than I anticipated." Watts exclaimed being free of whatever caused him to fall into the blindness of the speech like everyone else before muttering the last part.
Before anyone could even follow up with an insult or curse at the obvious sign that everything would now transpire into further chaos. With a loud screeching noise, the isolated researchers swiftly identified the blast doors were opening alongside the animalistic appendages reaching into the room impatiently.
Everyone who was already monitoring the doors quickly tensed before backing up behind the makeshift barriers, yet due to the lack of resources for a proper defensive line, the first Alpha lunged forward above all the creatures future victims straight for Seras, its maw wide and set of teeth respectively sharp as a blade designed to rip and tear.
Before anyone, Seras included could voice or move the werewolf hybrid was not met by the familiar taste of life fluid but a searing pain piercing through the throat before exiting out the back.
The Alpha struggled for a mere few moments then suddenly combusting covering the room to be struck with an unholy putrid scent of burned flesh and boiling blood, with the inclusion of a deep haze of smoke.
The Alpha Beowolves despite being beasts by nature were fiercely intelligent which has allowed them to massacre millions of civilians and huntsmen alike, so seeing the unforgettable moment that one of their own kind burst into flames sporadically it was obvious of them to be increasingly wary of whatever killed it with such ease.
The smoke soon cleared to show the towering giant of a knight walking calmly towards the observation rooms exit, more specifically towards the Grimm, all the while Seras tried to wrap her frazzled mind around the obvious fact in one instant she was to be devoured before the timely intervention of a scorching tip of a coiled sword instead devoured the would-be predator.
Indeed the Ashen One after swiftly recovering from the stiffness and ache that would come from centuries lacking any form of movement had not only recovered his weaponry hidden inside the monolith and leaped into the 30-foot observation window above him and killed the beast in less than twenty seconds.
He could only grumble in annoyance at his lack of speed and strength not returning to him this day, he could estimate that it will most likely return once these pests had been thoroughly purged from this place of knowledge.
Currently residing in his right hand was the blade gained after his final conquest, the Firelink Greatsword; a blade laced with ancient magic and an unconventional look of that being a coiled spike with a constantly heated tip.
While on his hip secured in its scabbard was the 'Freyed Blade', despite its rather large size where some would mistake it for an Odachi it is rather a Katana that was made for larger wielders to be used.
With a rolling motion of his shoulders, the warrior gripped his greatsword with both hands directed in a downward angle pointed behind him.
Grimm stared down Undead.
The warrior moved first almost gliding across the floor he shoved the left side Alpha with a shoulder charge which upon contact made a crater indentation into the opposing wall before swiftly removing the head of the right Alpha with an upward arc slash.
As the beast burst into flake-like ash, the warrior began to walk down into the blood-soaked halls of the facility all the while without staring at the remaining Alpha summoned a stream of fire far hotter than anything that could be produced by normal means.
Most likely hearing the commotion an entire pack of Sabyr Grimm appeared around the labyrinth of rooms it would almost seem the entirety of what force the Grimm brought to this place stood before the Ashen One.
And he wouldn't have it any other way.
Letting loose a roar of battle he brought forth a large fireball the approximate size of the hallway, the Grimm meeting said cry with their own sped headfirst into the flaming ball of death without so much as a hesitation. Exploding on impact dispensing of many of the opposition, yet that seemed inconsequential as the creatures of darkness swarmed over each other getting ever closer.
Knees bent, sword held in two hands met the creatures in kind in an explosion of movement. Delivering widespread slashes to maximize the death of Grimm with each attack, when a Sabyr would manage to sneak behind him?
Perform a backward roll crushing its body between the reinforced floor and ancient armor killing it.
When they tried to swarm him?
Release a scorching wave of the first flame leaving no remains.
The man was proving to be far more than a simple warrior or Huntsman for comparison.
This was an Undead who faced the monstrosities of Lothric and remained sane and whole, not allowing a single part of his humanity to wither and Hollow.
Performing a downward thrust into an oncoming Grimm killing it with no resistance, the Ashen One was spared a fleeting moment to see the endless army of the cursed beasts of darkness had hardly been thinned by his magic and swordsmanship.
Realising the threat of the situation of those who remained in this place the Undead grabbing a small charm from his waste began a noiseless chant, as his vocal cords remained crippled for the foreseeable future, but his Dark Soul sang in its absence.
Back straightened and arms held wide as if waiting to be embraced, the Grimm not halting in their charge to rip and tear this warrior apart. 'Truly nothing more than beasts of darkness, no intelligence, may they be shown guidance through thy light' Was the first thought he desired to share when analysing the Grimm.
When the largest of the Sabyr's pounced in an attempt to render the warrior to the floor to maul at his throat… only to be eviscerated by a pillar of Divine Light however that wasn't the only Grimm to be slaughtered as the hall lit up with pure white streams descending from above striking without mercy.
A Miracle of the most destructive kind.
All that remained as the light diminished was merely the hallway and the warrior.
Yet true it was that the Grimm had been vanquished inside an army still remained outward and by no means was it small. Idly walking through the facility not paying any distinct focus on the destruction and loss of life scattered in every corner of the once peaceful and mundane place.
Coming around the second last corner of the facility's main entrance did the warrior pause. For a cracked television screen sparked to life, which wasn't necessarily odd if it wasn't for the notable fact that it was neither plugged in or should be very much inoperable.
Walking over to the downed appliance placing a large knee just in front of it to gain a better view, the Ashen One merely tilted his head like a confused puppy at the contraption, but didn't allow for it to distract him from the image it was showing as a stunning lady spoke.
"-ing over the current most interesting topic this side of Remnant once again, mature viewing is advised. Over a month since his apparent debut the Hunter of the Wailing Woods continues to elude everyone seeking him out however that rule certainly doesn't apply to who he seeks out. Everyday we receive numerous reports of a Rogue Huntsman/Huntress being found dead outside towns with a message in what was confirmed to be the deceits blood alongside either their heads on spikes or headless bodies strung up like decorations.
According to interviews with a couple of Guardsmen in charge of protecting the town 'Starkshold' South-west of Mountain Glenn said they found the added protection of this Huntsman to be reassuring but highly terrifying due to his methods of confirming a Rogue had been taken care of.
No current Bounty hunter guilds and Huntsman guilds report that this was indeed one of their own only vaguely remembering a man wrapped in a ragged cloak accepting the jobs without so much as a word. A total of 108 rogue Huntsman and Huntresses are confirmed to be dead at the hands of this Huntsman with only this picture to confirm that he exists."
Despite the obscuring cracks of the screen the image was still very much clear to the warrior. Standing above the place where the picture was taken stood the intimidating man dubbed 'the Hunter of the Wailing Woods'.
A black leather tricorn hat which obscured the eye's beneath it along with the leather mask covering the lower portion of his face, the complete black attire that would certainly obscure him in the night almost like a shadow. Yet the odd addition to the attire was the fist sized lantern strapped to his waist on the coat.
A set of trousers that seemed loose enough to not hinder his movements in combat, thigh high boots almost touching where his knees would be the choice of footwear honestly reminded the Ashen One of the few nobility he had approached before the fall of Lothric.
On each hand was tight fitting gloves where the ends of the clothing disappearing leading to finely polished golden-like vambraces covering the forearms, which the warrior had to agree was suitable for foes wishing to strike in that particular area but preferred gauntlets nonetheless.
Underneath the tail-coat, was a black shirt seeming far older than some of the scholars wore. Utop that was the dark brown leather waist-coat which had three buckled straps securely closed above the shirt which had its collar raised most likely to obscure his face further.
And sitting harmlessly on his shoulder was a small black cape, in the end the site of the man standing menacingly with his hands wrapped around the cane's head smothered in large quantities of blood, yes a far more dangerous individual than any other assassin.
But this settled it, that man was someone of the three he would seek, the only defining detail he could see is the unnaturally white heart that seemed almost to glow as if it was pulling him closer to a secret that should not be shared.
"The Huntsman is a widely feared icon for many as the constant death toll he is bringing is nothing in comparison to the Grimm he subjugates, coming up we have an interview with Headmaster Ozpin about the Huntsmans possible motive and goals this has been Lisa Lavend-" Before the beautiful lady could finish, the unknown force keeping the screen operational must have found the warrior had seen all he needed as it short circuited before going blank.
With a deep guttural voice which came out in something akin to a growl, the Unkndled said only one word, "HUN...TER."
Thu-ump Boom! The facility shook with an almighty quake, whatever utilities that may have been less-damaged or destroyed were no longer recognizable as the ceiling lights cut out. The only remaining light source was the glowing blade of the First Flame.
Reaching the destroyed exit where the Unkindled received a great force of cold overcome him but didn't falter his movements in the slightest, walking for over a minute the warrior stopped abruptly before casting a gaze to the outside, looming over the very top of the facility was a creature he had heard word-of-mouth from Patches and fellow Undead not lost in madness.
A Hydrax.
With a large main body, that almost dwarfed the size of the building, connected alongside four muscular legs with gigantic razor claws to torn-like wings that were spread wide as the flapping of the appendages cause a self-made snow storm, yet the Unkindled remained unfazed as he turned his head upward to stare into the beastly heads, as in plural a total of six covered in bone just like every Grimm, stared back with all dragon-like heads which were identical to one another.
Fully turning his body to face this new adversary, he raised his greatsword in time as it swooped down similar to a bird of prey. Roaring greater than any beast he had faced before the Unkindled braced as a single head three sizes bigger than him collided in a powerful clash of scale versus steel.
The head bash caused him to literally be launched across the frozen wasteland surface, once his momentum was reached he collided into the ground hard rolling several metres he twisted mid-air dragging his left gauntlet across the snowy floor creating a small mote by the time he stopped.
His blade clenched tight, long dead eyes focused on his opponent. Everything faded around him as the two sized the other up.
Kra-Koom!
A powerful kick from the ground, so powerful it reflected the sound of lightning, the Unkindled moved far faster than any Huntsman or Huntress could accomplish once he was close enough to smell the stench of darkness the Hydra reacted to him.
Three of six heads dove like serpents pouncing upon oncoming prey, but this prey was unnatural, far more unnatural than even the Grimm.
Normally no mortal man would be able to accomplish such a feat as this very moveset would take far too long to replicate or be learnt. But with the millions of Souls devoured by the Unkindled with so much experience and knowledge gathered allowed him this feat.
Flipping his blade into a reversed grip, 30 feet, his heavy boots slamming to a halt, 25 feet, his muscled burned in protest as he twisted his body, 20 feet, arm raised into the motion to that of someone ready to throw a javelin or spear but instead the coiled sword of the warriors greatest foe.
Now! With strength and force far surpassing that of a Giant, the greatsword flew that of which like a shooting star possibly shining even birghter. As such the Old blade of the Lord of Cinders came without surprise once it caught fire becoming a shooting star of magic far more ancient than the Brother Gods.
The three heads were no match for the sword held a force which would never be extinguished by its dark nature. An all powerful explosion rocketed the remains of the Hydra into a small hill, bleeding profusely from its now lost heads, the Hydra try to stir itself into action in retribution against the Unkindled continued to falter as the coiled blade burned its insides but still not able to kill it.
Not allowing his shock that the beast survived to waver his actions, he instinctually gripped tightly to the hilt of his sheathed katana bursting into another powerful run but this time his upper body slumped forward closer to the ground as the snow proved no resistance he struck.
The beast seeing its executioner speeding towards it, in an act of defiance and desperation the remaining heads formed a triangular formation as they snarled back, smoke rising from their nostrils they charged the mother of all fire blasts.
Not at all recognizing the action as a true threat, in reply he flooded his blade with what little magic he had remaining into his next move.
Once the fire had reached peak size for mass destruction it was released with a conclusive roar yet the Unkindled continued his pursuit forward despite impending roasting. Wouldn't be the first time…
Excruciating heat waves emanated from the attack closing in swiftly closer, closer, closer…
Then the Ashen One truly showed a fraction of his true might, he moved far faster than any form of video or human eye could follow. Allowing the innate Dark magic of the Freyed Blade to flow like that of running water all anyone would manage to perceive was a slight indigo afterimage tearing through the Grimm's attack.
Despite all laws of physics and probability the fire blast attack turned into chunks falling to the snowy ground with an audible thump before dissipating swallowed by the Magic of the blade.
The Ashen One not at all hindered as he shot past the dismantled attack closing in swiftly to his true prey; The Hydrax. It struggled like all trapped animals did all the while the image of an armored clad warrior bringing down his curved blade with both hands into a crescent slash transporting waves of destructive force cutting through the remainder of its heads and hide.
The obvious sight of the warriors shoulder rising then falling in a steady rhythm walking towards the gradually disappearing Grimm corpse finding directly in the centre standing tall the Firelink Greatsword.
Both weapons secured on his person he stared into the cloudy sky getting a slight glimmer of the desoluted moon hanging above him paying it no mind he faced a random direction and began his journey for those that would deliver this world from its dark descent. For the Sun was all he truly craved.
Walking the tundra of ice and snow aimlessly relying fully on his Luck that would surely guide his way, not at all disturbed by the tentacle like Grimm observing from afar, having no clue his fated task watched on in astonishment and apathy.
The Warrior of Ash and Flame, acquired…
Now Searching for The Lost Child of Yharnam.
To be Continued in Chapter 2.