*Walks in with head bowed in shame and opens mouth* *Inset previous excuses here + FREAKING UT LEVEL HIGHSCHOOL PHYSICS* "I'm sorry guys, I really am. Thank-you for being patient while I do the best I can do that lets me keep my sanity.
HUGE THANK-YOU GUYS! I just found that I'm second most favorited and first most followed Dark Souls/RWBY story right now! I honestly can't express how thankful I am :D
Update Shout-Out: Revan is one of the most badass characters in video-game history, but one of the few that can match him/her for badassery would be Commander Jane Shepard of Eagle9177's story, New Beginnings. This is a story that tells Revan in a way that most KOTOR authors have trouble doing, True Gray. I'm being completely serious guys, this is in my top three favorite stories to ever grace this site. Go and check it out!
Quick thank-you to rubberduck248 for pointing out that I said the Ashen One woke up in the Untended Graves instead of the Cemetery of Ash. This was a mistake on my part due to the areas being mirrors of each-other and has been corrected. So thanks…
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I don't know how long I stood there, staring at the shattered brilliance of what was once the moon. Only now that I had a high enough view did I realize that her broken visage didn't cast a perfect glow over the entire land. Rather, due to the third of her splintered form, there were extremely slow moving expanses of complete darkness. The only time these pockets of shadow held any light was when they passed over the city where there was enough unnatural light to counteract the lack of moonlight.
It was only when my gaze, which had been following the moon, fell beneath the horizon did I comprehend that it was early morning. Looking down at the face of my helmet that rested in my hands, I tried thinking of a reason why the moon was shattered. It couldn't have had to do with my ending of the flame, that affected fire and by extension the sun, not the moon. I also know of no mages powerful enough to wield a spell that could shatter the moon, and even if there were, I've never heard of any spells that gave the user such devastating power, let alone know one.
I stood there for another hour or two, thinking possible reasons for the destruction, but eventually realized I'll probably never know. Sighing, I turn and walk back towards the stairs, slipping my helmet back on as I stepped through the door. Arriving back in the hallway, I looked to my left and right to find the halls were occupied by a few early-rising students making me realize once again that this was a school and that the children had class today. I felt my head tilt to the side involuntarily as I observed a group of four children with books and bags passing by who spared me a quick glance before moving on down the hall to my left. It was… mundane, normal even.
"Mr. Ash, may I speak with you?" I, again, raise an eyebrow to the name as I turn my head to the right to find Lady Goodwitch walking towards me calmly. Internally sighing over the title, I turn fully towards her and bowed my head in greeting which was returned with a nod, "Good morning to you as well. May I speak to you and the Firekeeper in private?"
I nodded my head and led her back to the room the Firekeeper and I had been lent before opening the door with the scroll. Stepping inside, I saw the Firekeeper standing in front of the window, just as she'd always wait near the bonfire in Firelink.
Turning as the door opened, the Firekeeper smiled when she saw me walk in and stand next to her, "Milord, I was wondering where thee disappeared to." She then turned and bowed her head to Lady Goodwitch, "Good morning Lady Goodwitch, what doth thee need of us this morning?"
Stepping forward, the sorceress handed a small stack of paper to the Firekeeper, "This is a guide to using the basic functions of a scroll. The Headmaster wished for you two to learn it so that he can message you for any reason in the future." I glanced down at the tiny device in my hand in wonderment. This little piece of metal and glass can send and receive messages?
Apparently, the Firekeeper was confused as well, "How doth the small device send messages to and fro? Is it magic or more technological innovations?"
Lady Goodwitch gave a small smile, apparently amused, "The scroll utilizes something called the internet and service to send messages, talk to people far away, and retrieve information."
The Firekeeper's eyebrows rose in amazement along with my own. This little device, no bigger than my hand, not only could send and retrieve messages but also pull information out of thin air! How much easier would it have been if I could just message anyone in the world during my journey through Lothric? Surely it would have saved me weeks and weeks of walking and fighting if I could have just asked or looked up the information people, places, and information.
"How much knowledge is the scroll able to find?" The Firekeeper asked eagerly.
Lady Goodwitch shrugged, "How much information is in the world? There is precious little people don't put online these days."
Throughout my time in Lothric, I have seen and experienced many feelings. Neutrality, compassion, worry, happiness, horror, sorrow, and acceptance, but never excitement. Excitement is something an undead rarely, if ever, feels. Sure, we can be happy about something (Though it's extremely rare), but the closest I've ever gotten too excited was when I reached solid ground again after wading through Farron's Keep for who knows how many hours.
After hearing how much knowledge was available, the Firekeeper turned her head to look at me with an expression I'd never seen on her face before, but immediately recognized as excitement. I knew this because it was the same look Lady Rose gave me when I let her look at Bloodlust back at Firelink.
Looking back at Lady Goodwitch, the Firekeeper bowed her head, "I thank thee for the opportunities thy has given us." She then looked up, "May I ask one more thing of thee and thy Headmaster?" Receiving a nod, the Firekeeper continued, "I was wondering if Milord and I could possibly sit in and listen to thy academy's professors. From my experience, knowledge is best partaken if taught by another, not thyself."
Lady Goodwitch thought for a few seconds before opening her scroll and tapping it for a few seconds. Closing the device, I felt the scroll in my hand vibrate, causing my to look down at it as the sorceress nodded her head, "I don't see any harm in it, as long as the two of you don't cause any disturbances." She then motioned towards the scroll that I was still investigating, "I just sent you the class schedule for the rest of the week via the scroll." She said before pointing at the papers, "You should use this time to figure out how to use the scroll and access a message. The first class of the day will begin in about one hour and each class is two hours long with the exception of combat class which is three on Mondays and Fridays."
I kept turning the scroll over in my hands, trying to make sense of the strange device as the Firekeeper and Lady Goodwitch bid each other farewell. It was only when I heard the door close did I look up to find the Firekeeper sitting on one of the beds reading the papers with well-hidden eagerness. Knowing she'll wish to learn how to use the scroll as quickly as possible, I set it down next to her and rested against the other bed, content with waiting until she was finished.
-][-
"Milord, come look at this." I opened my eyes from where I'd been resting and look out the window to find that a little over an hour and a half has passed. Turning back to the Firekeeper, I see the papers strewn about on the bed as she tapped quickly on the Scroll, "I believe I have figured out how to use this Scroll enough for us to move on and hear one of the academies professors. Doth thee wish to depart?"
I rolled my neck, causing a couple loud cracks to be heard, before nodding my head. If she wants to hear a lecture than so be it, though if I were being perfectly honest with myself, I wouldn't mind hearing one as well. The closest I'd ever gotten to an academic lecture would have been whenever Orbeck, Cornyx, Karla, or Irina taught me spells. Though thinking back, the process and effectiveness of their teaching methods varied greatly.
Orbeck would always have an impatient tone whenever he talked but always gave helpful tips while letting me figure out the spell mostly by myself. Cornyx was patient, but would often get slightly side-tracked when telling me how a spell came to be. Though I never truly minded and always enjoyed listening to stories. Karla, on the other hand, had absolutely no patience at all and would go to dangerous lengths to test me whenever we'd practice outside Firelink. Then there was Irina, the blind storyteller who wished nothing more than to become a Firekeeper, and become one she did. She embodied Orbeck's helpful tips, Cornyx's patience, and Karla's drive, but rolled every trait up into her own little package, proving to be the best teacher of the four. It also helped that she also shared any and all tales of the great miracles that she knew.
As my mind wandered, it couldn't help but wonder how different these professors will be? Bringing my attention back to the present, I get to my feet and twist my torso sharply to the left and right, working out any kinks and sounding a few more cracks along with some clangs of armor before opening the door for the Firekeeper.
Nodding her head in thanks, the Firekeeper steps out into the hallway and begins walking to our left after locking the door. "From what I have been able to figure out, the first class is about to release with a fifteen minute period of time for the children to get to their next one." The Firekeeper said as I stepped up next to her, "The next class Team RWBY should be in is History with Professor Oobleck."
I glance at the Firekeeper, a smirk on my face at her choice of company. Practically hearing my silent amusement, the Firekeeper smirked herself but kept looking forward as we walked, "I decided that it would best suit our lack of knowledge on this era to start with the first year classes rather than skipping ahead, and since the only people we know are either teachers or first years, I thought it would be nice to get to know the young maidens more."
I shrug, uncaring who the Firekeeper chose for company. Well… as long as they weren't a threat that is. As we neared a set of double doors, the Firekeeper motioned me to the side as a loud tone droned out of another odd speaking box which promptly unleashed a horde of children who talked animatedly to each other, some noticing us as they passed and some not. When the doorway was empty enough, the Firekeeper and I stepped inside to find Sir Oobleck dashing about erasing a chalkboard to make space for whatever he needed to write down next, correcting chairs, and muttering to himself while reading from various books.
As we passed the threshold of the door, the Professor spun around to face us and smiled, "Ah, there you are. Ms. Goodwitch informed the staff that two visitors might be sitting in on some their lessons, glad you could make it."
"The pleasure is ours Sir Oobleck, I assure thee." The Firekeeper greeted before motioning towards two seats right next to the door, "If it alright with thee, Milord and I will simply listen from back here and not bother thy class."
Sir Oobleck rapidly nodded his head and went back to writing on the board, "Certainly, do as you wish."
Bowing her head in thanks, the Firekeeper and I sat down in the second seat away from the doors left while I eyed the first one wearly. The downside of someone wearing a full suit of armor is that said person tended to weigh quite a bit, and while Faraam is far from being the heaviest set of armor I've collected, it's definitely not light.
My mind ground to a halt with that last thought. During my journey through Lothric, I encountered so many different sets of weapons and armor that it was difficult to recall them all. But no matter how many I found, I was sure to hang onto whatever I came across as long as they weren't duplicates, just in case I came across someone or something that required that one completely unassuming item to let me pass.
Luckily it didn't happen often, and by the time I reached the Kiln of the First Flame, my armory was a dozen or so suits strong. Though now that I think about it, the Firekeeper seemed to let out a sigh every time I came back to the Shrine with another piece of armor or weapon in hand to add to the quickly growing piles in the back of the shrine. Luckily I, without realizing it, found the solution to the Firekeeper's exasperation once I reached the Crucifixion Woods and discovered Firelink's resident wizard.
Apparently, upon seeing the untidy piles of weapons and armor, Orbeck let out a sigh of annoyance and set about enchanting a storage chest for my use, or so Andre told me before pointing to the chest in question behind his anvil the next time I was at the Shrine. I had quickly inspected the chest and found an ingenious feat of magic that literally gave me an infinite amount of storage. All I have to do is know what I wanted and reach in to get it. The only drawback about the chest is that I have to remember everything that's in there, or else I'll never get that item back until I remembered it. Fortunately, or unfortunately, depending on how you looked at it, I had more than enough time to spend going through the chest whenever I was bored during one of my short rests at Firelink.
"Milord?" Looking up as a voice drew me back to the present, I found the Firekeeper standing beside, her brow furrowed in concern, "Milord, what ails thee?"
Shaking my head, I unclipped my sword and shield and leaned them against the wall to my right before sitting down slowly. Hearing the chair groan beneath my weight, I stopped for a second before fully sitting down, one last groan being heard but otherwise holding. Finally situated for the coming hours, I took the time to look around myself. Apparently I had been lost in thought for a few minutes because what had once been empty seats were now filled.
Glancing to our left at the sound of chairs scraping against the floor, I found four of the other children the Firekeeper and I saw when we first emerged from the tunnel. The first was a lanky blond-haired boy who was kept sneaking small glances at me from his chair four spaces away. The next two chairs were occupied by the second and third children, first of which was a maiden that had shoulder length orange haired girl, aqua colored eyes, and a large smile that seemed to never stop telling the patient looking raven-haired boy next to her some epic tale. The final was a girl with deep red hair and vibrant green eyes who sat in the chair next to the Firekeeper.
After a couple seconds of silence, the red-haired girl waved at the Firekeeper and I with a kind smile on her face, "Hello, my name is Pyrrha Nikos. This is Jaune Arc, Lie Ren, and Nora Valkyrie." She said pointing to the blond, raven, and orange haired children respectively. "You're the two people who we met during the breach right?"
The Firekeeper bowed her head, "Indeed, it is good to meet thee under less dire circumstances. I am the Firekeeper," she then motioned towards me, "Milord is The Ashen One." She then smiled slightly, "Or Mr. Ash, as everyone seems to be calling him." I sigh quietly in my seat as it becomes abundantly clear that I had gained a new title, whether I wished to or not.
Smiling brightly, Lady Nikos bowed her head in return, "It's wonderful to meet the both of as well. What are the two of you doing here?" She asked while motioning around the room.
"Milord and I are travelers and arrived just in time to help defend Vale. Thy Headmaster offered us a roof and food in thanks." The Firekeeper answered.
Lady Nikos nodded her head, but still looked confused, "I understand that, but what are you doing here in class? If, of course, you don't mind me asking that is."
The Firekeeper gave a small smile, "It is of no offense to myself or Milord. We are merely sitting in to pass the time and experience this learning institute for ourselves."
The now named Sir Ren, who had finally calmed his orange-haired companion, looked over with a raised eyebrow, "Have you not attended a school? You sound rather educated."
Smiling again, the Firekeeper shook her head, "Milord and I have either been self-taught or had mentors, but never before have either of us attended an academy."
Suddenly bouncing in her seat again, Lady Valkyrie smiled widely, "Why do you talk like people in old plays? How can you see through your tiara, which is really pretty by the way! Why is Mr. Ash allowed to wear his fighting outfit? The teacher don't let us unless it's combat class or free time! Why do you call him Milord? Is he your guardian knight? Why-hmph hmph hmph hmph hmph! Hmph hmph hmph hmph hmph!"
Even though the noon sun had yet to shine down upon us, Sir Ren looked exhausted as he covered his friend's mouth to stop her river of questions, "I apologize for Nora, she's very excitable."
I let out a silent chuckle, the only thing giving me away being the slight shaking of my shoulders. The Firekeeper, on the other hand, let her mirth show as she let out a small laugh at the bubbly girl, "There is nothing to apologize for, we find it rather refreshing."
Before anything more could be said, the tone from the box thing (I really have to find out the name of those things) droned out once again, prompting everyone not already sitting down to do so. Leaning back into the chair, I settled down as Sir Oobleck appeared in front of the class and promptly got started.
-][-
"-and be sure to review chapters twelve through fifteen for the test next class. Have a good day." As soon as Sir Oobleck finished speaking, the bell (I don't see how that contraption counts as bell? It looks nothing like one) rang, releasing the children out for the midday meal, or so the Firekeeper told me.
"HEY GUYS!" I jerked my head in the direction of the yell but calmed when I saw Lady Rose waving at Lady Nikos and her team, "Do the six of you want to eat lunch with us? They're serving burgers and fries today."
Sir Arc smiled while nodding his head, "Sure, sounds good." He then looked at the Firekeeper and I, "What, uh, what about you two?" He asked rather awkwardly.
I shook my head before standing up to stretch. While I didn't mind being in such bright company, I did not feel like explaining that we, as undead, do not require food, water, or sleep. While the flame sustains the Firekeeper, I merely rely on souls to sustain me, and I had enough to keep me from going hollow for many, many years from my fight with the Soul of Cinder. Though now that I think about it, without a bonfire, my Estus will no longer be able to aid me in battle until I figure out a way to renew my it. Maybe the Firekeeper has an idea.
Shaking her head as well, the Firekeeper stood up smoothing and smoothed out her dress, "I'm afraid Milord and I have other business to attend to at the moment. Though we thank thee for thy offer." Nodding their heads, the children bid farewell before leaving. Leaving the classroom ourselves, I immediately turned towards our room walked straight there. Once the door closed, the Firekeeper turned towards me with a concerned visage, "Milord, I know something troubles thee. Thee have the same aura of worry as thee had during thy journey through the Catacombs of Carthus."
I licked my dry lips, ignoring the memories of anxiously scouring those damned catacombs, trying to think of a reason for my unexplained worry about the shrine. I placed the best illusion I could over the entrance, and the only souls that knew of its location were trustworthy. Or at least more trustworthy than most people I put my faith in during my time in Lothric, a certain terrible duo of thievery coming to mind.
"Is it Firelink Milord?" I snapped my gaze back to the Firekeeper's face, a curious tilt to my head as to how she knew the source of my worries. She smiled, "There is little else if any other reason for thee to be worried about. Are thee worried it will be discovered by people of ill intent?"
I paused for a few seconds, then shrugged my shoulders with a silent sigh. I don't know the source of my worry, but my senses have saved me time and time again from getting gruesomely killed or wandering aimlessly for who knew how long. Either way, I needed to get back to Firelink and place some additional traps along with the ones left over from what Orbeck, Karla, and Cornyx had placed
"Doth thee wish for me to inquire to Sir Ozpin about procuring passage back into the city?" The Firekeeper asked. I immediately nodded my head. The sooner I got this taken care of, the sooner my mind will rest easy that my companions graves will be left unmolested. "Very well, let us depart now so that we can hopefully return before the next class ends."
I paused, having completely forgotten that the Firekeeper wished to further her knowledge of this era. As I was about to stop her, she raised her hand along with an eyebrow, "Thee will not be able to be at peace until thy worries are smothered. I have as much time as I wish to discover this new world, we know that better than anyone." Nodding my head in thanks, the Firekeeper and I left our lodgings and retraced our footsteps from the previous day to the Headmaster's office and took the elevator back up.
Hearing the ding announce our arrival, Sir Ozpin looked up from his paperwork and offered us a small smile, "Mr. Ash, Ms. Firekeeper, what can I help you with?"
I ignored the fact that the Firekeeper got to keep her title while I got a new one as she returned the greeting with a curtsy, "I pray thee will forgive us for the interruption milord, but the Ashen One has expressed worry about the Firelink Shrine being discovered and wishes to return so he can secure it better from those who should know not of it."
"The interruption is of no trouble, Ms. Goodwitch and I told the two of you to bring any issues to one of us," Sir Ozpin said before leaning forward on his cane, "but what is your concern? I thought Mr. Ash place an illusion over the entrance, and the only people who know of your shrine are trustworthy."
The Firekeeper nodded her head, "Yes, and Milord and I are thankful it was thee and thy students who found us instead of those who would have taken advantage of the situation."
Sir Ozpin raised an eyebrow, "Is there something that will endanger the Kingdoms inside that I need to know about? If there is, I may be able to offer assistance in keeping its existence secure."
"Nothing of the sort milord," the Firekeeper said, "as I told Lady Goodwitch before, the Ashen One and I merely wish it so our companions' graves can be left untouched by those who may wish to study the Shrine in close detail."
Nodding his head in understanding, Sir Ozpin pulled out his scroll and tapped on it for a few moments before looking back at us with a nod, "Head back out to the landing pad and take the Bullhead you find there, the Pilot should be the same one that brought you here to Beacon." He then stood up and then turned off the large scroll on his desk and walked around it to look at us eye to eye, "All you need now is an escort. If you will permit me, of course."
I felt bewilderment well up. Why would Sir… no, not Sir. I looked around myself and gazed at the calming green luminescence about our heads and then at the view that this tall tower provided of this castle like institute of learning that molded what very well could be some of this realm's finest warriors. But most of all, I thought as I looked back at the man in front of me, the pure aura of calmness, sincerity, and steadfastness that didn't come from someone who thought highly of themselves, but rather of someone who possessed experience. He was no Sir, he was naught but a Lord, a Lord willing to help those who required it. So I, without pause, gave LORD Ozpin a deep bow, both in thanks and acceptance.
Bowing his had in return, Lord Ozpin grabbed his cane and began walking towards the elevator, "Very well then, we should leave as soon as possible then." Nodding my head, the Firekeeper and I quickly stepped back into the elevator and began our journey back to Firelink. If only we had been faster…
And we come to a close yet again. Hoped this chapter was as good as the previous ones in quality and quantity :)
IMPORTANT – I have updated the cover art to something that I have been drawing in art at school the last two months. Take a look and let me know what you think, I'd really appropriate it :D
So until next time. . .
. . . Archangel Out
