Disclaimer: I don't own Noir. Please don't send Noir after me. And sending lawyers after me would be even worse. If the owners of Noir would like to erase this work then contact the author or FanFiction.net to have it removed.
Warning to readers: This is a prequel that contains major spoilers. Watch the anime first! The author's notes will be located in the final chapter.
Noir: A Perfect Blade
Chapter 1: Baptized in Fire
The world is corrupted. On every continent mankind spreads the corruption of sin. Yet despite the years of suffering endured by our world, there are still some places left pure. Such locations forgotten by the passage of time are rare and special indeed. Only in such a place can miracles be made real.
In ancient dark woods exists such a place. Nameless and forgotten by the dreadful advancement of civilization, it has stood untouched by the passing ages. A circle of tall stones hidden beneath the shadows of nature's canopy, it serves as a meeting place for a group that has sworn to protect the pure from the corruption of sin.
The Soldats, who have existed since the dark ages, have gathered their priests and priestesses here for a most holy ritual. For it is here that a chosen Sapling shall receive her blessing and begin her journey to become Noir. Born under the mark of Cain and stained with original sin, she shall live a life of hardship. All will lead to Le Grand Retour and the rebirth of Noir.
The ritual lasted all day and well into the night. The child had no parents. Her father was unknown, a seed donor culled from the best of the Knights of the Soldats and nothing more. Her mother was a Soldats assassin, one of many who had taken the name of Noir.
In a nearby tent sat the high priestess of the Soldats, an old woman. As she gently held the baby she gazed down upon it's cherubic form. "Such a quiet child. She will serve the Soldats well. Altena?"
"Yes Mistress?" Altena was a young priestess, still a teenager. Yet her eyes held a conviction that suggested a soul that had seen more of the world than most see in their whole lifetimes. She rose through the ranks quickly, demonstrating a dark intelligence that could only have come from knowing the true nature of the world.
"We shall begin the final ceremony. This chosen Sapling will now be baptized in the holy fire of the Nephilim. She will become one of the few who are destined to carry the name of Noir." The old priestess sighed. She had performed this ritual too often in her lifetime. "Have the others begin the chant of summoning."
"Yes Mistress." Altena turned to leave.
"Altena" The high priestess of the Soldats took a deep breath and said, "You will not chant with them."
The younger priestess paused in confusion. "What do you mean Mistress? Am I not worthy to stand with the others."
"You show promise child. The others have lost their way. I want you to stand not with the others, but above them. When I sing the hymn of purification, you must be at my side. Listen well young priestess, for I will only sing the hymn once. It is also the last time I will sing it."
"What do you mean Mistress?" Altena held an expression of shock.
"Noir, it the name of an ancient fate. Two women, who govern death." The older woman gazed into Altena's eyes. "The power of Noir has been spread thin. We must return to the Soldats of old."
Altena's expression softened. "Le Grand Retour..." Her voice trailed off. Several moments passed. When next she spoke, her eyes were filled with determination. "I understand Mistress. No matter the sacrifice, I will bring the true Noir back to this world."
-=-=-=-=-=-=-
The majestic stones towered above the chanting priests and priestesses. Nuns and Knights stood outside the circle, their eyes alert for any infidels who would dare to disturb this holy ceremony. At the center of everything was the child who rested upon a stone altar. Etched into the eldritch rock was the symbol of two maidens kneeling face to face. Each carried a perfect blade.
As the chanting continued another voice broke in. It was old and weary from years of use. But it also carried with it a clarity of purpose. The high priestess of the Soldats sang the hymn of purification. Altena stood by her side and listened. As the song filled the air, blue wisps of flame emanated from cracks in the stone altar. The child's eyes widened in fear. But when the flames failed to burn her, she smiled in amusement.
The singing lasted for some time. When it was done, the high priestess of the Soldats stood before the child and drew forth a knife. Slicing open the palm of her hand, she held it aloft. Droplets of blood flowed from the wound and landed upon the child's fore-head. "Noir. It is the name of an ancient fate, two maidens who govern death. The peace of the newly born, their black hands protect." The high priestess withdrew her hand and wiped away the blood. "All here shall bear witness. This Sapling has received my blessing and will be tested to become Noir. Until she fails or succeeds, she will be known as Chloe.
*To be continued*
Warning to readers: This is a prequel that contains major spoilers. Watch the anime first! The author's notes will be located in the final chapter.
Noir: A Perfect Blade
Chapter 1: Baptized in Fire
The world is corrupted. On every continent mankind spreads the corruption of sin. Yet despite the years of suffering endured by our world, there are still some places left pure. Such locations forgotten by the passage of time are rare and special indeed. Only in such a place can miracles be made real.
In ancient dark woods exists such a place. Nameless and forgotten by the dreadful advancement of civilization, it has stood untouched by the passing ages. A circle of tall stones hidden beneath the shadows of nature's canopy, it serves as a meeting place for a group that has sworn to protect the pure from the corruption of sin.
The Soldats, who have existed since the dark ages, have gathered their priests and priestesses here for a most holy ritual. For it is here that a chosen Sapling shall receive her blessing and begin her journey to become Noir. Born under the mark of Cain and stained with original sin, she shall live a life of hardship. All will lead to Le Grand Retour and the rebirth of Noir.
The ritual lasted all day and well into the night. The child had no parents. Her father was unknown, a seed donor culled from the best of the Knights of the Soldats and nothing more. Her mother was a Soldats assassin, one of many who had taken the name of Noir.
In a nearby tent sat the high priestess of the Soldats, an old woman. As she gently held the baby she gazed down upon it's cherubic form. "Such a quiet child. She will serve the Soldats well. Altena?"
"Yes Mistress?" Altena was a young priestess, still a teenager. Yet her eyes held a conviction that suggested a soul that had seen more of the world than most see in their whole lifetimes. She rose through the ranks quickly, demonstrating a dark intelligence that could only have come from knowing the true nature of the world.
"We shall begin the final ceremony. This chosen Sapling will now be baptized in the holy fire of the Nephilim. She will become one of the few who are destined to carry the name of Noir." The old priestess sighed. She had performed this ritual too often in her lifetime. "Have the others begin the chant of summoning."
"Yes Mistress." Altena turned to leave.
"Altena" The high priestess of the Soldats took a deep breath and said, "You will not chant with them."
The younger priestess paused in confusion. "What do you mean Mistress? Am I not worthy to stand with the others."
"You show promise child. The others have lost their way. I want you to stand not with the others, but above them. When I sing the hymn of purification, you must be at my side. Listen well young priestess, for I will only sing the hymn once. It is also the last time I will sing it."
"What do you mean Mistress?" Altena held an expression of shock.
"Noir, it the name of an ancient fate. Two women, who govern death." The older woman gazed into Altena's eyes. "The power of Noir has been spread thin. We must return to the Soldats of old."
Altena's expression softened. "Le Grand Retour..." Her voice trailed off. Several moments passed. When next she spoke, her eyes were filled with determination. "I understand Mistress. No matter the sacrifice, I will bring the true Noir back to this world."
-=-=-=-=-=-=-
The majestic stones towered above the chanting priests and priestesses. Nuns and Knights stood outside the circle, their eyes alert for any infidels who would dare to disturb this holy ceremony. At the center of everything was the child who rested upon a stone altar. Etched into the eldritch rock was the symbol of two maidens kneeling face to face. Each carried a perfect blade.
As the chanting continued another voice broke in. It was old and weary from years of use. But it also carried with it a clarity of purpose. The high priestess of the Soldats sang the hymn of purification. Altena stood by her side and listened. As the song filled the air, blue wisps of flame emanated from cracks in the stone altar. The child's eyes widened in fear. But when the flames failed to burn her, she smiled in amusement.
The singing lasted for some time. When it was done, the high priestess of the Soldats stood before the child and drew forth a knife. Slicing open the palm of her hand, she held it aloft. Droplets of blood flowed from the wound and landed upon the child's fore-head. "Noir. It is the name of an ancient fate, two maidens who govern death. The peace of the newly born, their black hands protect." The high priestess withdrew her hand and wiped away the blood. "All here shall bear witness. This Sapling has received my blessing and will be tested to become Noir. Until she fails or succeeds, she will be known as Chloe.
*To be continued*