[Cover is owned by (I believe) French-banna-toast. If they want me to put it down, I will.]
[Inspired by 'Jaune Arc, Watcher of The Abyss' by Rum Aficionado, although will not have much plot taken from it.]
[Thanks for beta reading, MidKnightMoonglow99, you helped me a ton.]
[17/3/2022:Updated the chapter, this is pretty much due to my beta reader, MidKnightMoonglow99, Thanks for this. Includes grammar edits, extra story tidbits, and general improvements]
Vale was definitely something...
It didn't take long to get past the walls with the assistance of the young Qrow, but upon entering the city proper I was met by something which I wasn't truly ready for. The sheer changes to that which came before it...
This world wasn't like that of my prior resurrection, where the world hadn't wholly changed from my original time. No... this was... this was all disturbingly foreign...
There weren't many Vale citizens on the streets at this hour, but those which seemed to be human enough - similar to Qrow. None of them appeared to hold the brand of the dark sigil - the undead curse - but it wasn't as if I was expecting such a place to be infested by mindless hollows.
The humans of Vale weren't so different from those which came before, the main discrepancies came from the clothing they wore. Garbs differed depending on your placement within the world; the cultures you were apart of, so even though their clothing seemed strange I wasn't too much of a shock.
However, that was only regarding the humans of Vale. Several times now during our trek through the city have I witnessed humans who possessed features akin to multiple different animals both known and foregin.
Of all the things I could have imagined upon entering Vale, I had not expected to see a crossbreed civilisation living amongst humans, nor the sheer amount of them or their diversity when it came to individual animal traits. It was almost baffling, but somewhat reassuring, seeing them freely walking around the twilight streets. A small part of me couldn't help but think back to the young princess of the Dark Moon with a moderate amount of comfort as well as... some other emotion...
... Could it be hope...?
But besides this notable revelation, the utmost bizarre occurrence I witnessed from Vale so far were the countless things which occasionally flew overhead within the cloudless night sky. They didn't seem to be living creatures from what little I could see of them, unless they were so heavily armoured that their entire form was concealed - though I personally doubted this to be the case. Is it possible that these people have mastered sorcery to such a degree that they can give flight to such large inanimate constructs...? A reasonable assertion if indeed true, curtain sorcerers have preformed far stranger mystical feats after all.
"So, uh, I'm guessing you haven't seen this many bullheads before now? Yeah... To be fair, I was kinda the same when I first arrived in Vale too."
It was then I was reminded of the fact that my most recent traveling compatriot was still at my heel.
"No. I haven't." I spoke, feeling my curiosity peak in regards to these strange constructs, to the point I wilfully chose to provoke a conversation with the more knowledgeable boy, "What are their purpose?"
"The bullheads? Well, they're used for transporting people and equipment, mainly, though it really depends on the model."
Model...? What peculiar wording...
Still, the idea of such large constructs aiding in the transportation of key pieces of equipment or individuals did seem like a rather interesting prospect. Something to definitely take into consideration for the future, these "bullheads" could become rather useful.
"Actually, if you're interested, the bullhead docks aren't far away from here. I need to go there anyways the get back up to Beacon. If you want I could show you it?" Looking back to Qrow, I noted he was motioning with his thumb down a separate street, assumedly in the direction of this apparent "bullhead dock".
It was a tempting offer. It truly was. Sadly I had much more important things to deal with at this time - information gathering specifically. Though gaining knowledge on how these bullheads operated was most definitely appealing, it truly wasn't a necessity.
"Apologies, but I must decline your offer. I have other matters which require my attention."
Momentarily saddened by my words, Qrow just nodded; releasing a small sigh. "Ah, it's fine. I get it, you've got your own thing you need to do..." he paused momentarily to scratch the back of, "I guess I'll be seeing you then? If you're a huntsman I'd assume you'll be visiting the academy at some point, right?"
... There's that title again... Huntsman... This is the third time now he's mentioned them...
How strange... It was obvious Qrow wasn't merely referring to simple gamesmen, though the only other hunters which I can recall are those alluded to within the tales told by the Crystal Sage. The Black Hands, if I recalled the stories correctly... A small group of knights which served the royalty of Lothric.
... Is it be these huntsmen Qrow alluded too may potentially be of the same order as the ones from the time of my prior resurrection...? It was possible, though in all likelihood it could very well be but a simply coincidence...
It would have to be something to look into during my research, but then there was the other curious point Qrow made mention of.
... An academy...? A place of knowledge and learning... Could this potentially be the Beacon he mentioned needing to return too...? Did this mean these huntsmen were scholars...? If so, their naming etiquette was rather peculiar...
Taking in the full visage of the young human who'd been shadowing me for an good while now, I looked to the obvious, though lacklustre, combat attire and weapon, I instantly dismissed this line of thought. Qrow was no scholar, even if he seemingly had the blind curiosity of one. Perhaps these huntsmen were more so the guardians of these supposed scholars...? It wouldn't be outside the range of possibility for an order of knowledge seekers requiring a group of warriors to protect and save them from whatever snare their overly curious minds find themselves trapped in...
Still, whatever the case might be, this academy was most definitely a point of immense interests.
"True..." I chose to finally say, "In fact, I may just take you up on your prior offer. Am I to assume this dock is the only access point to the academy?"
Qrow just smiled almost offhandedly at my inquiry, "Nah, you can just as easily get to Beacon through either the Emerald or Forever Fall forest, but most people take a bullhead. Come on, I'll show you." Qrow stated, before heading off in the direction he motioned toward previously.
Choosing to follow the boy now for a short walk through the shimmering streets of Vale, the two of us soon arrived at a large open stretch of land by the Eastern side of the city's outer wall. Across the expansive field lay several platforms, seating areas and storehouses, both vacant and occupied, which were all seemingly used for the bullheads to land, be loaded and take flight more easily. Honestly, it all seemed to be a rather simple system when compared to a few of the other smaller oddities I've occasionally witnessed during myself and Qrow's trek through Vale.
"Am I to presume this is the dock you alluded to?" Truly, it did indeed fit the requirements and needs for an effective dock, even if it was all incredibly foreign in its execution.
"Yeah, this is it." Qrow spoke with a smile before motioning to one of the larger, four winged bullheads several yards away from where we stood, "Seems like the one leaving for Beacon's still here. You sure you're good staying in Vale? I mean, Beacon should be able to lodge you if you're working in the area, right?"
"Indeed." I spoke whilst still observing the multitude of differing constructs scattered around the dock, "There's still much I have to do in Vale. Perhaps once I've finished I'll look into venturing to the academy."
Moving my attention back to Qrow, the youths expression seemed to shift from an almost disappointment look to something more hopeful as I spoke. How odd...
Perhaps his interest in me has developed into some strange form of attachment...? I severely hope this isn't the case... Though, it could potentially be of some use if handled correctly... The lad's knowledge, as lacking as it may outwardly appear, may still hold some value...
So with all seemingly said and done with, Qrow and I parted ways upon the young human needing to board the departing bullheads which was seemingly heading back to Beacon academy.
Choosing to stay a little while longer at the dock, I observed the wings of Qrow's bullhead shift as it steadily rose into the air before they swiftly turned again and the construct gently flew off in the direction of Beacon. The flickering of its lights soon became the only indication of its existence as it was slowly enveloped by the night sky.
Truly, it was a remarkable sight to behold...
...
In the days which followed my and the young Qrow's separation at the bullhead dock I was left to simply wander again. Though, truth be told, I had become far more purposeful in where I chose to venture and spend my precious time.
The first night was more-or-less spent gaining a lay of the land - or rather the city, as it were - to see if there was a place which would be of any use to my efforts of understanding this new time. As luck would have it, there thankfully was. Upon the break of dawn I managed to stumble upon Vale's grand library. It was a strange find I will admit, seeing as such a significant place of learning was seemingly open to the masses of the city, but I wouldn't let such a minor oddity divert my mind from such a crucial discovery.
Upon entering the archive building, I was almost immediately greeted by the slightly startled form of an elderly woman with a wooden cart, "Oh! Sorry dear, not many people come in so early, much less a huntsman such as yourself." she said with a smile, "Feel free to browse into whatever you wish. I'll be around if you require anything."
"You are a researcher here, correct? A scholar perhaps?" I inquire swiftly before she had a chance to leave to perform her duties, "If you may, can you show me where I may find tomes regarding current world events and history?"
The woman gave me a strange look for some reason before she spoke again, "Librarian is fine. The history section is over there," she points to the far corner of the vast maze of bookshelves, "It's right after the second-to-last section labelled: "Romance". As for media relating to more current events, we have plenty of archived newspapers and magazines within storage, though depending on their age you won't be allowed to check them out of the building. I'm sure you understand."
Not truly... Still it didn't matter too much. Thanking the Librarian for her assistance, I proceeded to the history section she directed me too; which I would notably spend the majority of my time as the next couple days passed me by. From dawn till dusk, I would spend it researching into this world's known history. Word-for-word and cover-to-cover, I took in everything I was able.
The words and writings weren't that which I knew or understood, and yet it didn't seem to matter? The makings would always make sense in my mind; their meaning assured... It was strange, almost sickeningly so, yet still I proceeded to take in what I could about this world until the Librarian would come and inform me that the hall would need to be sealed for the night - at which point I had to sadly leave till day broke again.
So, when night came, I would venture past the walls of the city. Journeying out into the local forests which surrounded Vale I spent my nights hunting the Abyss - these "Grimm" as these people seemingly called them. There would be no end to the corruption of the Abyss, that is indisputable - as the Old Wolf once told us long ago - and yet it could always be quelled.
And this is what I sort of do here.
Although, there was one thing I was unsure about. Through my research I was unable to discover a single mention of the corruption of the dark, only of the beasts which dwell in it. How could that be? It was a good thing, for sure, but the Abyss had always preyed upon humanity. Even now I could still feel the ever so small pull of the darkness... Perhaps these humans developed a cure or remedy which sated it...? No, it was much more likely that the threat was kept under lies from the ruling authorities. It was a common action to prevent panic, not the right one, but better than to leave the minds of the masses unchecked.
My train of thought ended there as I finish my latest skirmish with a small pack of Beowolfs. It was truly odd, fighting had become so ingrained to me now that I hardly ever paid complete attention, even less now that I only had one limb to control, so I get to think, think more than I believe I've ever had…
It was troubling.
In the confines of his office at the top of Beacon Academy, Ozpin sat behind his desk with a cold and virtually untucked mug of coffee in his hand. On his computer screen were several images, all displaying and armoured individual in various situations and places, wielding a longsword and killing Grimm.
A couple nights prior, the motion sensors within the emerald forest noted his arrival and the cameras placed there watched his movements like a hawk - he wandered, killed Grimm and subsequently left just before day break. The same happened the next night, though that time he was instead found within Forever Fall.
Now, this wasn't out of the ordinary - in fact many huntsmen and huntresses tended to practice within the the surrounding woodland of Vale due to its low threat level. No... what truly gain Ozpin's attention to this specific individual however was the fact that in those couple nights this person did things which would've baffle and shock any normal person.
He didn't sleep. He didn't eat. He didn't rest. All this person did was wander around all night - occasionally examine the many ruins scattered throughout those areas - and kill any Grimm that he came across. The latter, Ozpin noted, went out of his way to perform no matter if he was at a disadvantage or not - he'd kill them no matter the situation.
But then there was, frankly, the most interesting and concerning aspect about this unknown individual...
He didn't use his aura - or at least didn't appear to have it unlocked - and yet, he'd proven capable of wielding abilities and have the physical endurance which would indicate otherwise - to a lesser man at least.
On multiple occasions this individual had to take a hit, or several, from the Grimm he fought; the beast's claws digging deep within the warrior's body, but he would simply continue as if it never happened, even as his clothes became drenched within his internal fluids. The amount of blood lost would've likely killed any normal person, but seemingly not this man...
Then there was his abilities - for the lack of a more accurate term...
The fire and embers which imbued his body and the blood he lost whilst he fought... Something which shone with life, but was most definitely primordial in its origins - at least, that's what Ozpin himself thought when viewing the magic used by this unknown man...
... And that's what it was, wasn't it? Magic? Truly, what else could this man be using if not magic? It wasn't dust based - though it likely could easily be mistaken for it if you weren't knowledgeable enough - and it certainly wasn't a semblance if his seemingly lack of aura was anything to go by. So - technically speaking - all that was left was that this man was indeed using magic... and this theory troubled Ozpin deeply.
If this man was in fact using magic, what did that mean?
Nothing good... Nothing good at all.
This man was an unknown piece in the game... for the time being at least. Ozpin had made it a priority to make contact with the other Headmasters and any other contacts he had in the other kingdoms to find out who exactly this man was upon realising magic might potentially be involved. Though it was discovered rather quickly that this man wasn't, or hadn't, had any official huntsman training, though that didn't mean he wasn't trained unofficially - far from it in fact.
Yet, besides the official information regarding a person's combat training and history - or lack there of - the subsequent investigation into this man would take time... Ozpin only hoped nothing terrible would happened during that time.
He just had to hope...
Author's notes here! My personal opinion is that the Abyss Watchers should be able to parry you. [Maybe cast spells, but that would make the fight horrible] Although that would make it a way harder boss fight, as there should be no obvious warning when they will parry. Or just make the double slash dagger attack parries you if you get hit with it while attacking. I would have loved it.