Hello readers, and welcome to the next installation of RWBY: Remnants of Another World. Hope you enjoy!
Disclaimer, I do not own RWBY. All rights to the series go to Rooster Teeth, please support the official release.
March 7, 20XX, Day 193/365
It's been's over a week since that whole situation with Neo and Roman, and ever since then, she's been talking and texting to me more frequently than usual. But if I'm being honest, it's been wired lately, I now know about her past, the fact that she does have a voice, which is something that the show didn't do.
Well, she did gasp when fighting Ruby on one of the Atlas airships in Volume Three...but, you get the idea. As for what kind of weird, it's the good kind, the kind that will get me closer to get Neo to switch over the the good side.
As for other goods news, I'm on Romans good side...maybe. Okay, I'm not sure if I really am on his good side, but I'm at least on his hit list, so that's better than nothing I suppose. She's also been acting...strange around me, clinging and all, but she's still sassy and sarcastic as before.
I guess that's one thing we have in common, we both like sarcasm. It's like punching people in the face...but with words
Grimm Studies
Okay, now with that small update taken care of, let's talk a bit more on the creatures of Grimm that roam the face of Remnant.
First, we have is a distanct cousin to the Centinels, the Cenitaurs. Just like their cousins, they have long segmented bodies with each one having a pair of claws legs and is covered by a protective shell. But unlike the Centinels, they have powerful, mammalian-like jaws with additional mandibles. But what makes them dangerous is that they have a gigantic bulbous sac that houses a very strong acid, which is connected to a tube. The acid then travels up the tube and out of the Cenitaur's mouth. But despite their size, they are quite strong in combat as they possess blades on their forearms and can even keep up with even the most skilled of Huntsman and Huntresses
Next, we have is the Cerberex, a dinosaur-like Grimm that is native to the deserts of Menagerie. They resemble a three-headed Tyrannosaurus Rex with a pair of horns on each of their heads. They can run up to forty-five miles per hour, and have a bite force that is about twelve-thousand pounds per square inch which is strong enough to crush bone. But what makes them dangerous is that they're the perfect hunter. They can sense vibrations through the pads of it's feet and can smell blood from up to a mile away. It's only downside is that each of its heads have their own personality, so they spend a large time bickering to themselves.
And then finally, we have is the Drake, a distant cousin to its water-dwelling counterpart, the Leviathan. Like its underwater counterpart, it has a hard, rock-like shell that protects it from powerful missile strikes and bombs. And is known to fire sparks of white fire from its mouth. Because of it's enormous body, it requires multiple organs to function, such as four hearts and two brains, one in its head, and one where it's tail meets its torso. It can still function with two hearts, but it will be much slower than it was before.
Normally, a Grimm of this size is dealt with by the Atlesian military, considering it would be near impossible to take one down on your own. Still...imagine a fight between a Leviathan and a Drake...anyone got any popcorn?
History
And, that's it from Grimm Studies for now, let's look into more of Remnants history. But to be a bit more specific, the Battle for the village known as "Sonoyuma". The village was located on the outskirts of the Kingdom of Mistral, where most villages have already adapted to the new set of laws that Mistral had issued across the land of Anima after the Great War
But Sonoyumas residents weren't exactly keen on adapting their new lifestyles, so that way people in the big city could have it easy.
They had enough of Mistrals laws, so a handful of people packed as much as they could and headed Western Anima, where it was surrounded by a vast ocean, which is said to contain various resources and very few Grimm nests. Later on, others would follow pursuit and built their own towns like "Oniyuri"
These towns would also be far away enough from Mistral and its laws, but this would also mean that they would be far from any form of help. After a few months of traveling, they had finally arrived at Eastern Anima...but not everyone was able to make the long journey
After three years of living off of Mistrals coast, the people of Sonoyuma thought that they would be safe from the Grimm and various bandits tribes. Well...that is what they thought...if it wasn't for those bandits. The group of bandits thought it be a good idea to take the land of Sonoyuma and its resources for themselves. Everyone in that village would've died, if it wasn't for one of Sonoyuma's warriors from the constant barrage of attacks
The warrior was said to wield the Sacred Array, Summit Tempest, a staff that is capable of controlling any and all types of weather, even in unsuitable environments. However, its immense power is said the strain the users body greatly. So, the more and bigger the storm, the more of an impact it has on your body
Shortly after, the Kingdom of Mistral wanted to make a deal with them. The Kingdom would provide the village of Sonoyuma with the various resources to expand its settlement, a well as be completely free from any of Mistrals laws. But in return, Sonoyuma would also have to trade some of their resources from the various caves and lakes throughout the area for Mistral to use to expand. But eventually, the villagers agreed to the terms, seeing the benefits in expanding their village
City Of Vale, Shopping Centre (My POV)
Currently, I was walking around an outdoor shopping centre around the streets of Vale with Coco. Remember when I said that I was now Coco's "shopping buddy"...yeah...that's exactly what I'm doing right now, carrying a tall and massive pile of boxes around that rivals that of the CCT Tower!
Okay, I may be over-exaggerating, but its still pretty tall nonetheless
I sighed "Remind me again why I need so many clothes?" I asked, struggling to keep all the boxes from falling over
Coco turned towards me with an impish grin "Well, not all of them are yours, some of them are mine. Also, I'm tired of you wearing the same clothing every single day like a cartoon"
...Oh lady, you have no idea!
"It's been about..." Coco pondered "How long have we known each other?"
"About over six months" I said
"Six months!" Coco said "I think its time to expand your wardrobe"
"I think I'm fine with he clothes I have now" I said
"Hey, you'll never know when you're going to need something to wear for a hot date" Coco said, nudging my arm. I was caught off guard by the sudden contact. I began to wobble and stumble back and forth, trying to keep myself from being buried in a mountain of clothing and boxes. As I regain my footing, I turned towards Coco with a deadpanned expression, who was laughing nervously while scratching behind her neck "Heh heh, sorry"
"Can you next time warn me before you do that!?" I yelled
"I said I was sorry!" Coco defended, holding her hands up
I sighed before shaking my head "It's alright, just warn me next time"
"Yeah, well we're almost done. Just one more store" Coco said
"Yeah, but quick question" I said
Coco turned around "Yeah, what's up?"
"Not that I'm complaining, but why didn't you ask one of your teammates?" I asked
"I can ask them, I just chose not to" Coco said with a sly smirk
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"Of course..." I muttered
"Hey, I didn't ask you to carry it, you volunteered, and who am I to turn down such a generous offer?" Coco said "Besides, aside from my team, I like spending time with you"
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"Wait...that's it?" I asked
"Yep!" Coco said
"But...why didn't you just ask me to hang out at a park or something instead of taking me on these crazy shopping sprees?" I asked
Seriously, the only therapy she gets is retail therapy!
"Well, I thought I could get all of my shopping out of the way, as well as having a good time. Kill two birds with one stone" Coco said
"Alright, that makes sense" I said "But, what are you going to do after this? More retail therapy?"
"As fun as that sounds, no. I'm going to get a coffee when we're done. How about I get you something. What would you like?" Coco asked
I thought abut it for a moment, a sly grin on my face "How about...a hot cocoa"
Coco stopped in her tracks
Hey, if she can mess with me, I can mess with her. Besides, she can take a joke
"Maybe...with some whipped cream on-top!" I said
"..." Coco didn't say a word, all she did was just stand there and did nothing.
"But all, jokes aside, a hot cocoa does sound nice right now" I said, still earning no response from Coco "Uh...Coco?"
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Crap! I must've screwed up! I know that she's a lesbian, but still, I-
My train of thought was cut off by the sound of Coco laughing "Haha, you crack me up!" She laughed as she walked up to me and lightly tapped me on me butt
"Eep!" I yelled in a high pitch
Coco turned towards me, her eyes widened and her mouth agape "Was...that you?"
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"...No" I said sheepishly
"Oh my god! That was the most adorable thing I've ever heard!" Coco said before laughing "It's even more adorable when I cuaght Velvet singing Caffeine in our dorm!"
"You caught Velvet singing Caffeine?" I asked
Yeah, I even recorded it on my scroll" Coco said, smiling, while waving her scroll
"Isn't that a huge invasion of privacy?" I asked
Coco shrugged "Maybe. You still want the recording?"
"Hell yeah" I said. I suddenly felt my scroll vibrate from my pocket. Using my free hand, I took my scroll out of my pocket and looked at the message I got
It was a message from Mercury "Hey, I'm at the arena, let me know when you get here"
Crap! I complete forgot about the tournament today!
"Hey, uh, Coco, I need to go" I said
"Why?" Coco asked
"I'm part of this tournament that's taking place in Downtown Vale, and my match happens to be today" I explained, trying to hurrying things along
"You mean, you're participating in a tournament and didn't invite me!? I'm hurt!" Coco said dramatically, putting her right hand above her chest
"You didn't ask" I said "But...do you mind taking these...I can't miss this"
"Yeah, I can take it from h-" Coco tried to say
I cut her off, when I suddenly shoved the tower of boxes and clothes onto Cocos arms "Thanks! I'll see you later" I said as I quickly nudged her playfully
However, she wasn't prepared at the sudden contact. Coco began to stumble backwards as she suddenly tipped over her own feet and fell over...burying the poor girl in a mountain of her own boxes and clothing
"Oh...uh...hehe..." I said nervously
After a few seconds, Coco surfaced from the pile of boxes and clothing, a pair of underwear on her head. She looked at me with a deadpanned expression
"Uh...timber?" I said
I turned around and began to walk away...only to be stopped by Cocos voice "And where do you think you're going!?"
"Uh...to the...tournament?" I said
"Then who's going to help me pick all of this up!?" Coco asked
I was about to respond, that is until I was interrupted when my scroll went off once more. I pulled it out to see that the alarm I set was now going off "Oh, uh, sorry Coco! But I gotta go! I'll make it up to you!"
"Now wait just a-" Coco tried to say
I cut her off "GOODBYE COCO!" I shouted as I ran out of the shopping centre
City Of Vale, Downtown Vale, Warehouse (My POV)
As soon as I left Coco to pick up her mountain of clothing, I had made my way towards Downtown Vale, where the actual tournament would actually take place. But surprisingly...I was early, and Mercury wasn't. So to pass the time, I had pulled up the recording that Coco sent me before the avalanche of clothing and boxes
The recording started off with the camera of the scroll pointing towards the floor of the hallways, before suddenly pointing towards one of the doors which I presume is Team CFVY's dorm where muffled music was playing on the other side...and that there was a feminine voice singing to the lyrics
Then in one quick motion, the camera was now facing Coco who put a finger to her lips "Shhhhhh..." She shushed.
Coco turned the camera back towards her dorms door and opened it slowly...revealing Velvet, wearing her normal clothing and was using her brush as a mic
🎵 "Listen up, strap in, notify your next of kin, you're about to take a ride a little on the blazing side" 🎵
🎵"Guzzle down your Red Bull, you're gonna need a bucket full, you're watching me accelerate and tear apart the interstate" 🎵
🎵 "A certified monster I'm an absolute trip, like Otis Redding, hard to handle so you better get a grip, a super-fast, superfly, bonafide wise guy. Call the morgue and say goodbye, write your will; it's time to die"🎵
🎵"Caffeinnnnnnne! I'm caffeine! Caffeinnnnnnne! I'm caffeine!" 🎵
🎵 "I'm a bad dream! I'm a rad scene! I'm a tad mean" 🎵
🎵"But I'm nnnooooot afraid to take you ouuuuut!" 🎵 Velvet sang in the recording
"Pffffffff" Coco splurted out in the recording
Velvet immediately whipped her head around, her face a bushing mess with an embarrassed expression "C-COCO!?" Velvet yelled
The rest of the recording consisted of Coco slamming the door to her dorm-room closed and ran down the hallway with a shaky camera, all the while laughing at what she had just witnessed
I could help my laugh my ass off as well, it kind of reminds me the time when I caught Carson singing "Milkshake" in the mirror. I never let him down after seeing that...not even his ex-girlfriends when they were together
By the time the recording was finished, the door to the warehouse suddenly opened, revealing two men with black suits, a red tie with a matching pair of sunglasses. I was about to walk into the warehouse where the tournament was taking place, only to be stopped by them
"Name?" The guard on the right said
"Christian Pendragon" I said
The guard on the right looked at his clipboard, his eyes scanning the paper in-front of him before nodding "Alright, you're on the list. Head on in"
"Thanks" I said as I walked inside the warehouse
Currently, there were a lot of people in the warehouse. They were rather sitting at table that were set up, drinking at the bar or just arm-wrestling one another. Some of these people looked like actual fighters, while other looked like they're here just to spectate. I looked around the area, trying to find Mercury.
But I was suddenly stopped by the sound of a semi-familiar voice "E-Excuse me?"
I turned around to see my opponent behind me "Oh, hey. Alexa, was it? Sorry, I'm not that good at names"
"Y-Yeah" Alexa said "I-I just wanted to say g-good luck" She said as she extended her arm
"Well, good luck to you as well" I said as I shook her hand. Alexa began to walk always, but was noticeably shuffling along the way "Huh...that was..off. Now, where the hell is M-"
I was suddenly cut off by the sound of another familiar voice "Hey, Christian!"
I turned around to the source of the noise to see Mercury, his legs cross on-top the table. As walked over, I noticed that he had a cold drink in his hands "I don't think its a good idea to drink that before a fight"
"Relax, it's only one drink" Mercury said, waving it off
"Alright, but don't come crying to me if you get your ass kicked in the first round" I said
"Very funny" Mercury said "So, do you think you'll have a fighting chance against that girl...what's her name again?"
"It's Alexa" I said "And...I don't know, she doesn't exactly look like a fighter. But she made it through the preliminaries, so...who knows"
"Eh, I'm sure that you'll do just fine, you were able to go toe-to-toe with me, and you didn't even have your weapon" Mercury said
"Still, she must at least have some form of strength and skill just to make it through the preliminaries...and we don't even know what kind of weapon she has" I said
"What's making you so skeptical? It's not like you" Mercury said
"Well, have you ever heard the term 'don't just a book by its cover'?" I asked, my only response was for him to look at me with a confused expression "I'm taking that as no. Alright, do you know how a comic book could look bad because of its cover art?"
"Yeah" Mercury said
"Well, imagine that you pick up the said comic book out of curiosity, but as you read it, you realize that the comic is actually really good" I said
Mercury's eyes widened in realization "Oh, so you're saying that under that shy attitude of hers, there might be some sort of crazed, battle warrior ready to tear you apart"
"Well...that's one way of putting it..." I muttered "But, yeah, you get the idea"
"Well, if you really are that paranoid, then why don't you end it with one quick slash or jab from that Buster attack. It's quick and easy, just like how I was taught" Mercury said
My eyes widened, realizing what he just suggested 'Right...he doesn't know that I know that he's a trained assassin...' I shook my head, before respnding "Right...Oh! and I've been meaning to ask you, who taught you how to fight?"
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Mercury paused for a moment "My father" he said in a low tone
"Oh...well, I bet he's a great fight if he trained you" I said
"Yeah...he WAS" Mercury said, gritting his teeth
"Oh...sorry...I didn't mean to bring up any bad memories" I apologized
Mercury sighed deeply "Don't be sorry, he was a shitty old man anyway"
But before I could say anything else to him, I felt someone grab my shoulder. I turned around to see that one of the guards was standing right behind me. I looked a little to my left to see Alexa, who had a nervous look on her face
"You're up, kid" The guard said
"Oh, thanks" I said as I got up
"Good luck" Mercury said
"Thanks, you too" I said, as I followed the guard towards the arena.
After a few seconds of walking, he opened the doors, revealing a tunnel that I presume lead to the arena. As we walked throughout the tunnel, the guard spoke up "Alright, I'm going to explain the rules only once, so listen up" He said, catching both of our attention "One, you two aren't allowed to get any help from any and all outside sources. If we find out that a third party is involved, you will be immediately disqualified. Do you understand?"
We both nodded our heads
"Good. Now, rule number two, we are not responsible for any injuries you may have during and after the fight. And three, the fight lasts until your opponent is defeated. Even if their aura has reached zero and they're still going, then you keep going"
B-But...w-what if they d-die?" Alexa asked
The guard shrugged "Not our problem"
Wow...things just went from zero to a hundred really fucking quickly!
Suddenly there was a small alarm by the end of the tunnel "Well, it looks like your match is about to begin, good luck to the both of you" The guard said as he walked in the opposite direction
I looked over towards Alexa, who was visibly shaking, seat dripping from her forehead "Hey!" I said, catching her attention "I won't kill you, but I won't go easy on you. you can relax, alright?"
"I-I'm not w-worried about me...I'm m-more worried a-about y-you" Alexa said
"Uh...why?" I asked
"M-My S-Semblances causes me t-to lose c-control s-sometimes" Alexa said
"Wait, what do you mean by 'lose control'?" I asked
But before Alexa could respond, we heard Remington yelling on the other side of the tunnel with a microphone "Ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to Remington's Grand Fighting Tournament!" He announced, causing the audience to roar in applause "Now then. let's introduce our fighters for the first match of the day!" He said as he pointed towards me "On our right, we have is Christian Pendragon, the witty and loudmouthed gauntlet-user!"
"...I feel like I should be insulted...but not at the same time" I muttered
Remington pointed to my right...his left "And on the left side, we have os the shy yet deadly brawler, Alexa Alamos!"
"I-I think that's our c-cue" Alexa stumbled
I nodded as we made our way out of the tunnel and into the arena, which was a flat metal surface surrounded me metal walls.
I guess we can't use our environment to our advantage...
As we emerged from the tunnel, we could hear various cheers from the crowd consisting of "CHRISTIAN" and "ALEXA"
I smirked "What's that!? I can't hear you!" I yelled, as I placed my hand towards my ear. The crowd began to cheer my name even louder "Now that's what I like to hear!"
"You look like you're enjoying yourself" Alexa said
"Yeah, well, a bunch of people are cheering your name, who wouldn't enjoy this kind of attention?" I asked "Plus, it gets them riled up!"
"I'm not sure...I-I never liked t-this kind of a-attention" Alexa said
"Eh, I guess we have our own preferences" I said
We stood in the middle of the arena. And man that was wearing a white collared shirt, red hat and black pants began to walk towards us. I can only assume that he's the referee
"Are both fighters ready?" The referee shouted
I nod and look towards Alexa who nodded as well
"Then begin!" The referee shouted as he backed off
As soon as he signalled us to begin, the jewel in my gauntlet glowed then diminished as the blade popped out of my gauntlet and charged towards Alexa, who got into a boxing stance. I go in for a slash of my blade, she quickly quickly sidesteps and rolls out of the way. She then followed up with a charge with her fist reeled backwards; as soon as she was in-front of me, she quickly jumped over my head. But as I turned around, I was met with a sudden strike to my right check.
I stumbled backwards as Alexa goes in for another strike, this time, uppercutting me, sending me flying backwards
"Ow...man, this girl know how to punch" I muttered to myself as I rubbed my check. As I got up, the jewel in the gauntlet glowed once more before diminishing
Alexa didn't waste any time before rushing at me again, with her left fist reeled backwards. I quickly used one of my charges on the Barrier Enchantment, creating an orange barrier and blocking Alexa's punch. She suddenly stumbled backwards, surprised by the sudden appearance of the Barrier. Using that opportunity, I swung my blade at her abdomen, before duking down and sweeping her legs with my blade, knocking her to the ground
I then used my last charge on the Buster Enchantment and swung it in an underhand motion, knocking her towards the arena wall. She let out a loud gasp for air as she hit the wall with a loud thud before landing on the ground. As quickly gets up and dusts herself off as she goes in for another attack
I smirked as the jewel glowed once more, immediately using that charge on the Barrier Enchantment. As the Barrier appeared, she tried to use the force of her punches to break the barrier, but only formed small scratches. She suddenly charges in at top speed, before jumping in the air, intending on breaking the barrier with the force of her kick
I quickly deactivated the Barrier, as the jewel glowed, immediately using that charge on the Buster Enchantment. I then swung my blade at her abdomen, sending her flying at the wall once more, leaving a fairly large crater as her body made contact wth it
"Looks like Alexa is backed into a corner! Will she be able to come back from this!?" Remington shouted through the mic
Alexa stumbles back to her feet and looks at me with a slight glare. I got ready and motioned to to come at me. As she charged toward me, I could see that her right fist was glowing with a blood-red aura. The jewel in my gauntlet glowed once more and out of panic, I used that charge on the Barrier Enchantment, forming a orange Barrier in-front of me
But my eyes widened as Alexa managed to break the Barrier in just three punches. The Barrier shattered like glass, as Alexa rushes at me, her right leg glowing the same blood-red colour as before and slams her foot at my jaw, sending me flying towards the wall. I let out a loud gasp for air as I was slammed on the wall with a loud thud before falling to the ground. I slowly stood up, legs shaking while also struggling to say conscious
As I looked up, I saw Alexa charging once more, her fist and reds glowing a blood-red colour. The jewel in my gauntlet glowed once more, I was about to use it on Barrier, but her strike could easily shatter it. And if I use my Buster Enchantment, she could doge it easily. And if I can't use Blast if she's constantly moving! With no other option, I used my charge on the Boost Enchantment, to power up her Semblance.
I quickly managed to roll out of the way before Alexa threw her fist towards the arena's wall, only to be blown back by the sudden wind pressure caused by the punch. The whole arena began to shake, causing the entire crowd to yelp in surprise, not expecting the power of her punch
'Please work, please work, please work, please work!' I mentally screamed to myself. As the dust settled, I could see Alexa struggling to remove her arm from the arenas wall, just like the Beowolf back in the Emerald Forest! Using that opportunity, I charged at her, the jewel in my gauntlet glowing as I used that charge on the Buster Enchantment as I ran. Alexa pulled with all of her might, freeing her arm from the wall. But before she could counter, I swung my blade at her torso, shattering her aura and sending her flying towards the ceiling
"What a blow! Christian had just shattered Alexa's aura! This could be it folks!" Remington shouted through the mic
as the dust settled, Alexa could be seen standing up, slightly scratched and her legs shaking from the attack
"Look, I shattered your aura, if we go anymore you might get yourself killed. I don't want that" I said, as my gauntlet's jewel glowed once more
Alexa then closed her eyes and began to breathe heavily "You..." She said as he eyes hot open, her eyes glowing the same red colour "YOU BASTARD!" She yelled, as Alexa was now surrounded by a violent crimson aura and was starting to create gusts of wind around her. As her aura calmed down, I could see that Alexa's skin was now darker with edges of her hair glowing red.
'Wait! I shattered her aura! How in the hell is she able to use her Semblan-!?' I mentally screamed to myself. But only to cut myself off at the sight of Alexa's arm bracers, their gold colour was replaced by the same colour as her aura "Wait...could that be-!?'
I was suddenly cut off when Alexa screams up towards the sky, creating more gusts of wind. She looks at me with a look of pure anger on her face
"Uh...is it too late now to say sorry...?" I asked sheepishly
Alexa began to run at speeds that could easily put Ruby to shame. I quickly used my charge on the Barrier Enchantment to shield myself from the attack...only for Alexa to immediately shatter it into tiny pieces. Before I could move, Alexa grabs onto my legs, lifts and slams me onto the ground. She then raises one of her legs, intending on crushing my head on the concrete floor. I quickly grabbed her free leg and pulled, causing her to fall over
Using that opportunity, I rolled out of the way. Alexa quickly recovered and slammed her fist onto the ground, creating a massive shockwave that pushed me backwards, creating a massive gap between her and I
"Okay...that is defiantly not a Semblance" I muttered, as I looked at her golden arm-bracers
It has to be a Sacred Array! I mean, how else can she use her "Semblance" when her aura is drained?
Alexa looks in my directions and charges once more, all the while screaming across the arena. The jewel in my gauntlet glowed once more, quickly using that charge on the Buster Enchantment. Alexa quickly goes in for a right hook, but I managed to duck underneath it and slashed my blade at her arm, leaving a visible cut. But to my surprise, the red aura suddenly surrounded the cut, immediately healing her
"What the f-!?" I tried to scream
I was suddenly cut off when the enraged Alexa grabs me by the neck, slams me towards the ground, then throwing me towards the ceiling. Thankfully, my gauntlet's jewel glowed at just the right moment, I used that charge on the Barrier Enchantment to soften the impact. As I was falling back down, Alexa was getting ready to attack once more. But before I could mange to hit the ground, Alexa slammed her fist into my stomach, making me gasp, shattering my aura and sending me flying towards the arena wall
As I slowly got up, I suddenly coughed up a little bit of blood "I-If this keeps going...I think I'm gonna die" I muttered. I then began to think about how I'm going to win against someone who seems to get back up, no matter what I throw at her!
She's like a mindless b-!
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Wait...her strength has increased...but she hasn't said a word, all she's been doing is just yell at the top of her lungs. Meaning, all of that power costs her mentality!
I then began to remember what Mercury had said 'Well, if you really are that paranoid, then why don't you end it with one quick slash or jab from that Buster attack. It's quick and easy, just like how I was taught'
"...Just one hit...that is all" I muttered to myself, as my gauntlets jewel glowed once more. However this time, I retracted my blade and transferred the charge to my fist
Yeah...this is gonna hurt...a lot
Alexa charges once more, her fist reeled back. I quickly used my gauntlet to shield the oncoming attack. I suddenly pushed my arm upwards, sending the enraged Alexa stumbling backwards. Using that opportunity, I slammed my right fist at Alexa's face, slamming her head onto the arena floor, creating a large crater while also creating plumes of dust.
I breathed heavily as I clenched my arm in pain. But like before, my arm hurts like hell. Thankfully nothing was broken, but I wouldn't push my luck just yet. But as the dust started to settle, I could see my fist was still on Alexa's cheek, a noticeable bruise forming
As I slowly got back up, I saw that Alexa wasn't moving. At first I was worried, that is until I saw her torso moving up and down. She was alive, but unconscious
"And the winner is Christian Pendragon!" Remington shouted through the mic, causing the crowd to roar in applause "What a way to start the tournament!"
I suddenly collapsed to the ground, exhausted after the fight. All I could do at the moment was stare at the ceiling, that is until the medics arrived. They lifted Alexa on a portable, wheeled, bed.
"W-Why...am I feeling light...headed" I muttered to myself as my vision grew darker, eventually faded to black
(Timeskip) Warehouse, Doctor's Room (My POV)
I don't know how much time has passed since I passed out after my fight with Alexa...but I do know this. One, I was in another unfamiliar room, and two, my stomach feels like it was about to spit open
"Ow, ow, ow, ow!" I slightly shouted as I clenched my stomach in pain with both of my hands
"Ah, glad to see that you're awake kid" I heard someone say
I turned to the right of me to see Remington sitting on a nearby chair
"Uh...what happened?" I asked
"You took one helluva beating in your fight kid" Remington bluntly said
"Wait, where's Mercury?" I asked, expecting him to be here
Remington pointed towards the door "He and Jack are getting ready for their match. But, before you go, there's someone here to see you" Remington said as he turned towards the door "Hey! You can come in now!" He yelled at the door
The door began to slowly open, revealing Alexa from the other side
"She has something to say to you" Remington said as he got up "I don't like to pry on someones business unless its necessary. I'll give you five minutes" He said as he walked out the door, leaving me and Alexa in the room
As Remington left, Alexa slowly shuffled her way towards me. She stood in silence for a while
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"Is...something wr-?" I tried to say
Alexa cut me off "I'm sorry!" She shouted as she bowed her head
"What?" I asked
"I'm sorry! I always lose control whenever I use my Semblance! And because of that, you're seriously injured!" Alexa said
"Hey, I'm fine" I said "A little bruised, but nothing too serious"
"But-!?" Alexa tried to say
I cut her off "Alexa! It's alright!"
"Y-You're not mad?" Alexa asked
"Why would I be mad at something that you had no control over" I said
...Speaking of
"O-Okay...I g-guess I should b-be g-" Alexa tried to say
I cut her off "Wait!" I said, catching her attention "Before you go, I gotta ask...how did you fo that?"
"I-It's my S-Semblance" Alexa said
"Alexa...I know that wasn't your Semblance" I said "I shattered your aura before you went all ape-shit on me"
Alexas face pale as she suddenly looked away from me. I leaned over and placed a hand on her shoulder "You don't have to tell me, I'm just curious that's all"
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Alexa took in a deep breath before looking back towards me "A-Alright...you s-seem like a g-good guy...but p-please don't t-tell anyone!"
"I won't" I said
"I-It's...b-because...of m-my...a-arm guards!" Alexa stumbled
"Your...arm guards?" I asked
Alexa nodded "Y-Yes...as far a-as I k-know...I've always h-had them for a-all my l-life..." Alexa tumbled "B-But every-time I u-use t-them...I l-lose c-control"
"I see..." I muttered
So, it really is a Sacred Array! Not one of the thirteen, but still!
"So...what do you call them?" I asked
Alexa whipped her head up "W-What?"
"Your arm guards" I clarified "Do you have a name for them?"
"G-Goldbanes" Alexa said
"That's a good name" I complimented, as I pulled out my scroll and saw the time. It was almost time for Mercury's fight! "Now, if you excuse me, I gotta go and watch my friends match" I said as I got up and walked out the door "I hope to see you soon"
Warehouse, Common Area (My POV)
After my small talk with Alexa, I walked into the common area, across the bar. Even from here, I could hear the crowd cheering for Mercury or Jack. I eventually made my way towards the sitting area of the arena, and waited for Mercury and his opponent to show up. As a few minutes of sitting, I eventually saw Mercury and Jack walk out the tunnel, causing the crowd to cheer their names in unison
"Hey, Merc!" I shouted
Mercury looks over in my direction and begins to chuckle "Man, Christian, didn't know a girl that shy would be able to corner you like that!"
"Yeah, I'd like to see you in the ring with her! She's like an Ursa Major on steroids!" I yelled back
Mercury chuckled as he made its way back towards the centre of the arena "Whatever, I'll see you in the finals!"
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You know what, how about some payback
"Grey hair is dumb!" I shouted
Mercury whipped his head back towards me "What was that!?"
"Oooh! Mercury's very identity is being questioned!" Remington shouted through the mic, causing the crowd to murmur
"You dick..." Mercury said
"I do my best" I said
Mercury shook his head playfully as he stared towards Jack with a semi-suspicious glare. As both fighters made their way towards the centre, the referee came out "Are both fighters ready?" He asked, causing both Mercury and Jack to nod "Then, being!" He said, back out of the way for both fighters
Mercury was the first one to make a move, he charged towards jack who had unsheathed a small knife from his wrist. Mercury brought one of his legs up and struck him in the abdomen a couple times before suddenly striking Jack to his chin, sending him knocking backwards. Jack quickly recovers from the strike and charged towards Mercury at speeds that almost made him a blur
However, Jack switched his blade downwards and managed to slash at Mercury's arm...but what stood out the most was that there was some sort of purple liquid on it
"What the hell!?" Mercury asked in shock
But before Mercury could comprehend on what happened, Jack round-housed kicked him in the abdomen, and from the looks of it, it hurt a lot more than he was expecting. Mercury stumbled backwards before using firing a round of Steam-Dust from his boots, launching himself towards Jack. Mercury quickly dug both of his feet onto Jack's abdomen, sending him flying across the arena. Jack quickly reached behind his back and pulled out a small pistol and fired a series of purple bullets. Mercury was able to doge the first two, but the other bullets struck him in his right arm.
Mercury was about to go in for another attack, only for him to stop and was clutching his chest with his right hand "What the hell did you do to me!?"
Jack then began to chuckle darkly "So you finally noticed. My Semblance allows me to create and applying poison to any weapon I touch" he said as a purple liquid fell from his knife, burning the floor as it made contact "I know who you are...Mercury Black, son of Marcus Black! The greatest assassin in all of Remnant!" He shouted, causing the crowd to mutter
"So what if I am?" Mercury asked
"I also know that you killed him" Jack said, causing Mercury to glare "So, if I kill you, then I can claim my title as the greatest assassin in all of Remnant" He shouted as he charged towards Mercury once more
Merucry quickly launched himself in the air with Steam-Dust to move out of the way of Jack's attacks, but Jack managed to pull out another knife and slashed at Mercury's face, leaving a visible cut. Mercury then fired more Steam-Dust from his boots, launching himself back into the air before coming back down, slamming his legs onto Jack. Jack managed to block the attack, but before he could counter, Mercury quickly ducked out of the way and uppercutted him with his right foot
Jack quickly recovered and charged at him, this time, pulling both of his knifes out of his sheaths. He began to slash at Mercury multiple time. However, Mercury was able to dodge all of them with ease before suddenly kicking Jack in the stomach, making him stumble back several feet. But, before Mercury could go in for another strike, he felt the poison kick in, restricting most of his movements. Using that opportunity, Jack fired another barrage of poisonous bullets at Mercury, who managed to counter them with a few blasts of his Steam-Dust. Mercury began to fire blasts of Steam-Dusts around the stadium, only for Jack to doge them with ease and drove his knife into Mercury's arm
Mercury then head-butted Jack, forcing him to stumble backwards. Using that opportunity, he suddenly uppercutted Jack before launching himself into the air, and drove his foot into Jacks abdomen as he came down. The steam-rockets that surrounded the arena then cam speeding towards Jack, which shattered his aura upon impact
Mercury began to breathe heavily, trying to remain conscious and not collapse from Jacks poison
"I won't lose!" Jack yelled as he got up and charged towards Mercury "I'll kill you! I'll kill you and claim what is rightfully mine! MY title as the greatest assassin in all of Remn-!" Jack didn't have any time to finish as Mercury's bot made contact with his chin
As it made contact, mercury fired one of his bullets stored in his boot, blowing right through Jacks head, killing him instantly. Chunks of his brain shot out and blood splattered on the floor as Jacks corpse fell to the ground with a "squishy" thud
"Oh...I think I'm gonna be sick..." I muttered, trying not to barf
'And the winner is Mercury Black!" Remington shouted through the mic
The crowd roared in applause...but i wasn't. I just sat there, trying to grasp on what just happened. I mean sure, I knew about his past...but still!
Mercury sudden collapsed to the ground, exhausted and drained from Jack's poison. Soon after, medics entered the arean and began to treat Mercury, treating or removing the poison from his body. While another pair of men came to collects Jacks body from the arena, creating a blood trail as they dragged the body out.
I then got up, and walked towards the medical area
(Timeskip) Warehouse, Medical Area (My POV)
Shortly after Mercury's fight, I had made my way towards the tournaments medical area, were they treat their injured fighters. But as I got there, I was told that Mercury was unconscious. So I had spent the last few hours, playing "Bubble Bash" on my scroll, but I made sure to check in once every hour to see if he's awake
I walked up towards the front counter, where I saw what I presume was a nurse of some sort "Excuse me?" I asked
The nurse looked up "Yes?"
"Is Mercury awake yet?" I asked
"Yes. But I'm sorry, but he doesn't want to see any visitors right now" The nurse said
"I didn't ask if I could see him" I said as I walked towards the room.
"W-Wait! Sir!" The nurse said, trying to stop me from entering
But I quickly made my way towards the room where Mercury was in. I opened the door and locked it behind me as the nurse began to jiggle the knob. I turned towards Mercury who was currently eating...a steak from the bar
"Hey" I greeted
Mercury turned towards me "I thought I said I didn't want any visitors"
"You and I both know that hasn't stopped me before" I said, as I walked towards his bed, where I just stood there for a few seconds "...Are you really his son?"
What the fuck kind of question is that!? Of course you know!
"Yeah" Mercury said gruffly "You can leave now"
"Why would I leave" I asked
"Didn't;t you hear!? I'm the son of the greatest assassin in all of Remnant! Why wouldn't you leave?" Mercury asked
"Yeah, so, what's your point" I asked
"What do you 'what's your point'!?" Mercury yelled "I tell you that I'm related to one of the most dangerous man in all of Remnant, and that's all you have to say!?"
I held my hand up "Jeez! Don't get your pants in a knot! Why are you so angry?"
"I'm not angry! I'm confused!" Mercury yelled
I sighed before shaking my head "So...what was your dad like?"
"W-What?" He asked sternly
I sighed "Your old man, the man that gave life to you, the guy that busted your moms cherry, you prick! I've met some pricks in my life...but you sir, are a fucking cactus right now"
Mercury took in a deep breath, pinched his temples and sighed heavily "Alright...he was a shitty old man. he was always beating on my mother, and when he wasn't beating her, he was beating me. He called it a "training lesson', but every lesson I had, was a beating! he taught he how to kill and how to turn off my emotions. And when I finally got my Semblance...he took it with his!"
My eyes widened "Wait...he stole your Semblance!?"
Mercury nodded "He always said that a Semblance was a crutch, this is what made me weak! He said I could have it back once I got strong...and I did, but I never got it back! He is a monster, and he wanted to turn me into one. He was more than an asshole, he's a murderer, selfish and a god-damn alcoholic!" He shouted, but suddenly calmed down "But...now that you know everything...what do you have to say?"
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"Alright" I said
"Wait, What?!" Mercury shouted.
"Jeez, what's up with you?" I asked.
"I just told you I was an assassin!" Mercury said.
"No, you WERE and assassin." I clarified
"What?! But I just-!" Mercury tried to say
I cut him off by putting a hand on his mouth "Look, I don't care about what you did back then. The only thing that matters is the here and now."
"I've still killed people, even to this day." Mercury said
"Okay, Jack was out of self-defense. Besides, that asshole had it coming" I said
"No! That's not what I meant. The person I work for, one of the requirements to keep working for her is to be prepared to kill." Mercury said
"Well, I guess you need to do what you have to do to get by" I said "But, let me ask you this. Out of all the people you killed, did they deserve it?"
Mercury sat there for a few seconds before nodding "Yeah"
"Then, there's no problem" I said "But out of all the things you mentioned about your dad, you're only one of those things"
"And...what's that?" Mercury asked sternly
"A massive asshole" I said
He slightly chuckle at my statement "Gee thanks" He said sarcastically
"Anytime" I said "Besides, someone has to keep your dumb-grey hair in check"
Mercury sighed "Why did you do that by the way?"
I shrugged "Because I felt like it"
Mercury chuckled "Maybe you're right"
"When have I EVER been wrong?" I asked.
"When you told me that Alexa wasn't a battle-crazed warrior." Mercury said with a smug grin.
"That doesn't count." I said.
"Hey." Mercury said.
"Yeah?" I asked.
Mercury extend his hand outwards towards me "Thanks."
Mercury's eye's widdened in surprise as I grabbed his hand and pulled him into a hug "Yeah. Just don't pull the "I carry the burden of my families past" bullshit on me again."
And that's about it
Leave a comment or a review
And, I'll see you in the next instalment
