Chapter 2 – Bloodthirsty
"Apparently my old master had a dark and fascinating journey along with an interesting friend." Reinhardt spoke softly as he placed the book back into the box. He shifted his attention to the crown that laid dormant beside everything else. This so called 'Relic of Choice' was considered dangerous if used in the wrong hands.
"So, are we keeping it or not?" Brigitte asked in which Reinhardt slowly nodded in response.
As the two talked about a plan of what to do with the box, a dark liquid was slowly seeping out from the stones behind the throne where Balderich's corpse slept. The seat was slowly pushed aside before falling down making a crashing thump of rusted metal and wood against the stone floor. They turned to see the throne and armor laying against the floor and the pitch-black liquid secreted from the wall, forming a large puddle on the ground.
A black arm quickly sprouted from inside the slop and grabbed the ground as a body of a human-like wolf emerged. Its fur was as black as darkness itself, bones protruded from its body into spikes, its eyes were red like blood, and it wore a what appeared to be some sort of mask with red lines highlighting some areas of its face. The beast was large in size as it completely pulled its body out from the muck. It let out a low growl before noticing both Reinhardt and Brigitte. The old crusader quickly recognized the animal from one of the pages of the journal.
"A... a beowolf." Reinhardt muttered in amazement and shock. He slowly reached for his hammer that laid against the wall closest to him and the creature snapped its jaws as noticed what he was doing.
"Brigitte, get the box out of here when the fight starts. I will hold this beast off for the meantime." He whispered to his squire.
"Be careful Reinhardt." said Brigitte.
The beast growled again as its blood red eyes stared at them. It lunged towards Reinhardt, knocking him down while standing on top of him. It snapped its teeth at the old knight, showing its sharp teeth that were tainted with blood. Reinhardt punched and shoved the creature off of him and then grabbed his hammer. The beowolf snarled and ran towards him. The old knight waited and then swung his rocket hammer in a slanted vertical angle, landing a direct blow to its head, smashing it into the ground. The creature jumped back and shook its head and howled loudly.
The Crusader prepared himself for another assault from the beowolf. The beast jumped onto a nearby pillar and launched itself towards him. Reinhardt quickly moved out of the way and made distance between himself and the animal. He then fired a fire-strike towards it, making another direct hit and making a small cloud of smoke. While the beast was distracted, Reinhardt charged into cloud but stopped when he didn't hit anything. He looked around for the beast to see it nowhere in sight.
A howl roared behind him from above and he turned around to see the creature on one of the balconies. It jumped towards him but before it could land, a flail hit its abdomen, sending it crashing against the wall.
"Nice shot, Brigitte!" Reinhardt complimented.
"Thank you." chimed Brigitte.
After acknowledging what his apprentice did, Reinhardt cautiously approached the beowolf's body. He noticed small pieces of its body were disappearing into nothingness. The old man had never seen something like this before. It was extraordinary but terrifying watching whatever was happening unfold.
"Hello?" a voice called out, catching both Reinhardt's and Brigitte's attention.
"Hello? Is anyone there?" the voice called out again.
"Who is calling us? Where are you?" Reinhardt responded.
"Oh good, someone is there. First off, I'm talking through the relic in the box." Answered the voice.
Reinhardt walked over to the box to see the crown relic dimly glowing and a small body of a man in what seem like a projection or apparition.
"Hello there, I am Professor Ozpin. I am guessing if you both found this box and the relic, then Balderich has surely passed away?" Ozpin asked.
"Yes, he has sadly. My name is Reinhardt Wilhelm. May I ask why you are in a crown?" Reinhardt asked.
"Crown? Ah yes, it's been a while since I have communicated like this. I am actually in another realm that exists somewhere else. I am in a world called 'Remnant.' A world I fear I won't be able to protect for long." answered Ozpin.
"What do you mean by that?"
"I sense danger is coming to the academy I am looking over and the world I secretly protect. This is selfish of me to ask, but may you lend me your help?"
The old man looked over to his squire then returned his gaze to the talking crown. He pondered his answer for a brief time. Brigitte placed her hand on his shoulder, "I'm following your lead with whichever you choose."
"I am willing to accept your offer Ozpin." Reinhardt finally answered.
"Alright then. If you have allies or friends that were coming to get you beforehand, I will leave them a message and a way to contact me if necessary. There should be a room behind the throne if I remember correctly. A portal will be waiting for you there. I will see you on the other side. Please bring the Relic with you." said Ozpin.
"As you wish professor." Reinhardt responded.
The crown's dim light slowly faded away. Reinhardt and Brigitte walked over to where the throne and his old master's armor laid. The old Crusader slowly propped the armor against a nearby wall sitting up and walked away into the room that the throne hid. Inside was very white door that glowed like it came from heaven itself. He opened the door and the two walked inside before the door closed behind them. They found themselves inside of a circular room. Above them were gears that resembled what was inside a clock and had an eerie aquamarine glow. A desk sat in front of them along with a man with short silver hair, wore a black suit, and a green scarf.
"Hello, you two. It is good to finally to meet you in person. I am Professor Ozpin."