Chapter Four
Ashe sighs in a blissful peace.
Eyes closed, the wind rustles her clothing and hair. The sky is so blue today, not many clouds. A smile graces onto her with an arch of her back. So peaceful and tranquil. She could get used to this type of feeling. It is like her body is weightless, floating through space and time, her worries washing away. Squinting her eyes open, the rays of the sun greet her. A fluttering object slowly glides down from above. With the crease of her brow, Ashe stares at the object. With a tilt of her head, she hums out quietly in question. "Is that a feather?"
"Birdie, no!"
Ah, right.
She was catapulted through the sky.
How could she forget that their sadistic headmaster launched his new applicants into a Grimm infested forest? Not only that, but at a speed that would cause their bodies to leave behind only a puddle of squishy guts.
No landing strategy either.
A painful squawk echoes into the clear blue sky with a desperate cry of pain. With her left hand firmly holding down onto her top hat, Ashe twists to gaze upward. Apparently, the red-cloaked girl demolished through a small bird in a shower of feathers.
It doesn't take long before a sea of green quickly approaches her descent. Ashe saw no one close in her fall, so she should be safe and alone. The trees scrape at her, but aura shields her small body from harm. Flicking her dagger, it wraps around a branch before swinging herself around to safety.
She really stuck that landing. It's a shame no one was around to see it.
With a hand holding her hat, Ashe simply steps off the branch and lets gravity take its course. She easily landed and looked about the clearing. With a hum, she replays what Ozpin said. Find the abandoned temple, collect a relic and look good doing it.
Simple enough.
Ashe did see what appeared to be ruins to the north during her flight. That's all she has to go on, so may as well go with it. Should be easy enough.
Hopefully.
Making a beeline for the foliage, Ashe starts her journey. She's grateful that the exam is in her territory. She lives and breathes the forest and jungles. If she was to get lost or make a fool of herself, she'd off herself out of shame.
Reaching the bushes, Ashe reaches out to part a path. Instincts blare in a siren, she bends over backwards in a rush. A thick and muscular claw rips through the air above her. The black fur tickling at her nose.
Her facial features were blank and annoyed, "…Hello…"
Ashe retreats into the clearing in haste. Her assailant didn't waste a moment. It chased her in a thunderous roar. A monster of pure black fur that resembled a werewolf. Crimson eyes of hate with spotted armor bones covering its face and body in spikes or plates.
Skidding to a stop, she clutches her mithril daggers, "Beowolf." The Grimm was already upon her. It easily towered over her in a shadow. The beast lurched forward with a threatening swipe. She has seen it multiple times, every day. The day a Beowolf starts off a fight without an obvious swipe, she will eat her hat.
She loves her hat.
Her body reacts on instinct. Spinning on her toes and planting her left foot forward, her left backstabs into the beast's bicep. The right piercing through its neck and running it through. It whimpered out in pain and a dying breath. The body slackens before slowly disappearing into dark particles.
Ashe casually tosses her dagger in a circle.
"That was the scout…Beowolves always travel in packs…" True to her word, the foliage cracks and rustles before a wave of Beowolves wreck through in howls and yips. Is this all the exam will consist of? He made her hunt Grimm daily, from morning till night. Killing them is like breathing. Beowolves are among the bottom of the totem. There's no alpha in the pack either.
Cannon fodder.
Ashe charges forward and low to the ground. The best course of action is to use their low intellect and numbers against themselves. If you don't have the power to destroy multiple Grimm in one hit, then use speed. Get into their ranks, let their size be used against them. Grimm have no love for one another. They will maim each other for a shot at her.
Sliding under the first beast, her daggers stab into its legs. Her momentum carries her through and gorges her blades out mercilessly. The beowolf howls in agony as it collapses onto its knees. It won't be using those legs for a long time, if not ever. Now, it's just food for the other Grimm to ravish for strength.
Ashe darts toward the right for her second victim. She's forced to weave through the pack. Beowolves are linear and predictable. Either they will claw with their front paws, or bite. That's it. They do not use their legs for anything else but running and jumping.
Her face remains neutral and calm in her approach of the second victim. Dodging under the first claw, Ashe stabs into the paw of the second. The blade punctures through in a sickening crunch. Raising her foot, she slams her heel upon its knee before leaping up. Her blade ruptures through in the forward momentum. The monster wails in agony when she flips over it. With a flick of her wrist, the dagger sings through the air and stabs into the back of its head.
Pulling back the dagger in her retreat, a clawed hand explodes through the dying Grimm. The claws made a grab for the small teen, but they were too slow. The pack tramples over their dying brother relentlessly. They were at least nice enough to group themselves up for her.
Spinning on her heel, Ashe retreats to the tree line. Holstering one blade, her gloved hand drags along the ground before sweeping up a large rock. Choosing the thickest tree available, Ashe easily leaps and runs up the tree in a single bound.
The tree violently quakes when the Beowolves batter against its trunk, but it holds strong. They bark and claw to climb. Even using other Beowolves as springboards. With the rock in hand, Ashe looks down in a calculating gaze. With a flick of her wrist, the rock flings through the air into the neighboring tree. A loud and dull thunk echoing through the clearing. Rustling and jostling branches in its descent.
As expected, the group perks toward the sound and ravage toward the source. Slamming and growling at the empty tree. Only one stayed behind at her tree, what a pity. With a reverse grip of her blade, Ashe walks off the branch and descends like a wraith. There was no resistance when her dagger slid into the beast's skull. With a twist, Ashe rips it out, but her other hand was already occupied before she even stabbed into it.
The other hand flicked her dagger into the dwindled group of Beowolves. It landed on the waning tree's trunk. Grappling herself toward the group, Ashe slams both heels into the neck of an unsuspecting Beowolf. Crushing its throat and neck bones. Shifting ever so slightly, she uses the dying Grimm as a springboard. Launching herself up into the air in a push.
The deranged beasts growl and snap up toward her for a taste. She could feel their hate resonate within her. Launching her dagger through the air, it sinks into the earth before pulling her away to safety in the clearing once more.
Ashe was always taught to keep her emotions in check in battle. They only cloud your judgement. Force you to make mistakes in the most critical of moments. It was drilled into her at a young age, she knows this. Lives by this, but also that certain emotions can even help or assist you. Empower you. One such emotion is anger. Fury. To let your rage smolder and erupt in power. The amount of times she has lost control in a fit of rage, can be counted on one hand. Maybe with a finger or two to spare.
But she may have to reminisce that thought. Because when she looked back toward the stampeding pack, Ashe saw it. A familiar and beloved top hat laying upon the forest floor. Except this time, there was no simmer or boiling point. Ashe's fury erupted from nothing.
Launching forward, her toes dug craters into the earth from the propulsion. Her once honey eyes dilate into slits with a flicker of crimson. "Get back, whelps."
The advancing Grimm suddenly faulter in their charge. An invisible force slamming into their beings. Something that felt…familiar…yet different at the same time. Instincts guide them, turning them into nothing more than mindless beasts. They are predators. They hunt the humans for reasons unknown, but it is what they are programmed for, so they shall feast. Even if that force of wind filled their empty husks with dread, they greet it in challenge. Howling as one into the blue sky.
It was no battle, only a one-sided slaughter. Her blades sung through the air in flashes of light. Ashe used her small size to her advantage expertly. Hugging close to their fur and bone covered bodies, she never aimed at their chests. They were sturdy and would cause the least amount of damage. Her blades were not big enough to slay a Beowolf from a body blow.
Ashe used precision for killing blows. The necks of Beowolves were their vulnerable hit points. But they were not always so easily reached. So, she lashed out in places to make them vulnerable. A piercing cry bellows out into the forest. A Beowolf stumbles back, clutching at the stump of a missing limb. Only for a soft chime of a bell to ring out. A soft hand wraps around its neck, slinging a small and lithe figure across it's back.
Ashe straddles from behind, pulling back on its jaw to expose the neck. Her blade sinks into the esophagus and ruptures out in one fluid motion. It was not the only one to fall in such a brutal and efficient manner. The pack was easily annihilated into the last remaining member. The now armless Grimm whimpers in a dying pain. A boot slams into its jaw, twisting the head to the side upon the ground. In one fluid motion, a blade sinks into its eye socket with a crunch and twist.
Her breathing was hot and heavy. Forcing her chest to cave in and out in rage. With the last of the Grimm dispatched, Ashe grits her teeth and holds her breath for a moment. Reigning in her restless emotions with a force of will. A slow breath escapes, 'Control…Control…Don't let her wake up.'
With her top hat safely in hand, Ashe gives it a good pat down before hiding away her mouse ears. Thankfully, it was left unmarred in the skirmish. She would hate to think what would happen if it was scratched up more than it already is. At least the color hides the few scuffs it has from its withered years.
Ashe didn't even get to rest her hands near her hips before a thunderous crash bellows through the clearing. Quickly turning to the sound, a massive Ursa tore through the shrubbery with a roar. The ground quaked in its heavy stampede. Though she notices something in her favor.
Where she's standing, and the direction the beast is charging from…It's heading north.
That's convenient.
Sprinting toward the beast, Ashe twists her body around a massive paw. Grabbing onto a tuft of black fur, she hoists herself up in a swing. Landing upon the back of its neck, she grabs onto it's ears and roughly pulls back. A small smile tugs onto the corner of her lips. This was always fun back at home. A minute scowl at the thought of 'home'.
The beast growls, but Ashe keeps a rough hold of its sensitive ears. Tugging and pulling to somewhat steer the rampaging monster through the trees. It was as fun as it looked. Deadly yes, but the best things in life usually are. At times she was forced to hang around it's neck to the side. Avoiding a slam against a trunk or boulder. When she saddles back onto its neck, a sudden orange object with aqua drops down from the low trees.
"That looks fun! Can I try?!"
Ashe startles at the ambush. Momentarily slackening her grasp, the beast whips its neck to the side and throws her off. Her back smacks into a tree. Thankfully it wasn't that harsh of a throw and only stung. A hand reaches out toward her with a green sleeve and pink eyes. Ren is giving her a kind smile, "Sorry about her, may I lend you a hand?"
Staring at the appendage for a moment, she timidly reaches out to grasp it, "Mm." Ren helps her up calmly before Nora plops next to them from the trees above.
The energy reactor known as Nora grabs onto Ashe's shoulders, "That was awesome~ You gotta tell me how you did that!"
Said girl blinks calmly with a tilt of the head. Ashe points up to her human ears, "Ears to steer."
A large and toothy grin forms on Nora's face, "Got it~" With a maniacal laughter, Nora bull rushes the Grimm with anticipated glee. Whereas Ashe used dexterity to twist onto its neck…Nora…well… "Settle down buster! Mommy's gonna give you the ride of your life!" A slender fist smashes into the beast's nose with a crunch. Sending the Grimm into a daze for Nora to casually straddle around its neck.
Ashe barely bats an eye at the scene. Ren on the other hand was flabbergast, "N-Nora?! What are you doing? Get down from there!" His words fall on deaf ears.
"Yee-haw! Ride like the wind~" With a jerk of it's ears, Nora forces the beast to crash through the foliage with a cackle of madness. Her voice was fading off into the distance, "This is so fuuuuuun~"
Ashe turns to find Ren palming his face, "Is she…always like that?"
Sighing to himself, Ren feels an oncoming headache, "I'd be lying if I said no."
With a blink, Ashe stares at the demolished trail to the north. "Nora seems fun."
"Yea, I suppose you could say that."
"I assume you two are already paired?" Questioned Ashe, remembering that they were still taking an exam. A Grimm infested exam.
Ren nods and begins to pace toward the trail. "Yes, and I see that you are alone. Solo?"
"Mm."
Tilting his head back, he beckons her forward, "You're free to tag along. Nora has taken quite a liking to you, and a friend of hers is a friend of mine." With a twitch of her nose, Ashe follows Ren into Nora's destructive wake. There were no cons in such a decision. They are already grouped, there's no competition against one another, and only increased their chances of survival. Not like she needed the help in that department though.
Ren is quite pleased to find her easily keeping pace. "I feel I should warn you. That for some reason, Nora has taken a deep liking to you. She can be…over baring for others, but she means well."
"Ah…" Ashe tilts her head while leaping through the forest floor. Her bell quietly chimes out a melody. She's not quite sure how to take that. "Am I in danger?"
Ren's lips thin with a thoughtful brow, "I'm…not quite sure to be honest." Well, that didn't ease her tension at all. For now, Ashe will just have to figure it out at some other point in time. She sneaks a peek toward her temporary companion. She finds him tolerable. He's quiet, mannered, and to the point. All of which she approves of. The less social interaction, the better for her.
It doesn't take long for Ren to call out to her. Nora and her new minion were further ahead in a clearing. Seems like her minion was quite tuckered out and sprawled upon the ground. When it began to fade into particles, Ashe knew it was dead. Ren quickly splits off and rushes toward Nora to check on her well-being.
Leaving Ashe to her own desires to survey her new surroundings. Peering around, she finds herself in some forgotten ruins. Broken stone pillars and walls protruding from the ground with overgrowth hiding their secrets. It was an interesting sight, but something she's used too. Honestly, there are many hidden and abandoned ruins in the world. All you have to do is wander around a bit, and you'll stumble upon many forgotten relics of the past. They may be empty or destroyed beyond repair, but still.
One…rather two things she notices, is that they were not alone in the ruins. A familiar golden mane sways in the breeze. That golden hair shined like a warm summer's day. Though her eyes were uneasy and shifting between Nora and the fading Ursa. Has she never seen someone mount on a Grimm? It was common where she was raised…Then again, she did not have a normal childhood. At all.
That girl had curves in all the right places. Mini-black biker shorts with a tanned leather belt and straps of leather hanging against her hips and back side. Hm, that's kind of strange now that she thinks about it. Although the asymmetrical white and lavender cloth makes up for it. It hung off her waist toward the calf. A tanned short-sleeved jacket with gold buttons that expose her midriff. Doesn't she get hot and stuffy with that bright orange scarf around her neck?
Ashe hates being hot or cold. She's sensitive to climate changes, but she can survive in them all the same. It's just a comfort thing. Tilting her head in curiosity, she approaches toward the one she remembers being Yang. More importantly, she approaches for the figure that was beside her. Her bell jingles silently, but a pair of amber turn in her direction all the same.
Ashe's nose twitches at the sight of a loose, black scarf around her neck. The figure was also wearing a black single button vest with coattails. A white, sleeveless crop top that reaches up to her neck and hides under the scarf. White shorts with full stockings under the garments. Approaching Blake, she is met with a soft nod. "Hello, Ashe. I see you made it."
"Mm." With a polite nod, she approaches the two girls in a slow and steady pace. Both were watching her slow jaunt. Ashe notices the ruins are shaped in a semi-circle. There were also pedestals housing large chess pieces. Either a rook, knight, or bishop. Four of each, with two being the same colors of gold or white. It would appear some pieces were already missing. "Are these the relics?"
With a glance over toward the pieces, Blake shrugs her lithe shoulders. "We believe so, this is the only place that matches the ancient ruins that he spoke of. Yang already chose one for us, she is my partner." Blake jerks a thumb toward Yang.
She waves back with a preppy cheer, "Hey~ Name's Yang, what's yours?"
Ah, she already knew her name from yesterday, but she won't mention it. It isn't like Yang was at fault anyways, and she seems nice. If only perky. With a nod toward Yang, she straightens out a few creases in her clothing. "Ashe Souris."
Yang gives her a quick once over and moves to offer a handshake before a voice cuts through the clearing in an energetic song.
"I'm queen of the castle~ I'm queen of the castle~"
All three of the girls turn toward the source. They find Nora with a golden rook balanced upon her head as she whirls around and happily dances in pride. Yang blinks her lilac eyes before leaning back toward Ashe while keeping her gaze firmly upon Nora. "Is that girl your partner or something? She just rode in on an Ursa."
Ashe shakes her head, "No, that's Nora. Her partner is Ren. She's…eccentric, but nice. I don't have a partner yet." Blake and Yang stare toward Ashe before blinking softly and speaking at once, "What?" She didn't have a partner yet. Everyone should be paired up by now. How much time has passed anyhow? They all lost track of it.
Her nose twitches with a casual shrug of her shoulders. What do they expect? Not like she has any control over it. The only people she's run into have already been paired. Hopefully she finds someone eventually, but it's not something she has any control of. There's no reason for her to go out of her way for it.
A sudden and disastrous crash bellows out through the ruins. A great distance away a large and destructive scorpion like grimm demolishes through the trees. It was a large Grimm. Most Deathstalkers are not that big, so it should be old and ancient. Judging by all the bone armor and stains of grass upon its frame, it must have been hibernating. Squinting her eyes, Ashe notices a certain red head fleeing from the creature's destruction. "…Pyrrha?"
She is suddenly startled as an object flops against the ground. Swiveling her head to the sound, Ashe finds a bright red and black colored object tumbling along the ground. It then springs up and exposes a set of silver eyes. They are met with a lilac as Yang calls out in a perky and relieved voice. "Ruby!" Ah, so that was her name. Ashe kind of forgot.
Ruby jogs over with arms stretched for a hug. "Yang!"
"Nora!" Ruby was denied her hug from a stalwart Nora.
The whirlwind of energy that is Nora spun toward Ashe. The small faunus tenses when a pair of slender but strong arms wrap around her waist. "Mousey~" You know, when she compares Nora to the other girl's, she is also kind of short. Maybe that's why she smothers her so much. A sort of ego-boost at no longer being one of the contenders for shortest? Must be why she decided to call her Mousey…Fitting.
Irritating.
Ashe shakes her head at the thought. Nora doesn't seem that type, but you never know. Better not to think too much about it. Just look at her. Nora is wagging her rear like an excited puppy. All she needs is a tail.
"Did she just run all the way here with a Deathstalker on her tail?" Ashe tilts her head toward Blake. It was neutral, but there was an underlying tone of amusement, or maybe annoyance? She couldn't really tell. Ashe is suddenly startled by the angry voice near her ears. The warmth of a fiery aura radiates from her side.
"I can't take it anymore! Could everyone just chill out for two seconds before something crazy happens again?!" Yang's aura lashes out in a flame, it attempts to lick toward Ashe. Her eyes widen in a jolt of a memory. The lapse of flames upon her back burn and singe. Her breathing was hoarse and a sheen of sweat beginning to pour over her shivering skin.
A pair of warm arms around her waist quickly snap her out of the funk before it can take root. Ashe smothers the emotions down when she hears Ren jogging up toward the group of girls. She was only further annoyed when he leaned a hand upon Nora. Shifting more weight upon the small Faunus's being. She's not some furniture to be leaning on.
Ruby gulped quietly in a squeak, "Um…Yang…"
The group of misfits turn toward Ruby. Yang groaned in distress while hunching over. She's just about given up on life at this point. They find the red cloaked girl pointing up into the sky with her head bent back and gazing upward into the blue. Yang sighs softly to herself before each member of the group turn upward.
"How could you just leave me?!"
Yang's arms slap against her curvy thighs in shock. Nora stares upward with her fingers wrapped around like binoculars. A mix of shock and jealously raging within her mind. There in the sky, is Weiss Schnee. Heiress of the Schnee Dust Company, dangling from one of biggest Nevermore she has ever seen. She has never measured them, so difficult to say. It was a raven like Grimm. Just the body itself from beak to tail is about the size of two full-length buses. So, imagine the wingspan of a monstrous beast, it was easily blotting out the sun when it passes over. Thankfully, a Nevermore need to be light for flight, so there was not much bone armor upon it.
Ruby shouts into the sky, "I said, jump!"
Blake's lips thin in exasperation, "She's gonna fall."
"She'll be fine~" Reassured Ruby with a failing smile.
"She's falling." Ren gave them the detailed play-by-play.
Sure enough, they are drawn to a girlish scream. A splotch of white is falling from the sky. The group watch the scene play out in wonder. Ashe reaches out a hand and uses the back of her fingers to tap onto Ren's arm. "Should I…do something about this?" It doesn't look like anyone else is stepping up to the plate. If Weiss hasn't done something about her descent now, then she's most likely in danger. That or she's just in shock or panic.
"That would be highly advisable." Recommended Ren with unease.
With her tongue in cheek, Ashe watches Weiss fall from the sky. From so high up, she looks like a falling star. Ashe turns toward Nora with a soft blink. Only to find Nora wagging her rear in excitement. "Um, Nora?" The girl whirls toward Ashe, her aqua eyes blinking in question. "Mind giving me a lift?" She jabs her thumb upward and over her shoulder toward the falling Schnee.
"You betcha!~"
Nora clasps her fingers together and toward the ground for Ashe to place her feet within. Nora grins with a flex of her arms. "Break a leg or two~"
Ashe peers over her shoulder toward Nora. "I need those." Nora barks out a single laughter before throwing Ashe into the air like a rocket. Yea, Nora is freakishly, scary strong. For a small girl, it's a surprise how much of a wallop she can pack.
With the wind whipping across her face, Ashe approaches the falling Schnee rapidly. Light blue eyes turn toward her in bewilderment. It must be quite a surprise to find someone approaching you so high up. Ashe wraps one arm around the slender waist of Weiss, as the other holds down her hat. The two girls spiral in a dance when she pulls the heiress close. Gravity begins slowing their acceleration.
There was something about those eyes that Ashe couldn't help but stare into. They were sparkling with little gems inside of them. It reminded Ashe of when she stared into the vast Star Ocean in the midnight sky. Even if Weiss was completely unaware and confused at what is going on. Weiss truly reminded Ashe of, "Stardust…Can I make a wish?"
Weiss slightly blushed, more out of confusion than anything. "What are you blabbing about?"
Ashe pulls Weiss and brushes their bodies together. She had felt gravity begin to pull them down. "Hold my hat down for me, and don't let go." Weiss's lips pucker before she complies without complaint. Though it is easy to tell she has something to say. It can wait till they are safe, back on the ground.
Grabbing a dagger, Ashe flicks it toward the walls forming the semi-circle around the relics. She tugs and pulls them toward the stone walls before ripping her dagger out by the pummel to recoil it into her grasp. Ashe whips around in a half-circle while drawing Weiss in closer. With dagger back in hand, she once more flicks it toward the tall pillar in the middle.
It sinks into the old stone before Ashe wraps the wire around her fist. With a grit of teeth, she pulls and uses the wire as a swing. Becoming a human tetherball, the force of speed jerks on her shoulder. She could only minimize the pain in the beginning when she could run along the stone walls. But as she wrapped around, the wire grew shorter and eventually had to rely only on her arm strength.
Thankfully, someone threw a blond object to use as a steppingstone. Strange how it groaned when she stomped her boot onto it and leapt toward the ground.
They find solitude once more upon the ground. Ashe had released her dagger and used both hands to hold Weiss off the ground. Allowing her to take a few running steps before coming to a safe stop. It was strange, being smaller and carrying someone bigger than her. Maybe even a bit comical if you looked at it from a third party.
Weiss quickly unravels herself with a slight red hue and flattens out her ruffled skirt. "I suppose, a thank you is in order." Pleased with herself, Weiss turns toward Ashe in a graceful pose. She only offers a quick nod of the head. "I thank you for the assistance."
Ashe tilts her head to the side with a slight twitch of the nose, "Mm, you're welcome."
With an embarrassed cough, Weiss looks off to the side, "Well, I suppose I am indebted to you. So, I shall allow you to have that one wish. Within reason of course, but for now we have an exam to finish." Weiss spins on her heel and briskly retreats toward her partner in Ruby. She has a lot of anger to vent out from being left behind.
Ashe scratches onto the side of her head in thought. She really needs to do something about her word vomit. The other's personality is really mudding with hers and its not even awake. With a sigh, she turns back toward the stone pillar to retrieve her dagger but finds that it is missing. Who just takes another person's weapon? That's just shameful…Her nose twitches and looks at her remaining dagger. She never did figure out what their names were…
"Looking for this?"
She glances over her shoulder to find her missing dagger being offered back. Ashe cautiously takes it back, "Mm, thank you, Blake." Holstering her weapon, Ashe double checks the pummel. Making sure it is properly secured against the hilt. The one time she forgets, and it springs out against the floor and stabs some poor unsuspecting boy in the butt…She'll never forget that day…She laughed the whole night.
If she ever sees him again, perhaps she will apologize. If they recognize her at least.
"We should rejoin the others. Things are starting to spiral out of control."
The two stared at one another before Blake sways back toward the group of teens. Ashe couldn't help but watch the sway of her hips. How Blake can strut like that in some heeled boots while on uneven, soft dirt, she will never know. Must take quite a bit of skill. She prefers regular old boots and shoes. There's no point in wearing heels in her opinion…They just tease her in height till she takes them off, and then remind her back to where she belongs.
When she rejoined the group, she found they had a new member. Jaune had a slight blush upon his face and was chatting up Weiss. He had a boot imprint upon his face, interesting. Though he must have been saying the wrong things.
Weiss scowled and crossed her arms over her chest. With a chime of Ashe's bell, she turns in her direction.
Turning back to Jaune, Weiss's words come out sharp, "Don't call me Snow Angel." With her piece said, she stomps toward Ashe and stands beside her and Blake. Jaune hunched over depressed with a moody cloud over him. Tilting toward Weiss, she just stares at Ashe with misguided anger. "What?"
"Nn." She'd rather not deal with that moody thing. There's plenty more to deal with right now, and her social anxieties are starting to act up. It started with just one or two people, and now it's growing into a cluster. Too many people for her taste and they all know her. It's not like she can hide away somewhere…
Technically she could, but she'd much rather pass the exam.
Flop.
Ashe stares down to the ground to find a cloud of dirt. Did someone just face plant into the dirt? A familiar shade of red hair is sprawled upon the ground with a pant of breath. Realization dawns upon Ashe's eyes.
Right, she forgot all about Pyrrha. Wasn't she running for her life a while back?
Yea, that's not good at all.
"Great! The gang's all here! Now we can die together!" Ashe hums to herself at Yang's perky comment of negativity. She must really be at her wits end or just fed up.
Pyrrha groans quietly with a flutter of her eyes. Reaching down, Ashe offers a small hand. Pyrrha graciously accepts the assistance with a smile. "Thank you, Ashe."
A metal clicking catches Ashe's attention. Ruby had pulled out her weapon of choice, a large scythe. "Not if I can help it." She rushed forward, eager to prove herself.
Yang reached out to her in worry, "Ruby, wait!"
Pyrrha watches the scene with a worried frown, "Is she really going to charge from the front? That's going to end badly. I should know after all." Sure enough, they watch when she is smacked down like Jaune flirting with Weiss. Brutal and without delay. A sudden screech pierces through the clearing as they glance over the Deathstalker.
The Nevermore has returned.
Yang rushes forward to aid her little sister when Ruby begins a hasty retreat. The distance was vast. It just goes to show how much land Ruby can cross in no time at all. Her semblance must be speed or distance related. Ashe feels a gust of wind from a blur of white racing by. Weiss splinters off from the side and circles around. A good choice all things considered. The Nevermore is large, so its not very aerobatic in the air.
Ashe could already see the train wreck that is about to happen. Many of the novices that went on hunts made the same mistake. Funny, considering they were always at least twice her age at the time. No one ever listens to a child. Casting a side glance to Pyrrha, she gives a nod in understanding. They both could see what's about to happen.
Rushing off in a sprint, Ashe follows the path of Yang. The Nevermore screeched in a midair hover. You would wonder how a massive being such as the Nevermore, would attack from so high up. With a mighty flap of the wings, a shower of feathers rained down in a deadly storm. Ashe tilts her head at a dull and distant memory. She wondered how a Nevermore could launch so many feathers, so she experimented with one when she caught it. Apparently, new feathers pop out and launch the first layer like torpedoes. How they can regrow them so quick, she never really found out.
Ashe tried to shave them off once. That didn't go so well.
She was a curious little thing back then.
It did not take long for the feathered spears to pierce into the earth in a linear wave. Ruby must have the luck of a goddess, because she didn't even look back and they missed her lithe body. One managed to stab through her fluttering cloak, pinning her to the ground. Yang cried out when she was forced to a desperate halt. Nearly being run through by a feather.
Ashe easily weaves through with her tiny frame with a chime of her bell. Approaching Yang from behind, she flips over her and stares at the lilac eyes with a hold of her top hat. Landing upon the sturdy feather, it gives way to her weight and force. She was not very heavy, and it was bound to spring back straight. Launching her forward like a catapult.
Being small had…some…perks.
Soaring through the distance like an arrow, Ashe could swear she heard Nora whooping in the distance. Landing upon another feather, she uses them as springboards to Ruby's direction. Already the Deathstalker was upon said girl with an angry clicking. Poor girl was cowering and frantically trying to pull out her cloak. Ruby could easily remove her cloak or cut herself free, but emotions tend to cease all logical thoughts.
Twisting her body in a vault, Ashe approaches the Deathstalker from above. The stinger of the Grimm launching forward to the red-hooded girl. With one hand holding her hat, the other lashes out in a palm and smacks it to the side. The stinger nicks the side of her hand, venom infecting into the wound. Her nose twitches at it, paying no mind.
Ever since she was young, scorpion venom has had a strange affect upon her. It doesn't damage her in the least. Quite the opposite in fact. It's like the venom becomes a painkiller. Which is both good and bad, but the worst part…Ashe giggles slightly to herself.
It gives her a high.
Her mind flash backs to earlier days. Another thinner, smaller scorpion tail lashing out toward her with a purple toxin. That sick and deranged laugh reverberating through her mind. Without noticing, she becomes distracted for a moment, but that was all it took. The tail flicks and smacks her small body like a ping-pong. Launching her into the forest without a care.
A white glyph bursts into existence before Ruby. Ice springs forth and encases the rampaging Grimm in an iceberg. Though only partially, as the other half of the beast was struggling and roaring for freedom. Weiss quickly assists Ruby, lecturing her on how to think before she acts. Though it didn't last long before Yang smothered Ruby in an overly affectionate and worried bear hug. "I'm so happy you're okay! We need to re-group with the others at the shrine."
Weiss nods and glances over her shoulder toward the foliage. Her eyes narrow a moment before chasing after Yang and Ruby to their motley crew. Jaune was the first to approach, and Weiss was about to bark for him to get away till he pointed to the sky. He appeared to be freaking out, "Guys, that thing is circling back." She sighs to herself; this exam is really tugging on her last nerves.
Wait…Exam…
Her eyes shine in realization, there's no need to fight. They are in an exam. There was no condition to defeat Grimm. Just reach the shrine, acquire a relic, and return. That's it. Why are they still here? "Look, there's no sense in dilly-dallying. Our objective is right in front of us." With a new plan of action, Weiss begins to inform the rest of the crew about her idea. Take a relic and complete the exam.
A black bow twitches while eaves dropping on the scheming. Blake nibbles onto her lower lip with a sour expression. Her amber eyes were searching for something…rather someone. But she can't find who she's looking for. Blake didn't even notice the person approaching from her side till a gloved hand lands onto her shoulder.
Pyrrha is met with uncertain eyes, and she understands instantly, "You noticed her absence too."
Blake tenses with a grit of her teeth. "Why hasn't anyone else noticed?" Are they really the only ones who noticed they are shy a member? Not once has anyone mentioned that Ashe is missing. They are even talking about just leaving, but that would mean abandoning her. "Did they all just…forget about her? Or do they just not care?" Blake doesn't know which is the more correct thought. She does not know these people on a personal basis. Glancing at the teens, her hand tightens into a fist.
Pyrrha gives a soft squeeze onto Blake's shoulder. "I honestly, can not answer that question in good faith, but I will choose to believe that they simply forgot. None of them seem like the uncaring type." Amber eyes narrow at the heiress.
In the beginning, she kept hearing an annoying chime. When she saw that it came from Ashe's neck, she tried to keep a distance. But she would hear it every time Ashe was near. Gradually, it grew into a soothing and peaceful chime. The sound eventually becoming a calm jingle that eased some of her tensions. Because when she heard it, Blake knew she wasn't alone on her first day.
Ren snapped Blake and Pyrrha out of their conversation, "Time we left."
"Right, let's go." Ruby waved the group on. Each pair already collecting their chosen relic. Then they run. They ran up the hill behind Ruby and Jaune.
Blake's stomach churned at the course of action. She doesn't like this; she doesn't like it one bit. They don't have to leave so quick, do they? Can't they at least wait to see if Ashe reappears? Finding Yang hanging back, Blake approaches her with a small glimmer of hope. "What is it?" Tracing her line of sight, Blake frowns to find Yang looking over Ruby with a fond smile.
"Nothing." Yang beckons Blake to follow cheerfully, "C'mon, lets go before they leave us behind."
Her world froze. What? Is she joking with her? That's not funny. That's not funny in the least. Anger quickly bubbles within Blake's being, but a hand firmly clasps upon her shoulder. Once more she finds Pyrrha staring at her with a tight expression. "I don't think she meant it that way."
Blake barks toward Pyrrha angrily, "How can you be so sure?"
"I'm not…" Pyrrha slowly paces off and drags her hand along Blake's shoulder, "But I choose to believe in my new friends. They don't seem the type, but most importantly." Pyrrha stops for a moment to glance over her shoulder, "I believe in Ashe. If we can draw the two Grimm away from here, then she will catch up even faster."
Though the anger didn't leave, it at least simmered, "If…"
"There is no if. She will catch up, and she will join us. She is my friend, and I believe in her. That's my gut instinct, and it's never let me down." With nothing else to add, Pyrrha jogs off to catch up with the rest of the examinees.
Blake is left to stew in her own thoughts alone. Her hands balled into tight fists with a grit of teeth. She does not like this. This isn't right, but there is nothing she can do on her own. And what Pyrrha said also rang true. If they can draw the attention of the Grimm away from the area, then there should be nothing for them to worry about in terms of Ashe's safety.
Her legs are stiff, but they force their way forward. Reaching the apex of the hill, she turns her head around and scours the field one last time. Finding nothing, but the Deathstalker breaking free and charging forward in revenge. Disappearing over the hill, it doesn't take much longer for the Deathstalker to follow.
The shrine ruins were now deserted.
Shrubbery rustles a minute later in a frantic dance. Breaking through the twigs, Ashe barrel rolls into the opening. She quickly catches herself upon her feet and struggles to speed forward. Her boots sliding over the slick grass before they finally catch and propel her forward.
"Shit-shit-shit-sh—" Her mind was running a thousand miles per second. Flicking her eyes, she finds the clearing empty and most relics gone from the Shrine. Remembering her objective, she frantically dashes to the stone pillars to snag herself a relic. Reaching a hand for the nearest one, a shadow engulfs her tiny figure. She panics with a quick gaze upward. Forcing her body to leap to the side, a massive body slams into the center of the shrine.
Demolishing everything in its wake of destruction.
Ashe crashes onto the ground with a grunt, stone and rock pelting her body. That piercing shriek was deafening. She could feel the power in it. A strong gust blows away the cloud of dirt with a mighty thrust of its wings.
Opening her eyes quickly, Ashe finds a bright, silver queen relic before her. She doesn't even think twice. Clutching it like a lifeline, she pockets it for safety before rolling to the side. A massive claw shattering the ground where she was lay. The print left behind was bigger than her body. Made her feel even more insecure about her height.
The Grimm was abnormally gigantic. Nearly as tall as the Nevermore's wingspan. It was a mixture of two different species. The head of a raven was covered in pure white bone armor with a beak and six red eyes. The body of a large feline with the front limbs having a more talon like shape. The hindlegs were more of a feline's paw. Two massive black wings stretch threateningly outward with large bones along the trim to hold the feathers. Flaunting it's sheer size like a peacock.
Ashe clicks her tongue, "Griffon." Not just any normal Griffon, but an Alpha obviously. Which is still baffling, because even for an Alpha, its size is much too big. It must be truly ancient. So why is it here? They have learned to shy away from human populaces. How has no one noticed it before?
Without a signal, the Grimm bull rushes toward Ashe with a screech. Forcing her to run and flee for her life. Direct confrontation has never been her expertise. While she can hold her own, she prefers not to. It's just not her style. Especially when it is a provoked big ass Grimm.
Next time, she's keeping her mouth shut.
At least she knows what Pyrrha must have felt like from before. It is not a good feeling.
Grasping one blade, Ashe whirls around and dodges a slam of a talon. The beast is much larger and can more easily cover a considerable distance in a straight path. Retaliating, she strikes forward, lashing against its thick talon's wrist. While the blade slices through, it must be the equivalent of a papercut.
It only proved to provoke the beast further.
A talon slashes toward the tiny bug of a human before it. Leaping to the side, the other talon gorged out the earth in a rising claw. Flicking her dagger, Ashe pulls herself to the safety of a fallen tree. Narrowing her eyes, she assesses the situation.
A flat-out frontal assault would be mostly suicidal. While she can avoid most of its attacks, just one hit could bring her down. It has a thick hide, making her daggers struggle to fully deal damage. Well, Ashe does have the other form. She always could use it…but she would rather save it for emergencies. She doesn't have much dust left. She's not left with much more time to plot. The ground trembles in the Grimm's charge.
Perhaps she shouldn't have abandoned her real weapon so long ago. Biting onto her lower lip, she banishes the thought. No, she's made her choice. Ashe abandoned that part of her.
Back flipping over the decaying log, she launches herself away. Watching as the monster easily bull dozes through without a care of dignity. The log shattered into splinters that pelt her cross guard.
Her dagger sails toward the earth and pulls Ashe to a moment of safety. Turning on her heel, she races up hill. Following the trail of rock toward the cliffs. While she could run into the forests, that would not be the smartest course of action. It would cause an enormous amount of sound in its destructive chase, and with it being a Grimm infested forest. That would only attract more Grimm.
Ashe hates how her semblance has a weaker effect against Grimm for some reason. If only she had some more time. Up ahead is a colossal boulder. Wasting no time, she grasps her other dagger into hand. Flicking one, she pulls herself and flips over the stone. During her flip, she flicks the other toward the ground and slings herself further away. That should slow it down a moment.
Or so she thought.
The Griffon barges through with a back hand of the boulder. Shattering it into chunks of rock and dirt. Ashe scowls in frustration, a growl rumbling from her throat. A piece of shrapnel rock slices against her cheek, drawing a thin cut. At least it was shallow, so it shouldn't affect her much. There was at least one good thing to come out of that plan.
The boulder's destruction created a smoke screen of powder. Small miracles.
Now, she might be able to flee into the forest for safety. If the Grimm doesn't see her retreat, she might get lucky and escape. Or on the off chance it randomly chooses the direction she went, and the chase continues. At least there's a chance.
Staying low to the ground, Ashe circles around the outside of the smoke screen. It would appear she hasn't been noticed. Her instincts blare in a siren. Whirling around, a gust of wind shatters through the screen and dissipates it. That wasn't what set off her instincts. It was the large cluster of feathers showering out randomly in every direction. Ashe deflects the sharp stems with a cling. The Griffon reared its head in her direction, shrieking out in glee.
Her chest was heaving in suppressed anger. Her breath coming out hot with a snarl upon her lips. She was so close. Just a few more seconds and she could have escaped. This Grimm is far more intelligent than the other Griffon's she's come across. Curse her damned luck. Moving as one, the game of cat and mouse resumes once more.
Ashe leaps up to a feather and uses them as springboards. It will at least give her an edge. Rocketing up the cliff, she finally begins to create a sizeable distance between them. It won't last forever; the feathers only go so far. On the last one, it slings her forward a considerable distance up the hill. It's not long till the base of the cliffs come into view.
There was a canyon at the base, surrounded by ancient and destroyed temple shrines. Buildings left half standing with pillars and bridges. It was quite a sight to take in on its own, but that isn't what made her slow her pace into a walk. There at the top of the pillars was the Nevermore, battling half of the motley crew. The Deathstalker was at the base, demolishing and laying waste to the other half.
What made her come to a stop, was how her…friends…acquaintances? Acquaintances were struggling against the two Grimm. It seemed like they were on their last legs and fighting for their lives. If another Grimm was to join the fray, then they would no doubt fall. If she could, Ashe would offer her assistance, but…
The ground slowly quakes and trembles beneath her feet. Tilting to glance over her shoulder, she finds the Griffon slowly coming to a stop. It was peering at her questioningly. Its head tilting like a curious bird. Why did she stop? Peering toward the cliff, it notices two of its kin fighting against humans. Glancing toward the tiny mortal before it, the Griffon finds her staring directly at it.
Ashe stared up at the colossal Grimm. Grasping the hilts of her daggers, she tightly squeezes them into her small fists. She can no longer run. To do so would spell the death of her comrades. Ashe is all that stands between the Griffon and the battle raging behind her. To become a huntress, to keep her promise, she will eliminate all obstacles in her path. Without prejudice. Raising her daggers, Ashe slides into an aggressive stance.
The Griffon puffs out it's chest. Its prey no longer running and choosing to fight. Its excited, it's been so long since it has fought anything. It's unable to contain such a feeling. The wings lift into the air and flex. Throwing back it's head, the beast shrieks into the canyon. Gleefully accepting the challenge of mortal combat.
A pause shatters into the raging canyon. The deafening roar demanding all to pay it the respect it deserves. It is the king of Emerald Forest. None dispute its reign. The Griffon's kin challenge its rule, but none have laid it low. A pair of light blue eyes linger upon Ashe and the Griffon for a moment.
A small stone breaks apart from a decayed ruin. Tumbling down, it shatters upon the earth. Ashe and the Griffon charge at one another. The Griffon is colossal in size, while she is tiny. Ashe will have to use the size difference to her advantage. After all, where is the safest place against something so immensely overbearing her height?
Close up and personal so it can't see or attack her.
Sliding under the Grimm after it lunges with a talon. Ashe stabs into it's underbelly. Dragging forward with the momentum. Slicing into the tender area, the beast cries out in discomfort. It has a thick hide. Reaching the hind legs, she chooses the closest one. Her daggers glint in a flurry of slices. Ripping away at the weak points. Any tendons that she can reach and hopefully slice into.
Grunting at the lack of time, the beast slams its body down toward the ground. Forcing Ashe to leap away to the back side. Sliding backwards on her boots, she notices a spiked bone tail whipping toward her lithe body. Dropping to the ground, the heavy blow tears the air apart above her. A vortex lags in the tail's wake. Her tongue clicks in frustration.
Yea, she's staying the hell away from that.
Flicking her dagger toward the Beast, it completes the spiral turn. Burying itself into the side, Ashe repels herself toward the Grimm. One wing of the beast flaps in her direction, raining down a squall of feathers. Grunting in annoyance, Ashe uses the other dagger to flee back to the ground. This is starting to grow annoying rather quickly.
It's more intelligent than usual Grimm. It's not letting her get close. There should be no way it adapted that quickly. Charging forward once more, Ashe stays low to the ground. The Grimm on the other hand, has other plans. Flapping both wings, Ashe is pelted with spears. Staying true to her path, she weathers the storm. Parrying the feathers that are unavoidable. Cuts and rips appear upon her arms, but they are nothing more than flesh wounds.
The Griffon was hovering lower to the ground, ascending higher with each thrust of the wings. Ashe won't be able to fight back if it takes to the air. While she has her bow, it would be a battle of attrition that she would lose. It uses her aura for arrows after all.
Thinking quick, she holsters one dagger and grabs onto an impaled feather. Drawing it back, she front flips onto it and launchers herself toward the Griffon. It lightly squawked, so she knows that caught it off guard. Flicking her lone dagger, Ashe lassos onto the body and swings herself over onto the back. Mid-flight Ashe re-equips her dagger and stabs into the beast's neck once she straddles it.
Her adversary rattles and attempts to throw her off. Holding tight, Ashe must make a choice. While she could go for the back of the neck, she's not sure if it would apply any lasting and permanent damage in such a short time window. It looks to be well shielded with bones and a nice layer of hide. The other choice on the other hand…
Twisting her body around, Ashe uses her daggers to pull herself along the bucking Griffon. Approaching one of the wings, she finds the joint and tendon connecting to the main body. Only a small piece is unguarded and bare for movement of the wing. Without hesitation, Ashe stabs into the small opening. The beast shrills in pain. But she is not that merciful. She relentlessly stabs into the opening. Digging and twisting her blade within the beast's joint.
The frantic Griffon was in pain, bucking wildly with a screech. The wing vibrates and strains in paralysis. Struggling to keep their weight airborne. They were lopsided in the sky, one wing limp as the other frantically overworked to slow their descent.
Or rather, it was just repositioning itself.
Tucking in the good wing, the beast spirals and descends toward the ground like a meteorite. Ashe nearly lost her bearing at the sudden throttle. The ground was quickly magnifying and approaching at a breakneck speed. It then flips and descends upside down. Ashe still upon the back, she roars out in frustration. This bastard was going to hurt itself just to kill her.
Swinging her body like a primate, Ashe stabs and pulls herself toward its side with only a few seconds before impact. With both feet, she kicks herself off horizontally and parallel with the earth. Flicking her dagger toward the ground at max distance, she pulls herself forward. An earth-shattering explosion sends out a shockwave of debris.
She has other problems to deal with though.
Tucking herself into a ball, gravity quickly snags her body and pulls her back down to earth. Gritting her teeth, Ashe braces herself with a lay of aura. This is going to hurt. Her body crashes with the ground. She cries out in pain at the force of impact against the unyielding earth. Ashe is thrown like a ragdoll, pelting the ground like a skipping stone. Pain erupts from her upper body, slamming into a stone pillar from the temple ruins.
Her weapons rest beside her forgotten. She curls in and wills the throbbing and dreadful pain away. Cracking open an eye, her vision was spinning. Thank the gods she was able to see the Grimm struggling out of the crater as well. If it was charging her, Ashe doubts she would be able to get up in time. Grabbing her weapons, she once more strains to stand upon her legs.
The Griffon was staring her down from a considerable distance. Like it just now noticed she was still alive. After all, those crimson eyes lit up like a star going nova. Tearing into the ground with it's talon, a fierce howl shatters into the sky in unbridled fury.
Yea, the Griffon is pissed.
So is she.
Slamming the pummels of her daggers together, a magnet aligns them in sync. Small grooves appear that she twists to lock them together. Tugging them apart, the handles thin and lengthen. A small and empty cartridge was at the center with two lines splitting to the blades. Twirling the new weapon, she now wields a double-bladed thief sword.
Its time to go further on the offensive. The beast is crippled, and her body is also waning as the fight goes on. It's pissed off at her. She's pissed off at it. Reaching into a small pouch on her hip, Ashe pulls out a small vial of Burn Dust. With a small glance, she frowns. It's the last one she has. If possible, she would have rather not used it and saved it for emergencies. But life is fickle like that. Especially around her.
Popping off the cap, the ground begins to tremble from the Grimm's charge. Thankfully it was vastly distanced from her. She pours all the Burn dust into the empty cartridge before closing it. Throwing the useless vial away, Ashe twirls her sword behind her and gives it a firm pump. Treating it like a shotgun. With a click, the two lines upon the handle glow a bright orange and trail fire toward the blades. In a soft woosh, the blades burst into flames.
Her time is limited, but it should be enough.
Rushing forward, Ashe prepares herself to clash once more with the Griffon. With a crippled wing and slightly injured hindleg, it was slower than what it once was. With the use of its good wing, a small shower of feathers pelt toward Ashe.
She swerves toward the side to go around the storm. Ashe can't afford to let them touch her blades, she has the element of surprise and she needs to utilize it to maximum effect. Weaving around the spears, Ashe approaches the beast. Dodging back from one swipe, a talon almost slices through her face before pressing forward.
Sliding under the next, the Grimm stares her down with burning crimson eyes. In return, honey eyes hold the Grimm's gaze, a sliver of crimson infecting into the honey. Ashe could attack the main body from the side, but that won't deal enough damage or cripple it further. Spinning her blade, Ashe swipes downward in a vicious slash. Cutting into the foreleg's joint and tendon. The flames burn into its flesh, but Ashe instantly retreats a safe distance.
Not even a blink later, and the wound explodes into a fireball. The Grimm staggers from the explosion in a surprised daze, and then Ashe attacks with full force. She starts off from the underbelly. Striking at anything and everything in reach. Multiple explosions and fireballs rupturing through like a drunk in a minefield.
Black tar was dripping down and boiling.
Flipping over the dazed creature, Ashe stands upon it's back. Targeting the crippled wing even further, she stabs into to gorged wound. Going further to press it in by the handle with her boot, like a shovel. With a snarl, Ashe rips it out in an agonizing whine of the Grimm. Bucking her off with a sudden jolt. Ashe flips over its head, meeting its stare of crimson eyes toward one honey and crimson.
Lashing out in her descent, Ashe cuts through its neck. The last of the dust extinguishing into nothingness. A massive fireball ruptures upon the Grimm's face, landing before it she lets her guard down for only a moment.
Instead of staggering like she assumed, the beast whips around in a spiral. Ashe panics and raises her weapon and hardens it with Aura in desperation. The spiked, bone tail slams into her side like a meteor. Her weapon flies across the land, dislodged from her damaged hands. The force of the blow slamming her into a stone wall and shattering through.
That hurt.
Ashe let her guard down for a second, and the Griffon took advantage of that. Pain was swelling within her body. Her hands and arms where quivering from the force of the blow. Her weapon took the worst of the hit, but most of the energy still went through. Coughing into the stone and powder, Ashe struggled to breath.
She easily hears the stone wall giving way and crumbling to the ground in pieces. Ashe needs to get up, she's exposed out here. She doesn't know if that assault took it down or not. She needs visual confirmation. Rolling onto her chest, she wheezes out a shaky breath. With struggling arms, Ashe eventually staggers to her feet with a stumble.
Her legs felt like jelly.
Slowly turning around, the cloud of smoke begins to vanish. Her teeth grit at the sight, the beast was kneeling and dazed. Whimpering slightly as black tar oozed down its neck. Injured, but alive.
Alive.
Rage and frustration boil within her body. Why won't it stay down?! She's so close to finishing this exam. Finally, a chance to turn her life around. Only to have this bastard stand in her way. Blocking her path. She can't stand it. She's tired of everything and everyone getting in her way. Growling out in fury, Ashe's quaking hand slaps down to her back side.
Her bow springs to life before her.
Ashe can hardly move her body, her strength is low, and her daggers are missing. At her wits end and final stand.
But…
Grabbing onto the string, ash colored energy draws into the bow. "You are in my way…"
She still has her Aura. She's not yet done. Ashe will put everything she has into this final shot. At least the Grimm is crippled as well, so it won't be able to dodge as easily. A soft gust of wind bursts from the bow. More and more Aura siphoning into the bow.
A flame of courage was roaring within her belly. Her eyes glowing like the stars with a feral snarl. Heeding her power, the Grimm rears its head. Sensing a surge of strength before it. It was strong.
Power demands respect.
All Grimm know this. It is no different. With a force of will, the colossal beast stands upon its legs once more. Though they shake and quiver, it will meet this challenge head on. Throwing back its raven head, an earth-shattering shriek fills the canyon once more. The one good wing flickering and shimmering into the air in a flex of power.
She can feel her aura tapped out, but Ashe continues to draw further. More and more in the depths of her soul. Her bow glows in a shade of ash. Whisks of crimson interwind around her hands. Taking aim with the bow, Ashe draws the string. Forcing her legs and arms to cease their quivering. The beast is up the hill and in line with the path to the battles ahead.
Her eyes harden, crimson infecting and consuming her eyes like a plague. Her voice disfigures into two-tones, "You will respect the Fairy!" Releasing the string, there was a blinding light flashing before her. The power throws her back and digs her feet into trenches.
Watching the arrow sing through the air, the Grimm could easily lurch to the side and avoid it.
But…That would be cowardly. Grimm are superior, Grimm are the dominate species, Grimm are the Alphas and Omegas. To turn away from this challenge at its sovereignty would be pathetic. Grimm respect power, and power demands respect. It will not turn coat from a challenge. Even in death.
Digging its Talon into the earth, the Alpha Griffon roars its final breath into the sky. Choosing to accept its fate with the pride of a king. An energy arrow of ash and crimson pierces through its vulnerable neck with ease. Crimson eyes staring down at the tiny figure before it.
Never in all its life, would the Griffon believe that such a small and tiny creature be able to way it low. To die in a glorious battle of one against one. No outside aid for either one of them, the beast has no regrets. It is a Grimm; death comes for them all eventually. They can not live forever. Either the hands of another Grimm or a mortal, they will fall.
But against a mortal with such savagery. Stabbing at its most vulnerable spots and not shying away from its size. The tenacity of a Grimm. Yes, it has no regrets to fall before her. A fitting battle for one as ancient as it.
The head of the Griffon rolls upon the floor, eyeing her from a distance while fading away into nothingness. A conclusion coming to mind…It's like she's…
Then nothing, it ceases to exist for nevermore.
Collapsing onto her knees, Ashe drops her bow upon the ground beside her. Her body frail and weak. She finds it difficult to breath with her vision swimming. Her lips twitch slightly, sinking down onto her bottom. She did it. The beast faded into particles, she confirmed it.
Ashe won.
She survived. Clawing onto the ground, she inhales a deep and tantalizing breath. Ashe does not know why, nor has anyone been able to figure it out. But with every hard-fought battle to the death. With every victory that she claws and struggles for. She can't help but follow her instincts. Throwing back her head and clenching her eyes…
Ashe howls into the sky.
A high-pitched howl to signal her victory. Her triumph. Her survival. Her territory.
Her eyes become fogged and clouded, swaying upon her knees, Ashe collapses and passes out upon the dirt and grass. If she had paid more attention, Ashe would have noticed something more. Her arrow pierced through the Grimm's neck.
That doesn't mean it stopped in tangent.
The arrow soared up the hill in a break-neck speed. Following along the trail, the tail of a Deathstalker is poised to strike once more. Only for the arrow to pierce through the bone below the stinger and slicing it off. A red-headed warrioress is only slightly shocked before hardening herself at the chance and flings an orange haired, mallet wielding maniac into the air.
With most of the aura consumed and leaking out-of-control, the now small arrow sails over the chasm. On the other end of the destroyed bridge, a white-haired beauty is momentarily startled as the sparkling arrow sings through beside her.
The Nevermore was attempting to fly away after being grounded for a moment. With the last remaining power, the arrow explodes into the Grimm's chest. Slamming it back down into the wall of the cliff. A glacier of ice traps the beast before a red-cloaked warrioress delivers the final blow.
A calm settled through the area. All battles finally ending. A breeze passes over Ashe, her body motionless and forgotten.
Within a few minutes a soft crunch of heels could be heard rapidly approaching. They suddenly pause for only a second or two before continuing their approach. A shadow looms over Ashe, the unconscious faunus.
The figure crashes upon her knees beside her, a top hat plops upon the ground beside her. Two slender and pale hands reach out toward Ashe and gently lift her up, flipping her right-side up. The slender figure rests Ashe upon her lap.
The figure looks over her wounds. A cut on the cheek is leaking a fair amount of blood now. Along with many scraps upon the arms and bruises forming here and there.
With a hitch of breath, the girl stiffens at the sight of Ashe's head. The shaking figures reach out and caress the exposed mouse ears. The fur was soft and cool to the touch.
Another set of footprints signal the arrival of a third figure. In a panic, the girl grabs the top hat and smashes it back onto Ashe's head. Safely hiding the mouse ears once more out of sight.
"Oh~ You found her. You could have called out to us, ya know."
"Well, excuse me. I found it more critical to check over her wounds for anything life-threatening. Besides, you all were right behind me. Doesn't take a genius to figure out everyone would find me anyhow, Yang."
The golden fighter shrugs her shoulders with a wave over her shoulder, "Yea, yea, don't get your knickers in a bunch."
The girl sputters out a squawk toward Yang, "What did you say?!"
Yang ignores her while turning back toward the ruins they battled in. Her arm waves frantically above her head as the other cups her mouth for a shout.
"Hey~ Ashe is over here, guys! Weiss found her!"
(A/N)
Hope you all enjoyed! Comment and review what you enjoyed or didn't enjoy! See you all next chapter.
Darth