Disclaimer: I don't own RWBY and Dragon's Crown they are the rightful property of Rooster Teeth, Atlus and Vanillaware.
Italics are thoughts
Bold and Italics are flashbacks
Chapter 9 Bilbaron Subterranean Fortress
(Location: ruins outskirt of the royal capital city Kingdom of Hydeland)
An hour later the party left town and meet up in front of the magic gate. They have prepared their equipment and items. This might be their toughest quest yet. Jaune arrived shortly with his own equipment ready as well as items. Healing potions, antidotes to remove poison, potions to increase strength and defense. Everything they will need for a hard mission. The blond didn't like it, he was feeling the same way as Samuel. Still they will be helping the people of the kingdom, removing this threat. Sure it was requested by Count Dean and this could all be a play to boost his reputation in the people's eyes. The Guild Master told him before leaving that Prime Minister Gustaf was very well respected and trusted by the people. Dean probably wants to make himself as important as the large man. But there was still the situation of the princess. She was under a mind control spell by the Prime Minister.
Jaune will take his chances trusting the Count over Gustaf. At least the man cares for the princess's well being. Thanks to Sorceress he found out how to break the spell. She said they need a magic disruptor in order to removed the magical effect of the Prime Minister's ring. In doing so the necklace will no longer work awaking Vivian from the spell. The hard part was finding one. The busty witch said they are rare to find so, they won't be getting one in a shop. The Arc was hoping to find one during their adventures, among treasure chest and other loot. It was just a matter of chances and luck. Nothing is ever easy. The blond felt bad for the princess, she will have to wait a little longer before he and his party can fix this whole mess. It made him mentally groaned, he already had a long list of things to do. The main reason he was brought to this world and now dealing with the Count, Prime Minister and the Princess.
The blond knight met up with his party in front of the magic gate. It was time to focus on the matter at hand. Their next quest to the Fortress of Bilbaron. It was ironic that a fortress that was built to fend off Orcs have become the creatures hideout. He was still thinking how the hell did it happened. How can an army of men were defeated. Having the fortress should be enough to give them the advantage. Unless it was a surprise attack by the Orc army. That was still hard to believe because Orcs aren't considered to be smart creatures. That is if someone was leading them, someone clever enough to make them over take the place. Jaune was thinking too much, this quest was really stressing him out and it hasn't begun yet. It wasn't the first time he has faced danger before. Even in Remnant he faced it with his team. Now, it was with his party. But this could be more dangerous than he thinks. More than they can chew on like they say.
Once everyone was ready, they stepped forward to the magic gate. They were all teleported to their destination. Now, they were below the surface as expected. The party were staring at so many dead bodies of goblins and Orcs. They must have been killed by the late King's men during the war. But they still lost to the creatures. Jaune made a new formation, everyone should stay close to each other. Worried this quest will be more than dangerous, everyone needed to keep their guard up more than ever. In the distance they could see the fortress of Bilbaron. The Arc has unsheathed Crocea Mors and readied his shield, walking slowly as his eyes stared at the dead bodies. This happened recently judging from the fresh blood. So it couldn't have been the king's men. Something was already off. The group reached a dead end since the bridge to the fortress was up. Great, they had no idea how to cross over.
Suddenly, the bridge was lowered. Not a good sign for the party. Because the enemy knew of their presence. So they were expecting them. The possible outcome for an ambush. They were walking right into a trap. That's why this quest was going to be dangerous. Samuel did warned them if things go bad, that they shouldn't hesitate to retreat. Such quest should be done with a bigger party. Yet, Jaune had faith in his party. They have shown they're stronger than they looked. And their teamwork was getting better. The blond knight looked over his comrades, they didn't like it either. Lowering the bridge welcoming them into the fortress. They were all walking straight into a trap. Their leader told them to be careful and stay close. They were expecting the place to be filled with Orcs and who know knows what other monsters. The five members of the party slowly walked crossing the bridge.
The party was now inside the fortress. There was a chest not that far with two lit torches on a basket made of iron, before the welcoming committee arrived. An Orc and four goblins. So there were goblins here too. Sorceress noticed some bones scattered this was her chance to increase their numbers. Aware they needed more strength to get through this place. Using her magic staff she touched the fallen bones, giving them life. They have formed into skeletons holding swords and a shield. Her two servants joined the fight with the others as they took out the goblins.
The Orc was killed by Amazon and Beastmaster. The female warrior broke the lock on the chest. The Arc went to check the contents remembering they were here to get any vital information on the Orc's armies invading routes. Only gold instead. That seemed to be all of the enemies in this area, closely heading to the entrance. Elf and Beastmaster could hear a couple of presences ahead, warning the others to be careful. Jaune nodded as they slowly walked through the dark hallway. They could smell something good. Somebody was cooking something.
That was enough to get Amazon's attention. How lucky they are to have run into a kitchen. The blond leader had to keep her in check from proceeding as he took a glance. There was a large goblin woman wearing a worn out dress and an apron. She was holding an axe for cooking, next to a piece of raw meat, while she was holding a goblin and the small creature was holding an urn of some sort. There was another goblin stirring the contents of a pot under a fire. Looks like none of them have noticed them yet. Something was wrong with the female goblin, it's like she had trouble seeing. The goblin she was holding, must be the reason. The party came to the conclusion she was blind and she was thinking the goblin for the piece of meat. The three weren't a threat, but if they get spotted, they will no doubt warned the rest of the fortress. Everyone gazed at their leader, awaiting his orders.
Sorceress's skeletons killed the two goblins. As Elf fired a couple of arrows to the chest of the large female goblin and her head was chopped off by Amazon. Neither felt sorry for them as they killed them quickly. A shame the buffed woman couldn't eat the meat because it wasn't cooked yet. No need to do it silently since they already knew they were here. It was all about the perfect strategy. They'll be able to take on large numbers if they can work together effectively. Leaving the kitchen they were now outside of the fortress only to be met by another Orc and more goblins. Some were armed with crossbows and daggers. They were still no threat as the party went for the Orc first. Jaune and Amazon doubled teamed the yellow humanoid, while Elf fired her arrows at the goblins, and Beastmaster with the skeleton servants took out the rest. So far so good thanks to the witch's ability. They have more numbers and they weren't lowering their guard either.
The rest of the path was filled with wooden spikes. Not a problem as Amazon used her brute strength to destroy them. Allowing the party to keep moving, there was another chest as a thief appeared out of nowhere. The skeleton servants killed him before they were destroyed by a bomb from the thief. More goblins and an Orc arrived. Elf used her impact arrow skill to take out the small fries. Beastmaster stabbed the Orc on his chest with her spear, while Jaune decapitated with humanoid with a swift strike. His eyes fell on a wall with a small crack. They didn't had time to think, they needed to keep moving before more reinforcements arrived. The party spoke too soon as two Orcs arrived. Amazon had this as she threw her large axe with all of her strength. The spinning weapon cut the two humanoids in half from the force. The female warrior picked up her weapon seeing a dead end with a door.
The buffed woman broke down the door allowing them to entered further into the fortress. Another iron barrel with fire to keep the area well lit. There was a large wooden cage with a creature in it. Beastmaster halted everyone from attacking. The dark elf stared at the blue with gray raptor creature. A dragonlisk, they weren't fully dragons so she should be able to tame it, acquiring a new ally. Using the gemstone at the end of her spear she performed her beast craft magic. The dragonlisk stood still before it was calmed. The dark skinned beauty smiled as she used her spear to destroy the cage. She was now petting the creature. She got on it, riding the dragonlisk. Jaune smiled at the sight, they have more allies, more numbers to give them the advantage. There was a barrel as a group of goblins arrived. Beastmaster made her new companion to released it's fire breath hitting the barrel and immediately the goblins caught fire.
From the smell, the contents of the barrel must be oil. Explaining why it caught fire rapidly. The goblins were burned to death. There was a double door not that far as Jaune ordered Amazon to take it down. The door was shattered as it showed three beds and three Orcs sleeping on them. Not anymore. The noise from breaking down the door woke them up. Elf fired her arrows, while Beastmaster used the Dragonlisk fire breath, Sorceress released the large boulder ending the combo as they were all crushed. There was another chest at the end as the buffed woman broke the lock. Only more loot but no documents on the Orcs planning invasions. Guess they will have to continue venturing deeper into the fortress. Another chest that was broken down by the amazonian warrior. And they were greeted by three Orcs. They were burned, filled with arrows, and got their head cut off by Jaune. He couldn't believe this was all going so well, it was hard to believe.
Another door, another one that Amazon took down and more Orc were in the way. Because they were awaken by the noise. The party fought them while the blond knight noticed another chest at the end. Once the three humanoid were slayed, the female warrior went for the lock of the chest, opening it. Instead of finding gold and other kind of loot, it was filled with documents. Jaune's eyes widened, this could be what they were searching for. The reason Count Dean gave them the quest. Checking the papers there were maps with marked locations. This was definitely it. The routes the Orc army was taking and any possible war plans. He gazed at his party with a smile, it was mission accomplished. They quickly left the room and now the blond leader was in thought. What to do now, they have what they needed. Making the best of it, they should try and get rid of as many enemies as they can.
His party was still in top notch condition. Amazon was pumped she wasn't planning in stopping any time soon. Elf and Beastmaster smiled at him, they can still go on. The same with Sorceress. Just their smiles were enough to tell him. So they will continue moving forward into the fortress as the quest has officially become a search and destroy. There was another entrance ahead but, they were stopped by more enemies. This time it was magic users wearing a blue cloak and hood. Hold a ruby staff. Jaune's eyes narrowed, magicians here just like Wallace's Underground Labyrinth. The wizards were disposed off easily before they could cast their spells. This had the Arc in deep thought why would they be here. They are humans, seeing them helping creatures like Orcs and goblins didn't made sense. Then again it was the same at the Labyrinth. Could there be a connection.
The next room was very dark so Sorceress created a flame from her staff to lit the hallway. The darkness will be use in the enemies favors to use it for an ambush. Bats and Orcs arrived with goblins. One of them had a torch. The smell suddenly hit the party's noses. Noticing around them, there were many barrels of oil. A few more goblins were behind, with torches. Jaune's eyes widened realizing what they were planning. With so much oil, they can lit this entire place. The Huntsman warned his party as it was pointless to fight them. Too late the goblins have released the torches hitting the barrels as it got caught on fire. Soon, they were surrounded by flames. The group ran out of there watching the Orcs, goblins and bats getting burned. It was a suicidal attack proving they will go this far to kill them. They managed to make it out of there without any injuries.
"They're willing to throw away their lives away, just to kill us. Pitiful creatures" said Beastmaster.
"It might have been a crazy idea. But it can be effective. If we have stay any longer we would have been burned with them" replied Jaune.
"Thank goodness we made it out on time" said Sorceress.
"Eww, what is that smell?" Elf covered her nose.
True to the elven archer there was a foul smell coming from straight ahead. They were in a staircase leading down. Not quite a pleasant scent. But it was very familiar, like sewerage.
"These stairs must lead to the lower levels of the fortress. To the sewer system. It could be our way out" said the Arc.
The party nodded as they climbed down the staircase. The more they got closer, the stronger the sewerage smell was getting. Everyone had to covered their noses, it smells really bad. Soon another scent was added. It was more foul and grotesque, it was starting to make them sick. This wasn't any sewer smell, it smelled like wet fur that was dirty. Like something that hasn't taken a bath in a long time. Jaune was getting a bad feeling. They might have cleared out all of the monsters in the fortress. But, they weren't out of trouble yet. This could possibly be an ambush like they did just now with the oil and the torches. A large group of monsters could be waiting for them ahead. The party leader said to keep their guard up. The second smell was really troubling him. Not just because it smelled worse than the sewer but it could be something bad. They party reached the bottom floor going inside the entrance.
It got dark for a moment, but it got lit by the torches in the area. This was strange, it looked more like a dungeon than a sewer. The party saw so many bones scattered all over. Victims of the Orc army or maybe the source of that horrible stench that it was stronger than sewer they were currently in. Sorceress used her magic to create four more skeleton servants to increased their numbers. Looks like she wasn't the only one with the bad feeling. Elf and Beastmaster were alerted at the coming presences, they warned everyone. The group was surrounded by a large group of Orcs and goblins. Looks like they were waiting for them. Just like Jaune thought, this is an ambush. A sudden bang noise caught their attention as someone new arrived. Eyes widened in shock at the appearance of the creature. Different from the ones they have fought so far and it seems it was going to be tougher to beat.
It was a combination of a man and a bull. Very tall probably passing eight feet. Another creature the Arc hasn't seen in the guild's monster book. Another new entry to be added. It was holding a big double bladed axe, as intimidating as Amazon's. Beastmaster immediately cast endurance beyond endurance and strength beyond strength on the party. This was going to be a long fight. Sorceress aided her casting protection, then she followed casting blizzard and ice prison. Freezing the goblins and Orcs, her skeleton servants started attacking them while they were frozen. However, the spells weren't going to last. Even with Elf and Amazon aiding them. Jaune cried out to take them out before facing the big humanoid before them. Not like it was going to stand there and do nothing. The Minotaur started dusting the ground with one if it's legs. The blond knight knew what was coming.
"Everyone SPREAD OUT!"
Like a raging bull the humanoid went to a mad charge. Everyone from the party managed to get out of the way but the freezing goblins and Orc were all destroyed. This thing didn't care if it kills enemies or allies. It was out of control, making it more dangerous. There were still more enemies around and another group of Orcs came from the entrance to the sewer. They were outnumbered. The Arc didn't had a choice he will stick with his original plan. Take out the lackeys first while avoiding the large humanoid. But the Arc wasn't letting it go do another charge so he chose to face the creature on his own. Amazon will do better killing the rest helping the skeleton servants and the others. They needed reduced their numbers to focus on the Minotaur after. It was about to do another charge but Jaune stopped with a few quick slashes. It swing it's axe but the blond dodged it. It was big and strong but his movements were slow, giving him an advantage over the creature.
Jaune went to strike it's chest with fast thrust, followed by the stomach. No surprise it was still standing it was that tough. It jumped making the Huntsman used his shield to protect him from the shock wave when it landed on the ground. He charged it for a stronger attack but this time, the humanoid blocked it. Going for a counter attack, the blond knight blocked it with his shield. Samuel and Roland taught him to never underestimate the enemy, no matter the size or the speed of it's movements. But if it was slow attacking with that axe, he will kept on attacking it with quick strikes. This thing does looked like it was hard to kill. The Arc kept on dodging it's axe attacks and charging in with a counter with stronger thrusts. Hearing the cries of his party members the blond gasped gazing behind. It wasn't looking good for the ladies, there were just too many.
The four females were starting to looked exhausted even Amazon. That wasn't all, some of them have gotten hit by the monsters. They have been wounded by the Orc's brute strength. The four skeleton servants have been defeated. Elf couldn't fired a single arrow so she stick with close range using her daggers. Beastmaster was beyond pissed because they killed the Dragonlisk she just recently tamed. The blond knight was worried this was the first time he was seeing his party tired and wounded. There was no time for them to drink a heal potion because they were surrounded. If this keeps up, they weren't going to make it. Growling he blocked another attack of the Minotaur before running off to help his companions. It wasn't going to end like this, they will survive and return home. Jaune charged killing Orcs and goblins left and right. He quickly threw a heal potion to each of his members.
"I will keep them busy, just hurry up!"
He bought them enough time to drink the healing potions. But the bull humanoid was not done even if it was wounded. It went for another made charge while Elf shoot power shot and impact arrow skills. It wasn't enough to stop it in it's tracks. It was Amazon in her berserk status that went to try and attack the Minotaur head on. She was hurt, but that wasn't going to stop her. Unfortunately she got rammed by the beast as she lost her axe. Jaune glared, there were still too many monsters present and the bull humanoid wasn't making thins easier. If he doesn't come up with something they, might not make it. Beastmaster was still fighting hard, Sorceress cast petrification turning a couple of Orcs to stone, Elf used elemental lore as more monsters were getting killed. The Minotaur gave another raging charge as this time went straight at the humanoid. The blond readied his shield while focusing his aura. This time, he was going to stop it no matter what.
"Jaune! No!" they shouted.
"Crap…." Amazon glared feeling her body aching she needed to help him.
It's sharp horns were aiming at the Arc as he cried out charging with shield. A loud crash echoed through the dungeon sewer. The party members were all shocked that their leader was able to stopped the mighty creature. The horns were crashing with the shield as the blond knight used all of his strength to push it back. And he did it. One push as the Minotaur was open for an attack. The Huntsman slashed it more while smacking its face with his shield. Suddenly the humanoid wasn't happy as it got so angry it was emerging a strange energy. Similar to Amazon's berserk status skill. Jaune was shocked, how can it do that. That means it was stronger than before, not good. He ordered his party to take some strong draught because they were going to need it. The bull human went for another charge in its power up status. As Beastmaster cast her buffs again. The others in the party spread out to evade the powerful ram attack.
"Take cover!"
The group saw four bombs being thrown in their way. They ran off as the explosions were able to killed quite the number of Orcs and goblins. They weren't that many left but, the Minotaur was still standing. They turned to the source of whoever threw those bombs. Jaune's eyes widened recognizing the person that just arrived. It was that pirate woman who bumped into him back in town. What was she doing here. She was holding her curved sword while a pistol in another hand. She yelled at them that it wasn't over yet. Jaune brought his focus back to the bull humanoid. He told his party to finish off the remaining Orc forces and told the pirate woman to give them a hand. She didn't like it but she will help them, just this one time. Specially when she knew they were in trouble and needed the aid. The Arc faced the creature as he changed Crocea Mors to great sword mode. He was determined to finish it off for good.
Another charge and again the Huntsman used his aura to boost his defense. His great sword wounded the head between it's horn as it gave a cry of pain. It was now swinging its axe uncontrollably. That was a sign the wound he gave him was vital. Now that it has lost any focus he will take his chance to attack it. Turning to his party they were almost done defeating what remains of the Orcs since the goblins were all killed by now. He blocked the swings of the Minotaur, the Arc performed a barrage of attacks on its legs. Then the chest, and face. The humanoid was so angry raising the axe high with such force to cut anyone in half. The blond knight has rapidly stabbed the middle of it's chest. It was no longer moving as so much blood was spilled. Jaune removed his bloody weapon thinking it was dead. He turned away before the Minotaur gave a loud growl ready to cut him down. Before its head got two shots and falling down and its axe fell stabbing his stomach.
"You should have made sure it was dead. A foolish mistake" the pirate woman was pointing her gun that had smoke coming from it, she was the one that finish it off.
"It's dead now" the blond nodded seeing the body of the humanoid on a pool of it's own blood.
"We're finally done here" Amazon was still not happy she wasn't able to help her leader.
"They were quite stubborn. I admit their ambush plan was impressive" followed Beastmaster.
"This was truly a hard battle" said Elf.
"Thanks" Jaune walked closer to his party gazing at the pirate woman.
"Don't misunderstand my intentions. I didn't do it for any of you. I was captured by these brute beasts and kept in one of the lower floors of the fortress. Broke out and wanted payback. That is all."
"You still helped us either way. We would have been in a whole lot of trouble if you hadn't shown up."
The female pirate didn't replied as sheathed her gun and sword. As the Arc gazed at her the feeling was back again. She was really one of the chosen heroes. Since she saved them might as well making introductions.
"I'm Jaune Arc. This is my party, Elf, Amazon, Beastmaster and Sorceress."
"We are in your debt" the witch gave a bow to the pirate woman.
"You're not going to stop even if I tell you I didn't intended to help your party? How annoying."
"And you are?" said the blond knight.
"Anna Bonnie."
"Pleased to meet you Anna."
"You guys all right?" the blond knight asked his party.
"A few bruises but we'll managed" replied Sorceress.
Beastmaster walked over to the dead Dragonlisk, she teared up. She just recently tamed the creature and it was already gone. And she was looking forward to send it back to her tribe. The blond leader saw this and went to the dark elf trying to console her. She only nodded, no need to say words. He was just being caring and concerned for her well being and she appreciates it. She was slowly opening up to this human.
"Is there a way out of here?" asked Amazon.
"This could be a way out. I feel air coming through" said Elf.
Jaune went to the wall the elven archer was checking. There was a sewer vent. This could definitely be a way out. Amazon told the two to stand back and she used her brute strength to smashed the wall, creating a big hole.
"Are you insane?!" snapped Anna" what if you have caused a caved in burying all of us alive?!"
"But I didn't" the female warrior didn't sounded happy for some reason.
"Let's finally leave this place. We have what we came here for" said the blond leader.
The party carefully entered with weapons drawn. There could be more monsters and that it was dark wasn't helping either. Sorceress lit the small flame from her staff to illuminate the place. It seemed like a tunnel that was one way, so they kept going forward. They found another chest as the buffed woman broke the lock showing more loot and a sword. Jaune unsheathed the sword and it was quite the blade. It seem like it was bran new. There was something carved at the bottom of the blade near the hilt, Javleen. Must be the name of the owner of the sword so, the blond took it.
Elf and Beastmaster have suddenly reacted as they were able to hear many cries from afar. They warned the group about it, but they sounded human and young, really young. Like kids. This got Jaune's attention as they resumed traveling the dark tunnel. Soon, everyone else could hear the cries. It sounded like so many kids. The blond ordered everyone to haste. It could be a trap but they still needed to make sure. And both elves confirmed the cries are human. When they arrived there were so many cells. Inside of them were children, young probably from six to ten years old. They were shocked to see kids in such a horrible place.
"What in the world is this?!" spoke the shocked Jaune.
"A dungeon" replied Sorceress.
"Why are they keeping human children?" followed Beastmaster.
"So I wasn't the only one that got captured" said Anna.
"Is that…." one of the kid in tears gazed through his cells" you're people...Are you here to set us free?"
"Please, I don't want to be here any longer I miss my mommy and daddy!"
"I'm scared!"
"Get us out of here!"
"I don't want the monster to eat me!"
"All right everyone, calm down!" said the Arc staring at all the kids" we will get you out of here but we need you to stay quiet. There could still be Orcs here."
Amazon volunteered to break all the locks from the cells as the children left in a hurry. In tears and now in pure relief. The party took noticed at how dirty they were and their clothes. Looks like they've been here for a while.
"Why were you all kidnapped?"
"It was the monsters…." said a little boy.
"The Orc army?" said Elf.
"They came to our village and demanded to our parents to let them have us. Otherwise they would destroy the village and kill everyone."
"I find that hard to believe" spoke Anna" Orcs are irrational creatures. They act on pure instinct, not the very bright kind. Why would they even negotiate in the first place?"
"She does have a point" Beastmaster agreed with the female pirate.
"You're not saying everything!" scolded a little girl" the monsters, the Orcs they weren't alone. They were being lead by a person. He was covered in a hood so we couldn't see his face. He was the one who made the negotiations with our parents. He said he will spare everyone in the village if they willingly handed us to him."
"A man in a hood?" the Arc stood in thought.
"Now it makes sense. They were being lead by someone who is probably smarter" followed the female pirate.
"Could this person be the one in charge of the Orc army?" said the witch.
"We can save this for later. Right now, let's take the children out of here first" sad the blond knight.
"Should we head back, then?" asked Amazon.
"No, that's not safe. We'll be putting the children in danger."
"Why were you humans kidnapped?" asked the dark elf.
"They man in the hood…." replied the same girl" he said we are supposed to be an offering to the Minotaur. He feeds on children…." she gulped while the rest of the kids trembled in fear.
"That thing eats children?!" the elven archer was shocked.
"Well, you guys don't have to worry about the Minotaur anymore. We already took care of it" smiled the Arc assuring everyone it was going to be all right.
"Is there a way to leave the fortress without taking the long route?" asked Anna.
"There is!" said the girl as she pointed to the wall further ahead" that wall, it can be moved."
"A secret passage?" said the dark elf.
"Leave it to me" said the buffed woman.
The Amazonian started pushing the wall but nothing happened. She kept using her strength but nothing happened. She got upset using her weapon ready to smash it before Jaune stopped her.
"I don't think breaking it it's the answer, this time. I am worried we might cause a cave in and it just won't be us that will get caught, but the kids too."
Amazon nodded still not feeling happy for a reason.
"What do you mean the wall can be moved?" asked Sorceress.
"I saw it, I wasn't seeing things. I remembered that hooded man moved it...Wait, he didn't moved it with his hands. He used something to open it…."
"What? What did he used?" asked Jaune.
"I don't know. It was so dark I could barely make it up what it was. I'm sorry"
"It's all right" smiled the busty witch.
"I saw it!" said another little boy" he had like some sort of stone and a wand. And he also touched something in the wall with that wand."
The party were still confused at the boy's words except for the witch like she had an idea what it is. But Jaune was shocked in realization. He walked over closer to have a better look at the wall. There were some strange marks, or symbols on it. Two of them. Blue eyes widened again.
"There will be times when you will need more than one rune stone to activate the magic. But most of the times the sacred symbols are marked in places when you least expect. You will have to keep your eyes open for them. Here's a list of some of the usual symbols you might encounter in your travels."
Lucain's words were still in his head" these marks...They must be sacred rune symbols, which means…."
The Arc immediately has taken the green rune stone the magician gave him. Taking the small wand he did exactly what he told him. He touched the stone with the wand as it was glowing in gold. This caught the attention of his party and the children. He followed with touching the two symbols on the wall. Now they were all glowing in gold. He will know if it worked. There was a rumbling sound as the wall started moving down, revealing the secret passage.
"You did it!" said the girl" that's exactly how the hooded man opened it!"
"I see you were able to learned how to use rune activation magic. Lucain taught you well" Sorceress smiled at the blond leader.
"There's our way out" he smiled to everyone.
As everyone left heading deeper into the secret massage. One of the wizards saw the whole thing and vanished.
After minutes of walking through the secret passage, they saw a light at the end of the tunnel. They were finally out of Bilbaron seeing the bright sun and beautiful fields. The children cheered hailing the party as their heroes. Then so many stomach roared like a wild beast. Obviously they were hungry. Sorceress smiled using her spell of create food and made enough for everyone. After everyone ate and they were feeling better the big question came. Where would they take all of these children. They said they were from the same village and one of them gave it away. It was Chrisa, a small village northeast. Luckily for party Jaune had his trusty map and knew where to go. It will take a few hours to reach it on foot. So the group decided to take the kids back to their home. They needed someone to look out for them in case they run into any monsters. Besides, it didn't hurt to do a good deed even if it wasn't part of their original objective from the quest.
Anna was feeling a bit tired after all the traveling she did. Then everything to hell when she got captured by those Orcs and thrown into a cell at Bilbaron. She got out but she wasn't expecting to run into adventurer's. Guess she was lucky knowing she wouldn't have last against the Minotaur and that group of Orc and goblins. After seeing the children she was glad they were able to save them. It won't hurt if she accompanies the group until they reached the kids home village. Jaune noticed her coming with them and smiled. Glad to have her with them. Now how to convince her to join his party. She was a chosen hero he needed her in his group. The Arc will have to talk to her and try not persuade her. Everyone in his party chose to joined him on their own free will. He wasn't sure if she was a member of the guild either. If she's really a pirate then, she must have her own crew and ship.
Jaune decided not to think about it anymore. Guess he can talk to her when they reached Chrisa. The journey to the village didn't turned out to be as peaceful as they thought. They party did ran into some monsters along the way. But they were just weaklings like giant flies, scorpions and some bandits. Nothing too dangerous so it became safe. They were able to protect the children from any signs of danger. Hours later, they saw a village in the distance. Hearing the children cheering loudly was a clear yes they arrived at the right place. It couldn't be helped they started running to the place catching the attention of it's residents. Seeing their sons and daughters again just when they thought they would never see them again. They were in tears running to them. The party stood watching the emotional reunion of families. It made Jaune remembered the reason why he chose to become a Huntsman.
It brought back memories from Remnant. Memories he will never forget. The children told their parents that they were saved by these people. Along with defeating the Minotaur and the Orc army. The villagers immediately hailed the party as heroes. Wanting them to give them a great welcome to their place. They were currently cheering for them. After the praise them, it was hard to leave. Not like they were giving them a choice. They wanted them to stay and give them a hero's feast. Since they were here, they will make the best of it. So the party accepted the generosity of the villagers. So the party ate, freshen up and had a few drinks with the people. Turns out Amazon out bested every men in beer drinking. She can really hold her alcohol. They rested until the sun went down. The Arc wanted to return to the capital before dark, looks like that wasn't happening.
Jaune woke up in the middle of the night. He was still feeling embarrassed the owners of the night let him and his party spent the night free of charge. They had plenty of gold to pay for a week's stay. But the owners insisted because they were so grateful for having their son and daughter back safe and sound. The others must still be resting peacefully. The Arc was worried at that fight, his party was hurt and exhausted. Even if they took healing potions he came so close to losing them. If Anna hadn't shown up when she did who knows what would have been the outcome. Another lesson to learned. There will be more monsters stronger than the Minotaur in their future travels. That's why he needed to continue training, get better and stronger. He was sure his party feels the same way. The blond knew he wasn't going to be getting any sleep for now, so he decided to leave the room.
The Huntsman needed some fresh air to get his mind from all problems. So the quest was a succeed. They got the attack plans from the Orcs as well as a nice sword. Hoping this will be enough to convince Count Dean. The man was pushed to a corner by the Prime Minister. It was probably the same with the royal council. As the Arc left the inn he noticed someone by the small stair case of the inn building. It was Anna, the young woman was sharpening her sword with a stone. Didn't seemed like she was tire in the least. This could be a good chance to try and talk to her. Maybe know more about her. When he first met her at the capital, there was anger in her eyes. But there was something else hiding, sorrow. Has she been through a bad experience. He couldn't tell and he didn't wanted to know if she didn't wanted to say anything. The pirate has noticed him as she stopped sharpening her blade.
"Shouldn't you be resting?"
"I want to get some fresh air when I saw you."
"And you took your chance to spy on me while you're here?"
"No. I just saw you. Why would I be spying on you?"
"You were staring at me for more than a minute."
"Damn, she's good…."
"You're not those kind of men who enjoy watching women in the distance so they can take their time to have their ways with them?"
"Not in the least. I'm actually glad to see you" he walked over to her.
"And now you want to get with me, is that it mate?"
"No. I had no intention of doing such thing. Why do you have think that way? I understand that most men are scum and perverts. But that's not me."
"It's your loss then" she shrugged her shoulders.
"Seriously. I can't tell if she's being sarcastic or honest" he sweat dropped.
"Why are you here?" her tone sounded normal now.
"Can't sleep. It's been a long day."
"Can't argue with you. Fighting the Orc Army and that thing that smelled worse than rotten fish rotten shrimp."
"Heh, I guess you will know. You are a pirate."
"You think so? I could have stolen this clothes from a real pirate and killed him."
"I don't think so. Just by looking at you, your eyes say a lot. Those are your clothes. You are a pirate, a captain right?"
Anna has quickly taken her sword pointed the blade to his neck, shocking the blond knight. Her reaction time was fast, not as fast as Elf. But still, fast. He didn't reacted because he wasn't expecting it. Lowering his guard, Samuel and Roland told him many times to always keep his guard up. No matter the situation. Even if he was among friends. But then again, the pirate woman wasn't his friend. Not yet, anyway.
"Just by looking at me? If you hadn't mentioned my eyes. I would have slice your throat. Don't let your eyes wander where they shouldn't mate."
Jaune blushed knowing what she was talking about. Her cleavage it was very hard not to gaze at it. She was the one with her white shirt opened like that so everyone can have a free peep show at them. Then again considering the outfits his party are wearing. Two with bikini armor and a witch with a massive rack with the perfect view of her cleavage. Elf was the only one who was dressed decently.
"So, why are you here?"
"Same as you. Not feeling like hitting the sack yet" she resumed sharpening her sword.
The blond knight decided to get seated in the stair case with her. Gazing at the village, it was really pretty. Chrisa may be small but it had it's own defense force in case they get attack by monsters. Also they would hired members of the Adventurer's Guild every now and then to patrol their streets. That's what the innkeepers told him. The royal guards couldn't be dispatched for such a task. That was the difference between the guild and the royal guard. The guards' only responsibility is to defend the capital city of. Any villages or settlements outside were out of their jurisdiction. But the guilds have a responsibility to protect everyone in the capital city and beyond. The whole territory of Hydeland.
"Anna. Thanks again for helping us back there. I don't want to think what would have happen if you have never showed up."
"You're a strange one, you know that? I made myself clear I didn't do it to save you or your party. It was for myself, pay back for those bloody bastards. They thought they could captured me and get away with it. Nobody does that to me without paying a price. No one."
"And I will say again you still helped us whether those weren't your intentions. You saved me, you saved us. I will still thank you."
"Mate, you're starting to annoy me with your...Stubbornness."
"I will call it kindness or generosity. I am in your debt."
"You're not gonna stop, aren't ya?"
"I already said my thanks. You fought well too."
"Gotta know your way around in a fight if you want to survive these lands. Sometimes the land itself can be deadlier than the treacherous sea" her eyes narrowed for a moment.
"What are your plans now?"
"Hoping to get sleepy hit the sack and, drift off to Davy Jones locker."
"Who's locker?" Jaune blinked not having a clue what she was talking about.
"First time meeting a pirate mate? It is how we talked. Try to get used to it."
"Okay. But I was wondering what will you do after you go to sleep?"
"Probably take a bath or before. Then leave first thing in the morning. My journey hasn't ended yet."
"Where are you heading off to?"
"That is none of your business."
"Just being nice. Maybe we can help you get there."
"Not gonna happen mate" she chuckled" you want me to join your merry band of ladies?"
"I wouldn't mind. But if you don't want to, it's okay. I won't oblige you. I would still help you get to wherever you want to go. Maybe my party and I have already been there."
"You're truly a strange one. Too nice it's giving me a headache."
"You sure it wasn't the beer you had earlier?" he grinned.
And she chuckled in return" no. I can hold my alcohol a whole lot more than men."
Jaune gave a nod he wouldn't mind seeing a drinking contest between Amazon and her. He got up as he was feeling tired now. The blond also needed to wake up earlier to head back to the capital city.
"Guess I better get back and hit the sack. Guess I'll be seeing you tomorrow."
"Doubt it. I might leave before you wake up. I'm an early riser."
"Okay. But Anna" he turned to the pirate woman" if you ever need help. We'll be at the Adventurer's Guild in the capital of Hydeland. I still have to repay you for saving us."
"I told you already…Ugh never mind. Leave already" she went back to sharpening her sword.
"Good night" with that the Arc went back to the inn.
Anna stopped for a moment gazing at the entrance to the inn. She stood in deep thought. All the men she has met were truly scumbags, greedy and perverted. There was a big exception and she knew it. But this one, she didn't know what to say or think of him.
"Jaune Arc. Really a strange one."
To be continued
-I decided to add the children from the Labyrinth fan art to make the story more interesting. I know they're suppose to be six but I decided to add more.
-I always believed the Orc army had outside help when they took over Bilbaron.
-I decided to give Anna a Brittish accent and her VA it has to be Rachel Robinson in her Fang voice from FFXIII. I love Fang so much and her voice and attitude is awesome. Anna is suppose to be a bad ass character.
-Replying to reviews:
*Messiah of authors- glad to meet another Dragon Prince fan season 3 has been the best so far. And guess what they even confirmed a LGBT ship the mute woman and the sun fire elf it has better development than Bumblebee lol.
*Wolfpackersson09- no problem.
*Abyss Trinity- thanks I will check it out.
*TheEmeraldMage- always happy with your constant support and I said I will be changing Anna's story from what the fan art says.
*ZGMF-X13A Providence- I don't think Vivian will be joining the harem I already has someone for her. Won't say anything.
*shinigamisama455- thank you very much for the information I will consider it.
*Warmaster Koss- Tiki and Vivian won't be in the harem he already has enough hot women. And I don't think I will be giving them names since they don't have them in actual canon. It's like Goblin Slayer, the main character is called Goblin Slayer the Priest is called Priest, High Elf Archer is called High Elf Archer etc.
*An25- thank you for the constructive criticism I know my grammar sucks.
*Gabriel443- me intereso mucho el personaje de Anna creo que tiene mucho potencial y debebrian anadir la clase de pirata en el juego.
-As always thank you very much for the favs, follows and reviews I really appreciate it.
Next time: I am the Storm