Disclaimer: I don't own RWBY and Dragon's Crown they are the rightful property of RoosterTeeth, Atlus and Vanillaware.

Italics are thoughts

Bold and Italics are flashbacks

Chapter 19 The Lost Woods

(Location: a mile away from the Lost Woods Kingdom of Hydeland)

After almost a week of traveling by horse the party finally made it to their destination. They stopped to let the animals drink some water letting them rest. They have earned it after a long trip. It was Jaune's choice to be a mile away from the Lost Woods. He has heard a lot about it from Lucain, Samuel and Sorceress. The name says it all, it's considered to be the largest forest in the kingdom. Anyone that travels there chances were pretty high they will end up lost, never finding a way out. So they will die of hunger or killed from the monsters that prowl the woods. Just another quest for the party. They needed to find the hermit a former acquaintance of Lucain. He was the only one with solid knowledge on the ancient dragon. They needed to know more about the enemy but the dragon was the least of their worries. Not with Morneon and the Hell Evangelists out there.

Once they have traveled further in the road the Arc ordered Elf to go ahead and some scouting. The archer nodded using her speed and agility, to climb trees and make long jumps. The blond did the same before entering the forest that surrounded the Mage's Tower. It was a wise move to scout and see what they were up against. The Lost Woods were probably more dangerous and unpredictable. It wasn't an ambush, that's why they needed to be prepared. The Huntsman asked Sorceress if the forest has anything to do with magic. She replied there is no indication of magic. It's due to the forest large length that anyone can lose all sense of direction. The Witch said she can cast a directional spell to keep going the right path. This hermit really chose the perfect place to hide from anyone. Not like he was a dangerous threat or anything but why live such an isolated life.

Jaune has suddenly spaced out as his surroundings have turned black. His party members were gone as one person stood before him. Blue eyes widened gazing at the young woman he met at the capital. Eras, was her name if he remembers. The mysterious beauty that saved him from becoming a potential client to the whores of the upper district brothel. But she couldn't be real, it was all a dream. The woman smiled at him as she extended her had to him. The blond knight was going to do the same. Her red eyes were glowing as her smile changed into a grin. Whispering his name, that he belongs to her. To obey her, his eyes were glowing too. The Huntsman was brought back to reality staring at Sorceress and Beastmaster who seem to be worried. Before he could reply, Elf arrived ready to give her report.

"Any enemies?" he snapped back to reality.

"Some Wood Golems and saber tooths. The visibility is very poor."

"What do you mean?" this got the Arc's attention.

"The entire forest is covered by a thick mist."

"Mist?" Sorceress stood in thought" that is unusual. In this part of the land there shouldn't be any conditions for a mist the temperature is warm in this region. It's not natural unless, this is done by magic."

"Someone is probably expecting us to come here" said the dark elf.

"More trouble for us" Amazon was always ready not expecting things to get easy.

"The Hell Evangelists most likely. Bloody wankers aren't going to let us be" replied Anna.

"They know we're looking for the hermit, somehow I'm not surprised. Let's stay in formation and closer than usual. With the mist, it will a whole lot easier to get lost" said the party leader.

Everyone has suddenly turned to Virna. The female bandit was trembling. Oh boy, here it goes again. If it's not her greedy nature it's her cowardice.

"What is it now?"

"That place doesn't look like there's treasure. So I will sit this one out."

"What if there is?" said the Amazonian.

"Not gonna risk it. I have to be alive to continue searching for treasure. There will be no point if I'm dead. I'm out."

"Amazon" Jaune knew what to do.

The buffed woman hit the bandit on the back of her head, knocking her out. The female warrior was now carrying her.

"Sorry for making you do this."

"Someone has to. Virna is annoying anyway."

"I'll use the locator spell to prevent us from getting lost" Sorceress made the tip of her staff glow.

"Everyone stay behind Sorceress. We move together."

With caution the party walked into as they were able to see the forest covered in the mist. Definitely work of magic, someone must have used a spell in order to separate them. Having them apart was a good strategy knowing their strength is in their numbers and teamwork. As they entered the mist, it was really too thick. They could barely see themselves, or their own hand. Jaune kept talking to make sure his party members were still with him. It was working at first, but the minutes went by and eventually the Arc was getting distance from the others. He called to them and their voices sounded so far. Until he couldn't hear them anymore. Great, this is what he wanted to prevent and it happens so quickly. Someone has touched him and he has about to strike, an enemy. If he was separated, he was on his own. The monsters in the woods will take advantage of this situation.

"It's me Jaune!"

"Elf" he sighed in relief lowering Crocea Mors" I'm sorry, I can barely see you."

"Me too. Our eyes won't work here but my hearing is still sharp. It's the same with Beastmaster. I'll make sure enemies don't get close."

"It's good to have you. Do you know where to go?"

"Without Sorceress, I'm as lost as you. Do you think we should move or stay?"

The Huntsman stood in thought. Both options were bad. If they stay, they will be sitting ducks. If they go, most likely they will encounter monsters. Not to be negative but he wasn't counting in finding the others so easily. Calling out to them was dangerous too. Because they will be attracting attention from the monsters. They were in a real bind. The blond took the archer's hand telling her to lead the way. She nodded as her cheeks got red. Elf might not be able to see either but she can hear footsteps from far away. She might be able to recognize the others from their party. By now she has memorized their step patterns. After traveling so long with them, it was very easy to tell the difference. Most importantly she didn't minded having Jaune holding her hand. He can be holding her hand forever for all she cares for.

Jaune was once more seeing things, he couldn't see Elf's hand just that woman. Maybe it wasn't a dream and he did met her. But what happened after talking at the outskirts of the capital. The elven archer told him something but he didn't listened. Because Eras was on his head. She was right there before him. Her hands on his face, her eyes glowing. Something felt off as her lips connected with his. It was like losing conscious he could hear her voice. Blue eyes glowed red for an instant, they narrowed at the person holding his hand. Without warning he swung his sword as the archer dodged. The Arc didn't stopped striking in every direction shocking Elf. She dodged but it's like he was able to see through the thick mist. But why was he doing this.

"Jaune, stop!"

"Kill her...No mercy for your enemies" Eras voice ran in his head.

The Huntsman kept on attacking while the elven girl didn't know what to do, just to keep dodging.

"What are you doing?! It's me!"

She refuse to attack him as she blocked an incoming strike with her bow. It was so strong she dropped it. The elven archer dodged and blocked with one of her daggers. She was scared but most of all, she was worried. Why was he attacking her. There was no way Jaune would ever do such a thing to no one. Specially the members of his party. The girl could feel it that he wasn't himself. Was the mist doing this. Sorceress said the mist was the work of magic, it could be having an effect on him. She was an elf so it probably only effect human. But Amazon, Anna and Virna seemed fine. It could be something more than just the mist.

"Jaune please!" she kept on blocking his strikes with her dagger" don't do this!"

The knight got closer and she was able to have a look at his face. His beautiful blue eyes filled with life were empty, emotionless. No doubt he was being controlled by magic just like princess Vivian. But it wasn't a necklace powered by a ring. This was stronger even if her knowledge on magic lacks compare to the witch of the group.

"Maybe I can bring him back by reasoning with him. I have to try."

"Jaune look at me! Someone is making you do this, someone wants you to hurt me! You would never do that!"

"Don't listen to her Jaune, she's trying to deceive you. She's your enemy. Everyone from the party is your enemy. Kill them."

"Fight it! You're stronger than that!"

The Arc used his shield to attack as the archer dodged. It was so hard to move around where she could hardly see. That must be the purpose of the mist. Jaune under a mind control spell can seep perfectly through it. Whoever is responsible is very clever.

"You will never hurt people that mean you no harm. I'm your friend and loyal companion. I cast aside my pride as an elf in exchange for your faith and trust. You have taught me that humans can be very kind and brave. That not all of them are bad and wants to cause harm. Remember the archery lessons?"

"…..…."

"You do remember. You weren't that good its better for you to stick with a sword and shield."

The blond knight stood still as he was fighting the magical power.

"Don't listen to her, you obey only me. She's the enemy, attack her!"

"Jaune…?" Elf tried to get closer to him.

The Huntsman went for a strike as it threw away the dagger. Not giving the elven archer time to reach for another one. She was pushed hard by his shield as she hit something hard. A tree obviously. His sword hit the tree, a few inches away from her face. Was this it, she was going to die by the one human she cares so much in the world. She was tearing up, not like this. She needed to keep trying, she was able to reach out to him for once she can do it again.

"Jaune...You are the best thing that ever happened to me" now she was speaking from the heart" my life changed for the better when I met you. You're a human, but a human I have come to care so much. You have no idea how much I care about you…."

The Arc removed the sword ready to pierce her head. The tears fell this was hurting her but she knew it was hurting him more.

"I love you…I don't care what my people say. I will follow my feelings."

"…."

"What are you doing, Jaune? Kill her!"

The Huntsman hasn't move meaning her words must have reached out to him. Elf wasn't going to wait for him to react as she pulled him closer. And kissed his lips passionately. Her first kiss ever, with a human. It was out of this world, so sweet, so alive. It's like she was walking in the air. Jaune was shocked feeling the magic power that was controlling fade away. He ended up collapsing breaking the kiss. The archer caught him before he landed on the ground. She sobbed smiling happy that she stopped him from doing something he will regret for the rest of his life.

Eras glared as she dismissed the image from her crystal ball" his will is stronger than I thought. Even with the elf words, he was still fighting my control the moment I possessed him. I suppose that is to be expected from the first chosen hero. I underestimated you, Jaune."

She used the crystal ball again showing Lima's face" we're leaving. We'll let your pet handle them."

"He's going to have so much fun!"

Elf saw the mist was starting to disappear. Looks like it must be the effect of her breaking the spell that was taking over her leader's mind. It was a possibility that both are connected. The archer was so relief when it cleared off. The blond was still unconscious as her cheeks got red remembering the kiss. She meant her words, she does have feelings for the Arc. At first, she thought it wouldn't be possible. She's an elf and he's a human. Her people said that human and elves don't mix, so any relationship between the two would be impossible. But she could care less what they say or think, she was more than happy the day she left the forest and explore the human world. Because, in doing so she met Jaune. Her thoughts were interrupted seeing the blond stirring. A smile spread her lips as she teared up, she offered her aid helping him on his feet.

"Are you okay, Jaune?"

"I...I have no idea, what just happened?"

The archer didn't know what to tell him. He won't be happy to know that he was being controlled to try and kill her. He'll be hurt and might try to blame himself. She would never want him to feel any pain or guilt. What to do, she was arguing with herself. Tell him or not. And by not telling him that will mean she will have to lie.

"Over here!"

Elf smiled seeing Amazon arriving with Beastmaster, Sorceress, Anna and Virna. Without the mist, it will be easy to find them.

"There you guys are. We were getting worried when we lost sight of you" said the female pirate.

"The mist spell was dispelled. The caster must have left or maybe, it's still around" said the witch.

"Are you both all right?" asked the dark elf.

"I'm fine" replied the archer.

"I'm okay, I think. I don't remembered much. What happened anyway?" said the Arc.

"I…." paused Elf not knowing if she should tell him.

"Did something happened when you got separated?" said the buffed woman.

"Jaune I...I'm sorry. You were brainwashed. You were under some kind of mind control spell."

"What?" the blond leader blinked in shocked" I don't remember anything."

"It's the side effect of being controlled. The princess didn't remembered much when she regain her conscious" said Sorceress.

"Elf, what happened?" he turned to the archer worried" did I do something bad?"

"You...You tried to kill me" she lowered her gaze.

Jaune along with the rest of the party were shocked.

"I didn't hurt you, right?!" he went to her worried panicking.

"Not that much, I was able to defend myself. But I managed to break the spell…." she blushed remembering the kiss.

"Can she do something like that?" asked Anna to the witch.

"Hm, it is possible. Jaune possesses a strong will, depending on how strong the caster's magic is he might have been able to break through. Elf's words might have helped him further."

"I did convinced him" she quickly replied while hiding her face under her hood, because she was blushing.

"Glad to have you back, mate."

"Yeah, but we're not done yet. We still have a quest to fulfill."

"We must find the hermit" Sorceress gave a nod.

The witch used her tracking spell to show them the correct path through the woods. The party eventually ran into enemies. The Wood Golems and Saber Tooth that Elf reported when she scouted the forest. Beastmaster immediately cast her beast craft magic taming the two Saber Tooth. The Wood Golems were disposed off easily. Jaune told the dark elf to bring Virna with her riding one of the felines. The other one will be alone, providing them back up. There were more Wood Golems ahead along with flying insects releasing a barrage of their sharp stingers. They cut through all the enemies while there was a chest near by making the female bandit's eyes to lit up. Just when she thought there won't be any treasure in this forest. She was wrong. Once all the enemies were taken out she got down from the Saber Tooth as she released the magic trap and the lock. She laughed evilly putting the loot in her bag.

The path ahead was leading up as it was getting a little tough for the group. Looks like they will have to climb up if they wanted to advance. It wasn't such a bad thing, if they can make it to the top they might have a better look at the Lost Woods. A vintage point will be very helpful. But Jaune wondered if the Saber Tooth will be able to make the climb. Not with Beastmaster by their side as they weren't haven't any trouble at all. The others were doing their best, as Sorceress used her levitation skill to get ahead of them. Very handy for this kind of situation. The witch's staff was still glowing the tracking spell was pointing in this direction. So they were going the right way. After an hour, everyone made it to the top. Elf and Beastmaster quickly noticed there was someone here, readying their weapons. The other followed, did it a monster followed them here.

The rest readied their weapons as there was someone behind them. The man wearing black garb with the bone head of an animal. This man didn't seemed like an enemy. Jaune immediately told his party not to attack. The stranger hasn't done anything, standing still in silence. If he was hostile he would have attack them by now. There was something about this older man. Talking was the wise thing to do before any careless moves. The man only made a move to step on the highest rock having a better view of these people. If he does a wrong move, Elf will put an arrow to his head, or Anna will fired her pistol at his head too. Sorceress was ready for a spell, ice prison will do. But something tells her this man was stronger than he looks. He might be in the same league as Lucain.

"This is a very rare sight. An elf, a dark elf, a witch, a pirate and a knight."

"Don't forget about me!" said Virna.

"A thief."

"A professional thief!"

"We're not your enemies" said Jaune" we're looking for someone."

"Someone, not something?"

"Are you the hermit?" said Sorceress.

"You won't be the first looking for me. I came here to be left alone from all kinds of trouble. The monsters don't come near me and I don't come near them. It has been like that for a long time. Until recently."

"Someone came before us?" the Arc got worried.

"The Hell Evangelists?" said Beastmaster.

"A witch, a powerful one. She asked me about the black rune stones. Wanting my knowledge about them."

"That will be them all right" followed Elf.

"It's safe to assume the followers of Morneon are responsible for the mist in the forest and Jaune being under their spell" said the witch.

"Did she had red eyes?" the blond leader could only think of Eras, that woman must be connected to the Hell Evangelists.

"No, she was small but looks can be deceiving. She might seem like a child but it's clear she's older than she appears. I destroyed my home before she could capture me and escaped."

Sorceress stood in thought wondering about this powerful witch. There was only one person she could think of and that couldn't be possible.

"We're here on Lucain's behalf. He wanted us to search for you because you might have important information that we may need. About the ancient dragon."

The hermit seemed to have calmed down after hearing his former friend's name. Looks like he won't have to defend himself or try to escape again after all.

"How's the old fool doing? I heard rumors he got killed."

"He did but, we brought him back."

"It was Wallace wasn't it? I knew the bastard couldn't be trusted. No matter how loyal he was to the king. He had the scent of a backstabber. I warned him and he didn't listened."

"Anyway. We also have a letter as evidence requesting your help."

The Arc handed the letter to the hermit magician as he took it calmly. He opened it and read it in thought, nodding at the content.

"It has the royal seal of the royal family. However, this is written by the princess of Hydeland. It's suppose to be written by the king to make it official. That is if he's no longer missing."

"The new king is unavailable for the moment" the blond leader didn't wanted to bring the whole thing with Dean.

"Bah, what do I care about the kingdom's affairs. I will still help you as long as you leave me be. The letter said the ancient dragon has been revived. That is not true. He can't be revived. He sleeps in the Illusionary Lands as a fossil. It's impossible to go there, much less awaken the dragon."

"Lucain has the black rune stones back. So it's safe to assume no one would ever enter the Illusionary Lands" said Sorceress.

"I don't know. That witch that came to me earlier wanted knowledge regarding them. As if she already has them in possession. But whatever" the hermit made a couple of books appeared.

"These are tomes about the ancient dragon if you wish to know more. I'm sure Lucain would want to read them."

"Thank you" the Arc immediately took them handing them to the witch of the group.

"Go that way to exit the forest" he used his cane pointing to east" no go. I want don't want to see any of you in my home ever again!" he vanished.

"He was a fun lad" Anna obviously being sarcastic.

"We got what we came here for, that's what matters" said Beastmaster.

"And we already know where to go to leave the forest" added Elf.

"Everything went well. Now we just need to go and return to the capital" said Jaune.

"We have to ensure Lucain reads these tomes as soon as possible" said Sorceress but she seemed troubled.

"Time to descend this mountain" said Amazon.

"We better find more treasure, this isn't enough!" Virna was staring at her loot bag, compared to how she usually fills it up.

"It's okay, as long as she doesn't act like a scary cat we can tolerate her" the Huntsman muttered to the Amazonian who was about to smack her again.

It took the party another to descend the mountain from the other side. Following the hermit's directions going east of the Lost Woods. They just needed to leave this place nd return to the capital now that they have the information needed on the ancient dragon. There were more good news from the hermit claiming that the dragon can't be revive and it's currently a fossil at the Illusionary Lands. But what was that part that the witch from the Hell Evangelist might have the black rune stones in her possession. They didn't got the chance to ask him since he left in a hurry. Advancing they met a giant nest of flying insects which the group immediately took it down to prevent more of them from emerging, disposing of the ones present. Virna opened another chest getting back to her good mood. Dismissing the thought of not wanting to come here. Sorceress checked her staff with the directional spell and they were going into the right direction as they entered a cave.

There were a few bones scattered as Sorceress was able to create to skeleton servants. A group of Bolga soldiers along with magicians. The party was a taken back to see them. This could prove right that the neutral kingdom could be working with the Hell Evangelists. The Saber Tooth killed the magic users before they could cast their spell while the rest got rid of the enemy knights. After the female bandit took the treasure from the chest the party resumed ahead, leading to some docks. There was a boat at the end. Looks like they were crossing they needed to cross this river to leave the forest. Beastmaster had to let the two Saber Tooth go. Their weight might be too much for the wooden boat to handle. The party boarded the boat with Virna being the one to do the roaming. She wasn't happy but she has to do something asides unlocking chests and doors.

The boat left the dock going through the river. This wasn't going to be a joyful ride. Not when the current has gotten strong that it was making it hard to roam. Jaune kept urging Virna to do her best to keep the boat steady to prevent from crashing to any sides of the cave. As if things couldn't get any worse there were whirlpools ahead. More than one in different directions of the river. The party wasn't happy with this turn of events. If the boat gets caught by one of them, the boat might get crushed. They weren't looking forward to swim their way and probably drowned in the process. It wasn't going to be enough to roam, they will have to do something. The Arc had an idea telling his party to try and shift their weight on a certain direction in order to move the boat. That way, they will be adding the female bandit. The group understood and follow his lead as they were approaching the first whirlpool.

It was working as they avoided it, and others more ahead. Virna was actually impressed by Jaune's way of thinking. If they keep this up they should be able to make it to the other side. The bandit could imagine the treasures awaiting for her to claim. But the party wasn't out of trouble yet as suddenly a killer fish emerged landing straight to the bottle. The Huntsman cut it in half as another emerged this time, it was Amazon who killed it. More killer fish were trying to annoy them or better yet, attempt at destroying the boat. Sadly it got worse as soon lizardmen were emerging from the water in a way to a surprise attack. It was killed along with the next four that came out. They were able to evade the whirlpools moving the boat while taking out the annoying enemies. Until they stopped and so did the whirlpools. Finally, a good sign. Virna spotted land ahead they finally make across.

The boat finally reached the shore of the cave as the party was more than happy to get off, touching land again. That journey was sure annoying as hell. They were hoping to find the way out of the forest soon. Sorceress skeleton servants appeared when she touched land. Since they were magical they can't join her in different types of transformation. The group resumed their walking going deeper into the cave. It was now well lit, the entire area was surrounded by beautiful crystals. Sorceress took a better look of these crystals as she used her staff to released some lightning. It crushed one of the pillars releasing many amethysts pieces. She put them all in one of her bags telling the party that they might come handy in the future. Virna ignored everything spotting a golden chest, this one must have a lot of loot. As expected it had not one but two traps, she disarmed them, releasing the lock.

The bandit was going crazy putting all the treasure in her bag. Who cares if it was getting heavy she lives and breathes for loot. No enemies around so the group decided to continue ahead of the cave. They encountered two Dragonlisks as Beastmaster cast her beat craft magic to tame them. The rest of the enemies were lizardmen. Thanks to the assist from their new allies it was easier to fight them off. Another chest, another one that Virna opened without a second thought. The party was done with this part as they resumed moving on. They didn't noticed they were being watched by a small bat, it's eyes glowing. Eras and Lima were watching their progress. The small witch was grinning evilly. They were getting closer to the location where she released her pet. That will be their end, she was looking forward to seeing it kill the group. Yet, Eras was in thought watching carefully.

It has suddenly gotten so dark. Sorceress had to lit a flame on her staff to provide the party some light. This could mean they were in the depths of the cave and maybe, they were closer to the exit. They really wanted to leave this place already. Jaune had that bad feeling, everything was going too well. They found the hermit, they got the good news that the ancient dragon can't be revived and they got the tomes regarding the powerful creature so Lucain can read them. The journey so far hasn't been that tough. This is why he highly thought something bad was bound to happen. Usually their luck will turn for the worse when they least expected. Elf and Beastmaster reacted warning the group. Something was here as they readied their weapons. The two Dragolisks accompanying tensed up too. Sorceress kept her skeleton servants in front of her. The two elves could sense it.

"Let's be careful. If it's around here, it will show up."

"It might try to ambush us" said Amazon.

They were wrong. Something appeared before them that shocked them so much. A creature with a unique physique. It was a large ball with a big eye with sharp fangs and six short tentacles, each had an eye on them. This was the last thing they were expecting. The appearance of this thing makes it so rare. They had no idea what it was. The Gazer made the first move casting a glyph below the party of a circle and an eye. They weren't unaware of it yet as the two Dragonlisks and skeletons charged attacking it. The eye ball creature countered with teleporting, missing their attacks. It reappeared above them with the eye glyph appearing too. Sorceress was about to cast blizzard or thunderhead, until her eyes widened in shock.

"I can't cast magic!"

"What?" Jaune turned to her shocked, her expression she wasn't kidding.

"Neither can I. I can't use my support spells!" followed Beastmaster.

"I can't use my elemental lore!" said Elf.

"What's going on? There's no way they will lose the ability to cast magic just like that" the blond leader gazed at the eye monsters then on the ground, he saw the eye glyph" what the heck is that?"

"Let's keep calm. Elf, Anna Amazon try attacking it from the back! The skelentons and dragonlisks will attack it on the front with me!"

"What should I do?" the witch was feeling so useless now.

"Stay in the back, for now. Keep Virna safe" he hated telling her think knowing he was hurting her feelings.

"You're letting no magic witch protect me?!" the female bandit was angry as she got hit in the head by said witch's staff.

Yet Sorceress nodded keeping a strong front. The Arc didn't wanted to say it to her face. Without her magic she will get in the way and will get hurt. Saying she's a liability will crush her. But she understood the blond leader's decision. She's a magic user, magic is her forte. Without it she was useless in battle. Her eyes fell down seeing the eye glyph and she stood in thought. That creature has something to do with it. It was her first impression.

Gazer cast fire that surrounded it. A very good offensive and defensive attack. Everyone dodged except for the skeletons that got burned to ashes. Must be the fact that without magic their defense must be too low. It teleported away again as it appeared not that far. It's tentacles fired some purple shine sparks that were following them. Jaune fixed that using aura on his shield, getting rid of all of them. He cried to the rest of his party to attack it. The Dragonlisks released their fire breath as Elf fired a volley of arrows, followed by a power shot one. Anna fired a couple of shots with her pistol and Amazon threw her axe right in the eye ball monster's face causing a lot of damage. This was the Arc's chance as he readied his aura attacking it with a combos of slashes, before it teleported again. Sorceress was still gazing at the ground, the eye glyph. The answer was so simple explaining why she couldn't cast magic.

"Everyone! This thing has the ability to nullify all magic. The glyphs on the ground is what makes the effect. As along as they're present we can't use magic."

Well, that explains why those glyphs were there. If it was true, then this was going to be an annoying fight. They have never heard of a monster that can negate magic. This was a new one. They will have to rely more on physical attacks. This thing was Sorceress worse enemy or any magic user. Sadly, the witch will have to stay out of this fight and just watch from the sidelines. The Gazer released fire from a tentacle creating a wall of fire. But it wasn't tall enough so the group was able to jump through it. It teleported again as it reappeared on the other side and fired a ray. Jaune blocked it with his shield and strong aura. This thing was sure full of surprises. Elf has coated her arrows with toxic extract firing poison ones. Maybe it will be effective on the eye ball monster, hoping it will make it slow it's movements. Gazer teleported away only to appeared right in the middle of Amazon and Anna.

Both the Amazonian and the pirate slashed it with their weapons stunning it. Elf followed firing her poison arrows, the dragonlisks released their fire breath from a safe distance. The blond leader changed Crocea Mors to great sword mode unleashing a strong barrage of attacks. The eye creature was hurt but not out, teleporting again. When it reappeared the thing was growing in size. It kept on growing shocking the party. They got an idea what it was planning to do. Like self destruct or maybe fire a powerful attack. Jaune called for everyone to fall back and get far away from it. It kept on growing, just how big it was getting. When the Gazer reached it's limit it fired a ray that went in all directions. The Arc immediately changed his weapon back, telling everyone to get behind him. Using his aura and shield, he was able to protect his party from an attack that could have probably kill them all on the spot.

Sorceress noticed whenever it teleport the eye glyphs vanished. But they will return as soon as it appears. Not giving her enough time to cast a spell. She was useless the way she is. Though the others weren't having that much trouble thanks to Jaune and his strength endurance, she still wanted to help. The Gazer appeared as it's big eye changed color from red to green, it was up to something. The creature got close and managed to bite the blond leader chewing him up. This shocked the witch and everyone else. The rest of the party attacked it making the giant eye ball to spit the blond out. Poor Jaune was covered in the monster's saliva, pretty gross. The fight resumed with the thing teleporting and reappearing releasing the fire shield attack, back and forth. It was getting smarter not wanting to risk getting hit again. It must mean it was hurt and it could fall with the next strikes.

The witch couldn't take it anymore. She needed to do something, she refuses to stay on the side lines and do nothing. While her companions were giving it their all against this unknown creature. There was only one thing on her mind that might help. It was still uncertain if it will work but at this rate, she has nothing to lose. Getting rid of the anti-magic glyphs was her priority. Ignoring Virna's muttering that she was scared out of her mind, the witch closed her minds trying to focus. Concentrating on her bloodline. This was any better time to give it a try. If she was able to use the power of black magic once, she can do it again. The first thing she needed to do is to remove any fears she has over it. She was born with it just like any other pure blood witch. The others were still having trouble hitting the Gazer because it keeps on teleporting again and again, it was annoying.

Sorceress thought of the power and the people that means a lot to her. Her leader and companions, the party and the guild. Her eyes snapped opened as they were black activating the black magic. She muttered a chant in the ancient witches tongue. The result the eye glyphs disappeared. The Gazer tried to cast them again but it couldn't. The witch cast blizzard, freezing it along with thunderhead. It was in big trouble, not having the time to teleport. Now, it was their chance to take it down. The creature got desperate as it went for it's strongest attack. It's body was growing bigger. Jaune called his party to attack it without holding back. That thing needed to die now, before it fires that powerful multi-directional ray. Everyone attacked it together plus the witches' spell have affected quite a lot. So many attack stunned it, until it was finally killed hitting the ground looking dead.

The group stood still not lowering their guard. It could be playing dead. That is, until it's body vanished into dust. That was enough to tell them that it was dead for good.

"That thing was bloody annoying" said Anna.

"And tough" added Elf.

"We did it together" smiled Jaune gazing at Sorceress.

"I guess this is a good start of learning how to use my bloodline."

"I'm starting to wonder if this was the only route out of the Lost Woods" said Beastmaster.

"I don't want to stay and find out. Let's get out of here already" replied Amazon.

"Yeah" the blond leader was able to see light at the end of the cave" let's finally leave and return to the capital. We still have to give Lucain the tomes on the ancient dragon."

The group resumed their walking as the bat stood not that far hanging upside down. It's eyes glowing watching everything.

"CURSE THEM!"

Lima Ray wasn't happy with the results of the fight. She was so angry her eyes turned black showing that she was also a pure blood witch. Her goblins servants were all scared taking a few steps back. It wasn't the first time she will get this upset. However, Eras stood in deep thought after watching the whole thing. Both were already far away from the Lost Woods.

"They're really strong. It's no wonder they defeated Warlock."

"Curse them! HOW DARE THEY KILLED MY PET?!"

"You only had it for like two days" countered the demon leader.

"It was still MY PET!"

"We're done here. They already have the research on the ancient dragon from the hermit which is irrelevant for us. We'll have to come up with a better plan next time. Anyway, let's go Lima."

"I DON'T TAKE ORDERS FROM YOU!" she snapped.

"Lima…."

The little witch gasped as her eyes returned to normal. Eras' eyes were glowing emitting a powerful dark aura that will send shivers to anyone's spine.

"Have you forgotten who brought you back? You swore your loyalty to Lord Morneon in order to repay your debt. Don't tell me you're getting second thoughts?"

"No, no! I was just angry at those chosen heroes for killing my pet honest. I will obey you!"

"You will obey Lord Morneon. Now come, we must report our failure to the master."

Eras disappeared as Lima sighed she made her servants vanished first before she followed shortly.

To be continued

-So Elf gets the honor of being second to kiss Jaune to break the mind control spell over him lucky elf.

-Things from here are going to get more interesting as the girls will get their chance to kiss their leader as well as entering the new saga of the talismans.

-Replying to reviews:

*Dracus6- I do have a rising of the shield hero crossover with RWBY but that's for the future.

*Saint Saber Fang- I've seen only a little of Tokyo Mirage sessions but not enough for inspiration sorry.

*TheEmeraldMage- always happy for the constant support and I already knew Cristina voices Sakura from Fate UBW.

*Abyss Trinity- thank you there will be more kisses to come.

*Chima Tigon- if you're talking about lemons yes I already repeated I will be doing those in the future.

*calderoneric758- actually it was Elf who helped him break through the mind control spell.

*azrael09876- Sorceress isn't cheap she also has her own morals but won't deny or hide her feelings for Jaune. It's natural she would kissed him because of his concern for her.

*Guest- don't know if you're being sarcastic but I love Jaune's character more than Naruto who is too OP for my taste. I have said in the past Jaune has so much potential to become strong without the need to turn him into a Gary Sue or OP character. Also I'm straight so I would never suck Miles dick. I'd rather do Kara Eberle (Weiss) or Arryn Zech (Blake) or a threesome only in my perverted dreams lol.

*Chaos- I am planning on continuing the story before summer it's been a slow update but I will get there eventually.

*Gabriel443- gracias

-As always thank you very much for the favs, follows and reviews I really appreciate it.

Next time: The Talismans