Chapter 2: Left Behind

Their was a young warrior. He ventured throughout the land to spread justice and protect those who could not fend for themselves. It was said he was pure in heart like no other. However, every saint has their breaking point. In his years of travel he came across a women. Releasing her from captivity the two began to travel together. They fell in love.

With a cruel twist of fate, their dreams of a family and a life of love was taken. Everything has a price. Their love cost the young warrior his life. Years of surviving battles and wars just to fall to an invisible foe. Death.

The thing that kept her evil desires at bay, was nothing but dust. Angry at her loss, she became obsessive. She went to the god of light begging for him to bring her love back. Life needed balance. This was what the god of light knew. Because of this, he could not grant her wish. Angered by his decision she went to his younger brother. Lacking the wisdom of his older brother, he was manipulated. He was convinced he was serving justice, so he brought back her love

However, once he learned that she manipulated him to spite his brother he took away the gift he had given. The gift was replaced with another. Immortality, eternal separation from her love. Filled with hatred she riled countries far and wide to take arms against the gods.

Her revolution failed and the gods left taking humanity with them, except two. The woman damned to be eternally separated from her lover, and a young boy who was no longer human.

In the centuries that passed the boy now bird stayed in the forest, never leaving his families side. He was forever alone with the guilt of their death on his conscience. No one entered the woods except for Grimm who were drawn in by his despair. That is until one day a messenger of the gods stumbled into his domain.

The young warrior was sent back as the herald of the gods to unite the world for its pending judgment. However this man had seen what his lover had become. What was once a kind and gentle women, was a goddess of chaos. Their children killed in the crossfire of their fight.

Reborn again and again he began roaming the world in a drunken state trying to hide the sorrow and pain of his past.

Two damned souls, abandoned in a new world. Two remnants of the past, left in a place where time stood still. As if by destiny, these 2 souls were destined to meet. During one of his lifetimes of sorrow, he walked through a forest. The forest was the manifestation of true sorrow. As he stumbled blindly around he came to the what was once a meadow. What stood their were wilted flowers and a tree that once bloomed with life. Hunched underneath was a bird sitting on a pile of bones. As the man saw this bird he felt pity but wanting to drown in his own sorrow he began to leave. That is until he heard the bird sing.

The song resinated with him. It was a song of betrayal, abandonment, and families that were gone from them never to be reunited due to their curse.

The man was gifted magic from the gods to aid him in his calling. As a gesture of friendship he gave some of his magic to the bird who was now able to transform back into his original form. He now had the freedom to transform between forms at will. Recognizing his form to be a Gadwall bird, he decided to take that as his new name in an attempt to start anew. They became partners and began traveling together.

Both were on a quest to find their place in this new world. Overtime their ideologies began to change and they split ways. Ozma found his place among the humans. He became a huntsmen and trained armies to prepare against the dark forces of Grimm. Gadwall could not bring himself to kill the creatures he lived with for so long. Ozma never told him why he hated Grimm or why he was so set on being a huntsmen.

Gadwall would one day encounter the queen of destruction, the reason for Ozma's misfortunes. But that is a story for another day.

In a tavern on the outskirts of Mistral a group of hunters exchanged stories in their drunken stupor. Gadwall entered sitting at a table. Silence followed as he walked into the small venue. Eyes followed him. Soon people began to whisper under their breath. This wasn't unusual. Those who stand out will always gain attention from people. He usually prefered to stay near the forest because people always reacted this way. However he needed supplies. The huntsmen filled with drunk confidence started shouting at him from across the room.

Ignoring them, he gave the waitress his order. As time passed the group approached him.

"Why's their a damn Grimm with you boy." Taking a swing at Shadow with a bottle the Griffon simply jumped to his other shoulder avoiding the blow.

Taking a sip of his drink, he simply said"This is my partner, and we're simply here to enjoy a meal."

"You and your Partner! Aren't welcomed here and we'll remove you by force if we have to."

Leaning back in his chair the huntsmen caught a glimpse of his eyes. They were filled with hate, a bloodlust that seemed unquenchable. They were stunned and afraid, but their pride wouldn't let them back down. Reaching for their weapons Gadwall knew a fight was coming. As soon as a sword was swung it began.

Leaning back in his chair, the blade brushed over chin. Shadow leaped into the air grabbing Gadwall's arm. With a powerful thrust Shadow got them off the ground. A man came charging with a gauntlet. As he thrust Gadwall noticed a small opening under his shoulder. Letting go of Shadow he rolled behind the man. Planting his hands in the ground he lifted his lower body and kicked him making him fly over a table.

The swordsman attempted to attack again but Gadwall was ready. The huntsmen thrust his sword forward like a fencer. Swiftly sidestepping it, Gadwall placed his left hand on his elbow and the right hand on his inner wrist. With a powerful thrust in both directions he snapped his arm. The attacker fell to the ground screaming in pain.

Shadow leaped towards the last man. Swinging his knife at the Grimm, Shadow changed directions evading his attack. It was a distraction. Gadwall smashed his mug on the back of the mans head knocking him out.

The tavern was silent afraid of the newcomer. Sensing their fear Gadwall cheerfully said "I'll take the food to go."

As they walked through the streets they heard a man shouting. Deciding to see the commotion they turned the corner to see a man yelling at a women and her child. They were faunus.

"I told you lady! Your kind aren't welcomed here." Reaching to strike her someone grabbed his hand. The storeowner turned to see Gadwall. He had stopped him from hitting her. "What do you want." Trying to break free of his gasped Gadwall let go.

"Shame on you. Almost hitting this women for trying to buy food from you." Taking the food out of his hands he handed it to the women. As the store owner opened his mouth he shoved the money into his chest. "Keep the change," He said in disgust.

"Thank you," the women said tears in her eyes.

"It's no problem Mam."

Nudging her child to thank the stranger, "Tyrian say thank you."

The child looked at him his eyes wide observing the whole thing. Then a wicked smile crossed his lips. "Thank you. Mister." His words sent a shiver down his spine. Their was nothing to be afraid of, he was just a child.

Right?

The two companions had camped outside the city on a hill. Around midnight the quiet night was disrupted.

Smoke had wafted over during their slumber. Coughing Gadwall awoke to check the fire. Their was a fire, but not theirs. The town they were at earlier was blazing. Screams filled the night. It was a sight of chaos.

"Shadow get up!"

Still drowsy the Griffin sat up. Sensing the danger he jolted upwards to Gadwalls shoulder.

"What's happening?"

"Most likely bandit's."

"Do we help?"

"I don't know?"

Suddenly a figure came from the woods. Grabbing his blade he turned to face the intruder. What they saw was unexpected. The huntsmen they had seen earlier stumbled forward.

This was a surprise. He was bleeding. His arm was cut badly. Collapsing Gadwall rushed to catch him.

"Run," he gasped.

Suddenly a cry pierced the night. It was the call of Grimm. Nevermore's flew over the forest to the town.