For Mikhail's battle style, it will be a mix from Vergil from Devil May Cry and Jetstream Sam from Metal Gear Solid revengeance. Meaning aggressive together with Iaido in it.

Chapter 13

Memento Mori

"Nah." The moment Mikhail negated their 'request' to come with them, the atmosphere tensed.

Well this was an understatement.

The moment Mikhail tried to draw his sword; his right arm was wrapped with the chain from the Kusaragi-gama from the woman with the Taijitu-mask.

And before he could use his other arm, the greatsword of the man with the Beringel-mask was touching the free appendage.

The tall man spoke in a grim voice "One move and your arms are off."

Narrowing his eyes, which moved towards the father-son duo, who brandished their weapons as well, Mikhail could only smile in response.

And it wasn't just a normal smile. It was a smile full of joy and child-like innocence.

This smile was quite unbefitting, in the eyes of his enemies, since they were overwhelmed by something the never have felt in their life, something that simply lacked in this world, something that was most common in the dragon's home world.

Bloodlust…

*Baam* *Boom*

"Ha!" Blasting the chain, which held his right arm, in pieces, caused the woman to shriek in surprise and before she could even comprehend what happened, a ball of flame exploded right in her face, causing her to fly backwards and crushing at a thick trunk.

The man with the Beringel-mask, being paralyzed from the sheer amount of killing intent he was exposed, blinked, when Mikhail was in front of him.

"Gah!" A palm-strike caused him as well, to fly and crash into a trunk, and before he could even collect his thoughts…..

*Stab*

"Goah!" He was impaled by his own greatsword, thrown in courtesy, by Mikhail. Seconds later, he died.

As Mikhail nodded in approval of his instant kill, he felt the father and son behind him, broking out of their stupor, and they began to shoot at him with their weapons.

*Bam* *Bam* *Bam* *Bam* *Bam* *Bam* *Bam* *Bam* *Bam* *Bam*

They continued fiercely to shoot at him, until their magazines were emptied and yet…..

"Ahaha, that tickles." Mikhail wasn't even faced by the bulletstorm unleashed at him. The projectiles simply bounced off from him, due his hard-skin, which was also enhanced through his powerful and large amount of Maso/Mana.

Unfortunately he hasn't any Aura to bring up

So, he and Dusk had no other choice but to pretend, that Maso/Mana which enhanced him, probably the Flower's work, was his Aura.

But for now…..

"You know," The pleasant smile on the dragon's face didn't falter nor did it lessen "This is quite amusing, I always hated to kill," and then it turned into a sickly grin "But now, I feel quite better having some frustration taken from me." Now he could understand why Zero liked killing. It was to help with her pent up aggressions and helping her to have, at least, a clear head "So…"

"Shut up!" The younger one shouted and ran towards him.

"Robin, no!" The father tried to stop his son, but his callling fell unfortunatelyon deaf ears. The boy was so enraged by the death of his friends, that he forgot everything he has learned. Before, the new named Robin, could ready an attack on Mikhail, the dragon took a stance, to counter.

He crouched, with his right leg forward and his left one, backwards.

Robin's eyes widened 'Iaido!? Oh shit.' And Robin knew in this moment, he fucked up.

Mikhail drew his sword, faster than both masked man could see, and with two diagonal slashes he ended the life of the son.

*Slash* *Slash* *Shink*

Both strikes hit him and as fast the sword was back in the sheath.

"Fuck.* This was the last words uttered from Robin, as he began to spit blood and his body collapsed into four pieces, together with a sickly and fleshy sound.

Meanwhile the father was more or less, shocked since his companions were defeated so easily and even their Auras were eaisly cut through.

In one moment he blinked, Mikhail was behind him and in response the man tried to slash him with his sword, only to be grabbed at the neck and being lifted up.

"Sorry, nothing personal. I hope you can understand it." It wondered the old man, that Mikhail had now a solemn and sad look on his face, but before he one word escapded his lips…

*Crack*

The last thing he saw was only red and his body was dropped by Mikhail, who just simply snorted in response "You shouldn't have underestimated me. Pity for you." His gaze fell now at the women, with the snake-grimm-mask who regained conscious and tried to stand up, but unfortunately it was too late for her.

*Stab*

"Gah!" Mikhail threw the blades from Robin at her, impaling her shoulders and pinning her on the tree.

Mikhail sighed, as he began to walk towards the female, who didn't even try to free herself, which threw more questions in his mind.

"Kill me." That statement surprised him, as he was now in front of her.

The dragon tilted his head "Aren't you trying to beg, or asking me to spare you?" In response the woman could only snort and raise her head.

"No, just kill me. I deserved it, since I am weak," Mikhail could tell that she was smiling under her mask.

Okay he didn't expect that kind of response, or rather this strange kind of attitude.

"Why should I?" This question was somehow strange, he knew it, since he already butchered her comrades.

"You ask this now?" She chuckled mockingly "Because the weak die and the strong live." She shifted and looked at him from eye to eye "And you were stronger. You defeated us."

'I really didn't expect this…..' Mikhail looked back at the three corpses and shook his head. He then turned to the woman "Then tell me, why were you guys tailing me?"

"Hah," She snorted "Sorry, can't say. Now kill me. If you have your way with me first, do it. I don't care, I have no future anymore, at least I am worth for the strong."

The host of the Flower growled in in disgust, he didn't understand what was just wrong with this woman. She easily accepted her fate and death, and even talking about 'the strong is better and right' nonsense.

"And what if I would let you live?"

"I kill myself, easy." She answered without hesitation.

The dragon shook his head "You easily accept your death, just like this?"

The woman snorted again "Like I said, I lost because I am weak." She shifted her body, hissing because of the pain "Now would you be at least so kindly and do what you have to do? If you want to let me bleed to death, cut at least my wrists or my tongue off."

Her dark red eyes were empty and lifeless and Mikhail understood it, she was really ready to die. What kind of life must she have had, to have such perspective of life? Cleary, it must me be something to do, with those around her, or those who raised and trained the woman.

"Okay than at least answer me this," He raised his hand and took her mask off, and he was quite surprised how young she was. The woman had pale skin, red eyes, thin brows and long black hair "Will you be killed by those who sent you, if you come back without me?"

"Yes," She nodded "We were tasked to bring you with us, not matter what.

He nodded slowly "Then one last question?" the dragon drew his pitch-black sword "What is your name?"

"Magpie," She smiled, finally realizing that she will die "Magpie Branwen. And you?"

"Mikhail, just Mikhail."

"Good, it was nice meeting someone as strong as you, and be ended by him." Her gaze fell on his blade "Nice sword, what's the name?"

Mikhail smiled as well "Her name is Black Song."

"Not a bad name."

"Thanks." He then jerked his sword back, ready to end her "By the way, sorry."

Magpie shook her head "Don't be."

"Any last words?"

"Nah." She grinned, causing him to smile as well.

"Goodnight, Magpie."

*Slash*

XXX

As Mikhail walked away, he noticed the weapons from the four masked people. He stopped for a minute and shrugged. Since they didn't need them anyways, they can either be used for square parts or be maintained and sold for good money.

XXX

Several days later

When Mikhail finally arrived in a new village, he wasn't expecting to be already in everybody's eyes.

The village he arrived was called Ryokugyoku. It was a peaceful village, nice people, green grass and overall a small heaven.

Yet, the moment he was close to humans, the pain returned and plagued him. Possibly a reaction from the roots of the Flower, who grew impatient by being near to its most hated race.

When the people saw his weapon, they immediately thought of him as a Huntsman. Even though he negated it, he was still begged to talk with the Mayor.

When he entered the house of him, he came to see a man with gray hair and appears to be quite old. He wore red robes accented with gold, a necklace of green prayer beads around his neck and a golden ornamental hair piece.

Shortly, they had a problem with a Grimm and since the Hunter Association took their sweet time to send someone, they asked him if he could take care off it.

Why not?

XXX

Forest near Ryokugyoku

As Mikhail wandered through the woods of the forest, he came across a small clearing, and in the middle of it, was a rather large cave.

He could feel the Grimm residing in it, and sneaked close to the entrance, looking for a clue, which was found in form of long and broad traces.

'Just a simple King Taijitu.' Mikhail shrugged and took a deep breath, his chest expanding and tinders flew from the corners of his mouth

The cave was filled with hot flames and when he felt a rumble and heard an agonizing hissing, closer to the entrance he jumped up, ready to strike.

The Snake-Grimm was covered in flames and roared violently jerking its body around but it ended immediately, when Mikhail came down, and impaled the black head.

He then sheathed his sword back and drew it, again, and right back into the scabbard.

*Bzt*

An arc of golden light bisected the white head, and ended the life of the snake-like Grimm.

XXX

"Thank you very much." The mayor bowed to Mikhail who appreciated the thanks "This Grimm proved quite to be a plague for our village. We appreciate your help."

Mikhail nodded "No problem. At least your children can play save near the woods, now." He looked back the people of the village who were relieved, being free from the creature. The dragon turned back to the elderly man "But a question please."

"Of course."

"How long was it, since the request was made and the Hunter Association was asked for help?"

The man sighed "Three months."

Mikhail's eyes widened, three months and several dead children and livestock later and the Huntsmen and Huntresses didn't even sent even someone from the schools!?"

"What kind of idiocy is that?" The dragon asked with disbelief and astonishment in his voice.

The mayor sighed "It can't be helped; we are a small community, not much moeny and deep in the woods of Mistral.

Yet the host of the Flower glared "That doesn't mean that dead children and their grieving parents can be ignored."

The elderly man was calm, yet he agreed silently with Mikhail.

XXX

After both Mikhail and the Mayor talked, they village wanted to give him reward in form of Lien.

But he negated it, saying that he already has money, which was given from Dusk and Auburn.

Rather he asked if he could stay for some days, to rest and restock his stash and buy some supplies as well. The people then wanted to at least give him those things for free, which was again negated, with reason that they already worked hard for their products and food, and since the Grimm also killed their animals and destroyed some of their fields, he was ready to pay for those things as well.

When they asked him what he wanted instead, Mikhail simply wanted to go to the local blacksmith, wanting some information and tips for a fresh-made weapon-maker, like.

The blacksmith was okay with it and happy to share some tips with Mikhail, what he did, too.

They talked for hours and worked together swapping good methods.

Even in old years, the goat-faunus was happy to learn something, especially from someone as young as Mikhail.

Mikhail was also asked for help and work, which the blacksmith hadn't time, due his already full schedule.

XXX

Three days later

"Even though it was short, it was a pleasure to have you here in our village." The mayor of the village bowed to Mikhail, which he did as well.

"Thank you." He tilted his head to the corner, were the weapons of the four masked people were "I let those here, for your guards; I hope you can have purpose for them."

"Of course, we thank you." The mayor didn't ask for the origins of the weapons, he only knew one thing. Out there, you need to do many things to survive "You're always welcome in our community."

"Thank you and…."

*Bam*

Both of them bent their head towards the door, which was literally broken in, revealing a young man with black hair and blue eyes, having a bow on his back.

"Citrus," The mayor asked softly "What is the matter?"

The young man named Citrus breathed heavily "Mayor…. Kuroyuri …. Kuroyuri is in danger!"

Both Mikhail and the Mayor looked at each other.

XXX

"Here some tea." The old man gave the exhausted Citrus a hot drink to gather is thoughts "Now, tell me what happened?"

Citrus took a sip, letting the liquid do it purpose, and he closed his eyes "We were hunting for some wild and….we became cocky since the Grimm was killed and went further into the woods….I am sorry…."

The mayor sighed softly "Go on."

"We went to the roads which are leading towards Kuroyuri and….and then….." He then felt a hand on his shoulders from the mayor…..

"Go on."

"We saw 'it'." Citrus shuddered, taking another sip from the tea.

Mikhail cocked a brow "What do you mean, by 'it'?"

"A Grimm….something I never saw or read about…it…it was terrifying….When we saw it, I and my brothers fled….."

A new Grimm? Interesting! Mikhail stepped forward "How did it looked like?"

The young archer tightened his grip at the cup "Like a horse….tall…with…with a human-like torso on its back."

Mikhail took a moment to think about such a Grimm….'An horse with a human torso on the back….' His eyes widened in realization. He quickly looked at the Mayor "Mayor this Grimm…."

"A Nucklavee." The Mayor of Shion sighed putting a hand on his forehead "This is clearly a grave situation."

"What shall we do, Mayor?" Citrus asked "We cannot abandon them to their fate!?"

The elderly man wanted to retort, even though he felt guilt and shame for having such thoughts. But….

"I go." He simply said.

Both citizens of Shion turned to Mikhail who readied himself and put his weapon back on his waist.

"Are you sure?"

The dragon nodded "Sure, not really," He smiled "But I always wanted to fight such a Grimm."

Citrus stood up "This is insane, you have no chance against that kind of foe, and this is no simple King Taijitu! You will be killed!"

But his words fell on deaf ears; Mikhail was already at his way.

XXX

"Damn, he already arrived at the village."

It was already dark and Mikhail ran as fast as possible, so that he could reach Kuroyuri before the Nucklavee and slay it.

But unfortunately the creature already killed and hurt some scouts, attracting other Grimm and following him on his way to the village.

Mikhail was attacked several times by Alpha Beowolfs and Giant Nevermores on his way, holding him up.

"*Craaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah*" A screeching humanoid and yet bloodcurdling roar was hearable from the distance.

"Crap!"

XXX

'I'm scared!' These were the thoughts of Lie Ren, as he was held in the arms of his father Li Ren. He looked up to him, seeing that blood was dripping from a wound on his head, ashes raining from the sky and people screaming and running in fear, his fear multiplied "Father."

Li Ren looked down at his son and nodded "Everything will be alright, son, we…." But through his wound from the attack from the Grimm that killed his wife, weakened him significantly and he tripped, causing him to drop his son.

"Ugh…" Lie went on his knees, seeing his father he called out "Father!"

Li groaned holding his sides "Lie…ugh….you need to run."

His son grabbed his father's knee; tears began to flow from his eyes "No. Don't. Please, get up!"

"*Craaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah*"

The screeching roar echoed through the village and people became even more scared, causing now Beowolfs, Giant Nevermore other Grimms to appear and starting to slaughter everyone on sight.

"Listen to me, son. You have to be brave now…ugh….Do you understand?"

Lie shook his head more tears dropping form his cheeks "No please. Please, I can't!" His grip on his father tightened "Ughhhhh!"

Li couldn't bear seeing his son crying, yet he had to what must be done. He drew his dagger and shouted "Yes, you can!" He forced the dagger in his son's hand and shoved him away.

Lie taken back by his father's doing; he looked then at the dagger in his hands.

"Take action, son!" He stood up, with his bow in his hand and the other one on his bleeding side "Your mother and I love you."

Tightening the grip on the dagger and understanding that this was probably the last time seeing his father Lie began to cry….

*Bam*

Both father and son looked with terror and the foe in front of him. A horse-like creature with an equine main body and a skinless humanoid creature that was fused with it. Its forelegs were shaped like claws and it had hooved hindlegs. The humanoid body had long curved horns on its head, a mouth that looks almost sewn shut, and two long elastic arms each with two clawed fingers. On the back of the human torso were boney spikes along its spine and a variety of weapons from previous battles stuck in it.

"Run!" Li shouted and readied an arrow "Now Lie!"

Lie ran, as he never run in his life while crying and sobbing, while Li looked at the Grimm in front of him, the humanoid body, twitched and sickly and agonizing cracking sounds came from it with every move it made.

He shot and shot and shot, arrow on arrow, but Grimm didn't even flinch.

"*Craaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah*" The humanoid part screeched and jerked its arm back, hitting Li, causing him to skidding back several meters.

"Guh…."

The Nucklavee slowly moved towards the father, each step let a demising sound out. It looked at Li, his horned head twitching, and reading his death blow, by raising it clawed arm.

In his last moments, Li Ren, looked around and saw nothing but death and solitude. Houses were destroyed, corpses were lying everywhere and the village was already void of people, only Grimm.

'I am sorry, An, Lie…' His last thoughts were on his wife and son and he closed his eyes accepting his destiny 'I love you, both of you.'

But destiny was a fickle thing….

"*RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWWWRRRR*"

A thundering roar echoed through the raided village and Li was surprised as he felt nothing, no pain or whatsoever….

He opened his eyes to see the Grimm around him, becoming nervous an restless. Then his gaze wandered to the Nucklavee, whose Horse body was shocking his head, like a real horse would, when feeling nervous, while the humanoid part looked around for the source of the roar.

"*RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW*" The roar was closer and Li thought he was hallucinating when he saw the sky suddenly glowing red and orange.

It was way too early for the sun to rise and certainly these were no shooting stars.

"What in the name of…!"

*Boom*

Meteor like flames ascended from the sky and each of them were targeting a Grimm. Nevermores, who were killing people and flying over the village, fell like droplets of water on the ground, burned to crisp and dissolving.

Beowolfs and the smaller Grimms panicked when the roar echoed again through the village.

All of them fled, well not all of them. The Nucklavee behaved strange, since it heard the foreign roar and Li, could tell this was cleary not a Grimm was not the cause of this, since the Grimm in front of him was nervously looking around, looking for the source,

Whatever it was, what made even such a terrifying Grimm nervous and even using such a destructive attack must be certainly something even more horrifying. But from one moment to another, something or rather someone suddenly landed on the Nucklavee, causing the Grimm to panic.

And Li couldn't believe his eyes, when he saw that this someone was a white-haired boy not even half as old as him, grabbing the Grimm at his horns and punching him right into the ugly mug.

XXX

When Mikhail began to scare the Grimm and destroying them with a long distance attack, he thought, that the Nucklavee would began to panic as well, like the others. But unfortunately it wasn't the case.

This creature was certainly a different class.

So he did what he always did, when he hadn't much room to think. He lunged at the creature.

XXX

The moment Mikhail did it, he already regretted his action, through hunger...

This thing smelled extremely delicious, like rotten flesh and blood. Pity that Grimm dissolved when they die. Mikhail always wanted to know how they taste.

But no back to the fight.

No matter how much this creature jerked his head and body around, Mikhail didn't let go. His eyes fell on the injured man lying in front of the creature and he shouted "Get out of here!" The man didn't react still astonished what was happening right before him "Get out!" Finally coming through him, the man stood up, and with his last energy he fled.

"Ahh…..gRooaaaaawah!" The Nucklavee groaned and moaned and began to screech when Mikhail continued to punch it in the face. Its horse-part began to neigh, lashing around with its hind legs. But unfortunately it gathered itself and grabbed Mikhail hammering him right into the concrete.

And certainly, he felt that "Guah." The Grimm wasn't finished Mikhail was again grabbed by the Nucklavee "Uh-oh." It lifted him, posturing him towards itself and looked directly in his eyes, the head was twitching and the beast groaned "Wow….you're ugly..." The Grimm took probably offense to his cocky statement and hammered him again into the ground "Okay bad idea…oh noooooooooo!" And again and again he was hammered into the ground r several times tasting the concrete of the village; Mikhail was then thrown into a house.

*Baaam*

The Nucklavee, retracted his arms and tilted his head followed a bone-cracking sound….

Meanwhile the dragon groaned in pain "Okay this was bad idea, a really bad idea…."

*Crack*

Mikhail looked up, seeing that the ceiling of the demolished house began to crack and his eyes widened "Oh you gotta be….."

*Boom*

The house collapsed, burying him with rubble.

The Nucklavee, who observed the spectacle, saw that it was probably over and turned around, leaving the village, looking for new prey. But it wasn't over….

A whistling sound brought its attention back and the moment it turned around it was greeted by a fireball right into its boney face.

"Aaaaaahhhhh..Graaaaaaaaahh!" Groaning in pain, the Grimm held his face, shacking its head and when the burned feeling lessened the Nucklavee looked at the source of the fireball, with a growl.

Mikhail emerged from the rubble, a mocking grin married his face.

"Catch!" His chest expanded and he spit another ball at the Grimm and when it was hit by the projectile and screamed at pain.

"Aaahhhh.." Suddenly the Nucklavee shuddered and began to hug itself, by putting the claws on its shoulders. Suddenly the spikes on its spine lengthen "Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhh" as did its horns, its pupils become vertical slits, and its mouth opened completely. The cry caused a shockwave and its movement became even twitchier.

Meanwhile Mikhail observed the spectacle, not even fazed one bit by its 'tantrum' "Oh…scary…."

As on cue, the Nucklavee stretched its arms, even faster than before. But it didn't expect Mikhail to catch it shortly before it reached him.

The Nucklavee titled its head, twitching, and groaning in pain, when Mikhail tightened the grip on the arm.

"Do you really think," The Grimm began to raise its head listening "You're the only one, who changes when he's angry?"

Mikhail's appearance suddenly changed, too. His snow-white skin became extremely pale, and black veins became visible on his entire body as his sclera became dark while his ruby eye flared up, and the slit-pupils narrowed. The face of him, gained a more serpentine form and his fangs became longer, together with his ears.

The Grimm, still drowned in its anger shot its other arm towards him, yet it was promptly caught by Mikhail as well and it screeched when it felt them being squeezed.

"Now in the words of Zero," His eye flared "Payback is a bitch!" The ground under his feet cracked as Mikhail moved his upper-body, tightly grabbing the stretched arms of the Nucklavee and span it around, causing the Grimm to be forcefully moved "Ha!" He then let the creature go, causing it to crashing into a house as well.

"CRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" It screamed in pain and Mikhail used his chance, running towards the beast, with his sword draw, both hands on the grip in low right-sided stance.

The blade was screeching to the contact with the ground and then…

*Slash* With a brilliant golden slash, the black blade, skewered the humanoid torso of the Nucklavee from the horse. But Mikhail wasn't done. He then took a Ko Gasumi stance, and with a thrust forward, impaling the head of the horse.

The moment the black blade pierced through the skull of the creature, it dissolved into black smoke and Mikhail drew his sword back, flicking it, twirling it, and moving the blade between his thumb and forefinger and sheathing it.

He turned around seeing that the humanoid part was still alive and trying to flee like insect crawling on the ground to flee.

"Aaahh….raaaaaaaaahh." It moaned in pain, the various spears and arrows on its back twitching and it then noticed, that Mikhail was walking towards it "Aaaah!" It stretched its right claw at him, only to cut off, by a quick draw and shortly it was replaced back in its scabbard "Aaaaaaaah!" It twitched and screeched in pain and panic it shoot its left claw towards him only to be cut off as well "Craaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!" Now like worm it was jerking back and forward ringing for its life.

*Bam*

With his feet, Mikhail stopped the wringing creature, holding in on place and looking down on it "Pfuh." He huffed in dissatisfaction and began to put more pressure on the head, causing the creature to jerk more violently, ringing for its life, and struggling against the pain.

"Aaaaaah!" It groaned as more and more pressure was added and then….

*Crack*

Its head popped like an overripe melon and the body dissolved into black mist as well.

Mikhail just stood there some seconds, only the sounds of the flickering fires around him were hearable. He then took a deep breath and turned around, walking back to Shion, not even looking back.

XXX

Death and decay go in hand in hand with you.

Why don't take their invitation?

Mikhail you are ready….

XXX

Shion

As Mikhail returned to the village Shion, he felt that something wasn't right. The air was heavy and tense….

Mikhail noticed the Mayor walking towards him, his face grim and pained.

"Mayor, what happened?"

The elderly man sighed "Mikhail….you came from Kusanagi, right?"

The alarm bells in his head began to ring and even before the Mayor could finish his sentence, Mikhail ran towards the night….back to his home.

XXX

Mikhail…..

I believe in you…..

This chapter was edited, Mikhail hasn't Aura now, but his Mana is doing the same thing.

Another chapter, through the nightmare called Monday.

Hope you like it.

PM me for questions.

PS. Next chapter will not be pretty…