Hello everyone I have returned from the dead and I got to say it's nice to be among the living again. But seriously it's nice to be back on the site. Words can not describe how sorry I am for not posting anything sooner. During summer I had family stuff, then school started and now theirs college stuff I have to deal with, but i know thats no excuse for leaving you guys for so long. All I can do is say I'm sorry and please enjoy the new chapter.
It's been a few weeks since Drake's battle with Apollo. After Drake and Oobleck exited the ruins and returned to Beacon they told headmaster Ozpin the whole story.
Ozpin and Oobleck agreed that Apollo's statue should be sent to Atlas to be examined and the mysterious skull should be analyzed by Oobleck and his fellow historians to try and figure out who the skull once was.
Drake kept his vision to himself he didn't need Ozpin to think he was completely insane, not only that but Drake didn't know what to make of the vision. The old man's rambling didn't make any sense, what was the black moon, when would it appear and most importantly how dangerous was it? Drake didn't have any of those answers and had no means of finding them so he decided to continue his training at Beacon and keep an eye out for anything unusual or at least anything more unusual than normal.
Currently Drake was sitting in the bleachers of the sparing room watching Jaune fighting against Cardin. Maybe fighting was too inaccurate, the accurate turn was seeing Jaune flay his sword around as Cardin played with him.
It almost hurt to see Jaune fight, Jaune is incredibly reckless constantly charging and clashing against Cardin even though the different in strength is obvious. Jaune also apparently doesn't know what defense is and he made no attempts to avoid or block Cardin's attacks instead he simply toke the blows and pressed forward like an animal who forgot what survival instincts were. But the biggest problem was painfully obvious from the way he held his weapons to his stance you could tell Jaune has very little experience with combat against Beast or otherwise, how he got into Beacon must have been nothing short of a miracle, he was so unskilled Drake couldn't help but be reminded of himself when he first became a Hunter.
Drakes thought were interpreted by the sound of Jaune clashing his sword against Cardin's mace an instant mistake as Cardin quickly over takes Jaune. "This is the part where you lose." Says Cardin in an irritatingly cocky voice, "Over my dead ehh." Was all the blonde knight could say before Cardin proceeded to knee Jaune in his stomach sending him groaning onto the floor, Cardin lifts his mace high above his head ready to bash Jaunes skull into a mixture of brain matter and broken bones, but before he can a large alarm sound's declaring the end of the match.
"That's enough." Says Professor Goodwitch as she walks onto stage and begins explaining that Jaune's monitor was in the red meaning in a tournament match the official over looking the match would declare Jaune's defeat. Scolding Jaune over his recklessness in the fight Glynda reminds us that the Vytal Festival was approaching soon and we should all prepare to represent Vale.
As everyone clears out to head for lunch I take a quick glance at Jaune who looks thoroughly depressed at his lose as I make way towards the cafeteria, Jaune follows close behind.
At lunch Nora decides to for about the seventeenth time recap here dream of hunting and skinning Ursa's and selling their pelts, with Ren correcting here of course. Digging into my small mountain of food I can't help but notice Jaune to put it bluntly looks like a puppy who got kicked, split on and then thrown into a dumpster.
"Jaune are you okay?" I asked the depressed blonde, losing a sparring match no matter how badly would cause this depression.
"Huh, oh yeah I'm fine why do you ask?" Said the blonde knight as he nervously darted his eyes around the room.
"It's just that you seem a little not okay." Says Ruby,
"What? No way I'm fine guys just look." Says the blonde knight with a painfully forced grin. Before Drake could answer his ears were assaulted by what sounded like a deranged monkey trying to attract a mate.
Turning around the terrible noise is reveled to be Cardin and his teammates laughing and making fun of Velvet.
"Excuse me everyone I have some bones to break." Said Drake as he got up and was getting ready to use team CRDL's heads as punching bags.
" Don't forget to break their legs!" Cheered Nora.
"Don't be stupid." Said Blake,
"It's stupid to defend your friends?" Said Drake growing quite angry at the bowed beauty.
"No it's stupid to break the rules and get yourself expelled over trash like Cardin." Said the bowed beauty in a calm but assertive voice.
"Damn it she's right, not to mention if I attack any student Ozpin will have me shipped to an asylum faster than I can say, this was a mistake." Thought Drake,
"Jaune Cardin's been bullying you since the first week of school." Said the red head amazon in a concerned voice.
"Oh please name one time he's bullied me." Asked the blonde knight,
"The countless times he's knocked your books out of your hands, causing your shield to expand in a door so you'd be stuck, sending you flying out of Beacon in your own locker and that other incident I promised not to tell anyone about." Said Drake as he counted the various incidents with his fingers.
"Jaune if you need help just ask us." Said the concerned red headed amazon.
"Yeah lets' go with my plan and break their legs!" Said the orange haired berserker in an excited tone.
"Guys it's fine really. Besides it's not just me he's a jerk to everyone." Said the blonde knight as he got up.
"Oww that hurts!" Cried Velvet from the other table, Cardin the bastard had started pulling on her ears.
"I told you they were real." Said the massive prick as his teammates laughed and hurled more insults at Velvet. Eager to get away Velvet began walking out of the cafeteria covering her face, but Drake could have sworn he saw tears running down here face.
"Cardin the second I get the chance I will beat you to an inch of your life and right before I beat you to death I will heal you with the Choir Bell and do it again till I am satisfied." Thought Drake as he plotted his vengence.
"I'm going to go check on Velvet." Said Drake as he got up and left the cafeteria. It didn't take Drake long to find Velvet she was sitting all alone in a vacant classroom, she appears to be silently crying.
"Velvet can I talk to you?" Said Drake as he stepped into the classroom.
Looking up with tears coming down her bloodshot eyes, struggling Velvet said, "Sure."
Drake walks towards and sat down on the sit next to her. Drake would be lying if he said he knew what to say comforting a crying girl was not his forte.
"Is Cardin right?" Asked the bunny eared girl with tears in her eyes.
Confused Drake asked, "Is he right about what?"
"Am I just a freak? People have been telling me that my whole life because of these stupid, stupid ears, and no matter how many times my parents or my teammates try telling me their wrong or they're just a bunch of idiots I cant help but think they may be right." Finishing her say Velvet burst's into a fresh new set of tears.
In a gentle tone Drake said, "Velvet I know I'll sound like a broken record but you're not a freak you're a beautiful, strong, skilled huntress that deserves to be here, and if anyone tells you otherwise just let me know and ill teach them some respect." Said Drake cracking his knuckles to emphasize his point.
"No, don't do that!" Yelled the bunny eared girl in a slightly panicked voice.
Huh? What do you mean don't do that?" Said the surprised Hunter.
"I'm glad you think so much of me, I really do appreciate it, but violence only brings violence I came here to end the violence and discrimination towards Faunus not attack humans that don't understand us, if I wanted to do that I would've join the White Fang." Said the bunny eared girl with more conviction in here voice then Drake had ever heard.
Smiling Drake said, "Let me add to what I said before on top of everything you've got a heart of gold."
Blushing a bit Velvet was about to say something but was interrupted by the bell.
"Looks like we talked a bit to long we better get to class." Said Drake as he got up.
"Yeah, thanks for listening Drake I appreciate it." Said the bunny eared girl.
"Anytime Velvet." Said Drake as he left the classroom and began making way for his history class.
History is Drake's favorite class mostly because being in an alien world means that everything is vital information for him to absorb. As professor Oobleck zipped around the room at his usual inhuman speed he was telling the class about the Menagerie conflict an incident were Faunus attempted to gain humans right through violence in retaliation for humans attempting to contain them on the island of Menagerie.
"What a stupid plan it's almost if they wanted the Faunus to rebel." Thought Drake.
"I know that all this may seem like your typical ancient boring history you'll forget within twenty minutes after class is over, but keep in mind these events are fairly recent, the effects of the incident can still be seen today, raise your hand if you have been subjugated or discriminated because of your Faunus heritage?" Said the green haired doctor.
Several students raised their hands including Velvet. " Terrible just terrible. Remember students it's precisely this kind of hate and ignorance that breeds violence! The current White Fangs existence is proof of that." Finished Oobleck with a sip of his coffee.
As classed progressed both Cardin and Jaune got in trouble and were forced to speak with doctor Oobleck after class. "This seems like a good opportunity." Thought Drake as he waited outside the door and waited for the blonde knight.
After a few minutes Jaune and Cardin came out of the class, with Cardin brushing bumping past Jaune of course.
"Hey Jaune come with me." Said Drake as he gestured towards the stairs that lead to the roof. Not saying a word Jaune followed Drake up to the roof. As they reached the top Jaune looked over the ledge and said, "Drake I'm not that depressed."
It happened almost instantly.
"AHHHHHHHHH!" Drake screamed clutching his head. Drake felt his braining pounding as if it were trying to burst out of his head, his gray matter tearing itself apart. Closing his eyes Drake knelled over praying the pain would stop.
"Drake what's wrong!?" Asked the confused knight as he rushed to Drake's side. Kneeling in front of him Jaune held on to Drake's shoulders and said, "Drake speak to me how can I help you?" Asked the blonde knight, fear was quickly rising in his mind he had no idea how to help, it took all his will power to not panic.
The pain soon stopped Drake could feel his thought returning to him. "What the hell was that?" Said Drake as he thought out loud.
"Whatever do you mean friend?" Said a kind raspy voice.
Drake open his eyes so big they resembled baseballs, the owner of that voice couldn't possible be here at Beacon. But there he is in his white robes decorated with elegant gold symbols, his neatly combed blonde hair and across his face is his trademark smile.
"Alfred?" Said Drake in a tone of sheer disbelief.
"What's wrong my friend you look like you've seen a ghost." Said the kind Executioner.
Backing away from his former friend Drake said, "No you can't be Alfred, this can't be real, I saw his body, he killed himself with his own two hands still kneeling at his master's grave."
In a kind and soothing voice Alfred said "You must have slept and had a terrible dream, as you can see I am well perhaps a few blood vials would clear your mind." Alfred reached into his pocket and pulled out one of Yharnams iconic blood vials, its crimson content swirling and churning.
"No this is all wrong, stay away from me!" Yelled Drake as he got up and drew his pistol pointing it at the Alfred imposter.
Still smiling the Alfred clone slowly walks towards Drake and says "Is that what you want Drake? To kill me, one of your sole friends in this cursed world? Come now Drake let's take a moment to gather our thoughts and talk this through like sane human beings."
Drake lowered his pistol slightly, "Maybe he's right maybe I should calm down for a bit."
Putting away his pistol Drake says "Alright Alfred I'll calm down, but you need to answer all my questions honestly and with as much detail as possible."
"Of course my friend, but first you must answer a question of mine." Said Alfred.
"What question?" Asked Drake slightly confused.
"WHY DIDN'T YOU SAVE ME!?" Roared Alfred.
Alfred reached for his face and began clawing his face. His nails grinning against his face, blood and bits of flesh falling to the floor, blood spilling all over his robes and floor, the disgusting sounds of scrapping the flesh filling the night.
"ALFRED STOP!" Yelled Drake, he toke a step forward in an attempt to help his friend, but the moment he took a step an undescribed freezing sensation filled his body paralyzing him in place.
"YOU KNEW SOMETHING WAS WRONG, YOU KNEW I WAS LOSEING MYSELF. BUT YOU JUST STOOD THERE NOT DOING A THING. DID I MEAN THAT LITTLE TO YOU? WAS A JUST A RELIGIOUS COCKROACH YOU LAUGHED AT WHILE I TORE MYSELF APART. I CAN SEE IT CLEARLY IN MY MIND, YOU STANDING OVER MY BODY LAUGHING AT HOW THE DERANGED HUNTER SURVIVED FOR SO LONG JUST TO KILL HIMSELF, I BUT YOU EVEN TOOK A FAIR SHARE OF MY BELOGINGS TO DIDN'T YOU? Roared Alfred in a voice of pure hysteria, all along continuing to claw at his own face.
No it couldn't even be called a face anymore Alfred had clawed of all his skin revealing the flesh and veins of his face as they pulsed madly in pure agony his nerves overloaded with undescribed pain. Blood was all over Alfred's robes turning them crimson, the floor around him now a puddle of blood.
Drake was terrified he couldn't move, speak only watch as his friend was tearing himself apart as he hurled acquisitions at him.
Alfred walked close to Drake putting the bloody remains of his face right in front of Drakes face and with tears moving along his bloody ruined flesh said
"Why did you let me die, weren't we friends?"
Jaune was holding Drake in his arms, he didn't know what to do Drake had suddenly collapsed and fallen unconscious. He considered running for help but that would leave Drake all alone and vulnerable and just staying here would only worsen his condition.
"Why am I so useless, why am I so weak?" Jaune said as he belittled himself over how little power he had in this situation.
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Drake screamed as his eyes snapped wide open.
Scared Jaune leapt up in surprise, letting Drakes head hit the floor.
"DRAKE! What happened are you okay?" Said the blonde knight kneeling next to the masked Hunter.
"J-Jaune? Is that really you?" Said the masked Hunter in a pleading tone.
"Yeah it's me who else would I be? But that's not important what happened Drake? You just feel unconscious for a few seconds and suddenly woke up screaming." Said the blonde knight in a slightly scared tone.
Drake got up and regained his bearings and began steadying his breathing. "How long was I unconscious Jaune?" Asked the masked Hunter.
"Maybe twenty, thirty seconds." Meekly said the blonde knight.
"Did I do or say anything while unconscious?" Asked the masked Hunter.
"No not until you woke up screaming, were you having a nightmare?" Asked the blondie knight in a concerned tone.
Thinking of a half decent lie Drake said "Don't tell the others Jaune, but I have narcolepsy."
"Narcolepsy? That condition that makes people randomly fall asleep?" Asked the concerned blonde knight.
"Yes, but I'm getting help for it so there's no need to worry the others. Odds are this will be the only time you ever see me like this." Said the lying Hunter.
"What the hell happened? All Jaune did was make a bad joke and I crumble like an idiot and have the worst nightmare of my life. Maybe I should get some true professional help. No, I must be losing my mind how do I explain even half of the origins of my problems without being declared absolutely mad?" Thought the masked Hunter trying to piece together some form of solution.
"Drake I'm sorry." Said Jaune rather suddenly.
Torn from his thought Drake said "What are you apologizing for Jaune?"
"When you collapsed I panicked and didn't do anything. I didn't try to wake you up or even run for help and to top off how useless I am when you woke up I got scared and let your head slam against the floor." Said I completely depressed Jaune.
"Jaune its okay I'm fine and to be honest this is why I even brought you up here." Said the masked Hunter.
"What do you mean?" Asked the depressed knight.
"Jaune I've watched you since the first week I've been at Beacon. You aren't very strong, tactical, experienced and you're far too headstrong in combat. In fact if I wasn't your friend I'd call you a loser." Said the masked Hunter.
"Drake how's self-esteem? I hear it's nice to have." Said the now thoroughly depressed knight.
"You didn't let me finish." Said Drake, "Jaune you remind me of myself."
"What? What are you talking about Drake how could I ever remind me of you? You're strong, cool and mysterious. I'm just like you said a loser." Said June not even able to look Drake in the eye.
"Jaune I wasn't always like this. When I started I was a loser, about as skilled as a child, my aim so bad you think I was trying to miss my targets, I wielded my weapons with the elegance of a butcher hacking at meat and I got my ass handed to me more times than I can even remember. But I meet friends that guided and helped me, without them I still be a novice struggling how to reload my pistol." Finished the masked Hunter.
"Drake are you saying what I think your saying?" Questioned the blonde knight.
"Yes, let me help you Jaune in a few months I'll make you a true Hunter no man or Grim will be able to beat you. So what do you say Jaune?" Asked Drake as he extended his hand for Jaune to shake.
"No, no I can't let you do that Drake." Said Jaune with a hint of anger.
"Jaune why? You won't be able to succeed alone let me help you." Said the masked Hunter.
"No, Drake you weren't there! When I went into the Emerald Forest with the others for graduation you know what I did? All I could do was run, scream, hide and get stuck in a tree. While everyone else was risking their lives trying to survive. I-I couldn't do a single thing. I don't even know what I'm doing here surrounded by geniuses like Pyrrha, Ruby and You." Said the crestfallen knight.
"Jaune you're too hard on yourself, you made it here because you earned a place here at Beacon." Said the masked Hunter.
"NO I DIDN'T!" Screamed the crestfallen knight.
"What? What are you talking about Jaune?" Asked the confused masked Hunter. "I got ahold of some fake transcripts, I cheated my way into Beacon." Said the crestfallen knight.
"That's- that's insane Jaune why would you come here? A school dedicated to teaching how to fight man-eating monsters when you've never even held a blade before?" Asked the masked Hunter almost shocked by Jaunes stupidity.
"Because it's what my father did and his father and his father. It's what I wanted my whole life, to be a hero like them. If I can't even do something as simple as this then how can I ever be a hero? I'm sorry Drake but I don't want your help, goodnight." And with that the crestfallen knight left the rooftop leaving Drake alone.
"Jaune why can't you understand? No one can survive in this world alone, on one no matter how strong." And with that the Drake headed back to his dorm, unaware that a certain leech had been listening to them the whole time.
Hope you all enjoyed the new chapter. I appreciate any comments, reviews and feedback and I hope you all have a nice day
Sincerely
The newly reanimated Lazerhat9001