Another big shout out to everyone reading! You guys are what are making this story what it is…I hope you continue to enjoy Shirou's tale in Remnant! :)
Time passes at Beacon, knowledge is gathered, bonds reinforced, and obstacles overcome. Can the courage to continue down the chosen path be passed on to the next generation?
Velvet ducked beneath Yatsuhashi's slice, bringing the weapon in her hands up to strike his gut. His aura shimmered but not enough to signify true injury; they were only sparring after all. Shirou watched from the sidelines with Coco.
Shirou had been true to his word over the two weeks since he started attending Beacon Academy. Every day, after classes let out, he and Velvet would meet up by the sparring yard and he would trace a new weapon for her. He started simple, replicating several of the numerous blades he had gleamed from Gilgamesh's treasury that were destroyed during their confrontation. Velvet's semblance was quite impressive, all he had to do was showcase the technique associated with the weapon's use once and she could mimic it flawlessly.
Her creations from the generator on her back were not true copies, but rather replicas made from an energy referred to as "hard-light." Despite appearing to be little more than a silhouette of the original, they were surprisingly durable. On top of that, her weapons somehow retained the mass to do damage but not the weight associated with it. His jaw had just about hit the floor upon seeing her easily hold Berserker's axe-blade again one-handed. She was in the process of practicing with the latest weapon he had summoned for her.
Gáe Bolg, the spear wielded by Lancer was now present in her hand. Expertly she twirled around and jabbed it towards Yatuhashi's chest, missing purposefully so as to not waste the energy. If only the weapons could last longer, Velvet would be even more formidable. Seeing her move was like watching Lancer himself, though her speed and power were still restricted to her physical limitations.
In addition, she could only create a single projection per photograph taken. Shirou had questioned if she could make more to which Velvet timidly replied she wouldn't want to test it, the energy output from more than a handful at the same time would be enormous and could quickly become unstable. Despite her trepidation, it was clear that Shirou had awakened an inspiration within her. After discussing the dangers of multiple constructs she mentioned she would look into it.
Shirou had not been idle as Velvet improved herself, while he was far from the top student at Beacon; Ms. Goodwitch had called him certainly the most devoted and Professor Port had praised his attentiveness in his combat courses. Shirou had initially hung on his every word as he regaled the class with his accomplishments against the creatures of Grimm. It had taken nearly a week to realize why most of the class would often seem half asleep during the long…long winded anecdotes of his youth.
He now understood that his aura was his own power, similar to od he was familiar with, but did not run the risk of harming him if depleted from use. For the meantime he would have to rely on them, he had sapped all of the mana Rin had shared with him before his fight with Gilgamesh...and he was most certainly not going to test with Coco or Velvet if the transfer ritual was even possible in Remnant. He could still feel his od separate from the aura he had unlocked in the Emerald Forest, however using aura as a substitute was much safer.
The many days tracing weapons for Velvet had an added bonus of improving his usage with aura. Each time he crafted a weapon he built upon it, tempered and reinforced them, learning how to harness it as he had before. He was steadily approaching the competence he had before being deposited in Remnant. Despite his improvement, he could not rest.
He met with Professor Ozpin every few days at first…steadily making it every other day to check on updates regarding his search for Gilgamesh. Regardless of how many times he drank with him, not a single sighting, disturbance or clue had revealed itself since his arrival…not one! Their visits often times became catch ups with the aging Headmaster asking how Shirou had been acclimating to the school and Remnant, like he was trying to be his father. His worry that the King of Heroes could show up while he was unprepared grew daily.
"Shirou…hey!" He heard Coco shout followed closely by a pebble conking him in the head. "I know Velvet is cute and all but you were like a zombie there for a minute."
Shirou rubbed his head where the projectile had struck, "Oh, sorry," he replied. "I was just…thinking about the exam."
"Well don't, that's an order as team leader," she pointed a finger in his face, leaning forward to gaze up at him over her shades. "We have a long weekend coming up; work not related to fun or fighting is strictly off limits."
In the background Yatsuhashi and Velvet finished sparring, her copy of Gáe Bolg fading out of existence. Shirou had leaned his own version against the wall until it too would eventually disappear. To replenish her reserve of photographs, she immediately started taking more pictures.
While snapping photos, Velvet's scroll suddenly buzzed to signal a newly received message. With a curious expression as to who it might be she read it over. It was subtle, but Shirou noticed her eyes widen for half a heartbeat before returning to normal. Without a word, she returned the scroll to her pouch.
"With you guys in top shape we'll be a shoo-in to win the Vytal Festival next year," Coco announced proudly. "Do you even have a limit for that thing?"
"Huh?" Velvet asked, she looked distracted and had missed Coco's question.
"Your camera silly, do you have a limit?"
"I…don't know," she replied hesitantly. "Every picture uses space, but I built it to compress the data as small as possible. I…I've never tested its maximum capacity."
"Well, keep picking up everything you can and you'll have an unbeatable arsenal in no time. They'll never know what hit em!"
Shirou glanced over at Velvet. Ever since the match against Laguna he noticed she had become far more conservative about taking pictures. Other than their daily sessions, he couldn't recall her taking a single photo of the other students despite her clear desire to.
Something is going on…
Team CVEY Dormitory…Nightfall.
The four teammates seemed to be sleeping soundly, each one in their various preferred positions. The window had been left open, allowing a cool breeze to howl through the room. All was peaceful…until Velvet stirred from beneath her covers.
The young woman was already dressed in her combat attire, clearly having had no plans to sleep that night. With the quietest of steps she crept towards the door, opening it silently and slipping out.
Sorry Shirou…everyone…I need to do this.
She looked over the scroll message she had received at training that day. It was from Laguna whom they had not heard from since the duel. Each day he sat silently in the back never uttering a word unless called upon. She had hoped he was simply ignoring them out of some protest at being in the same class as her, unfortunately it seemed that was not the case.
He had challenged her to a rematch, no rules, no restrictions…and no audience. Velvet's first instinct had been to tell Coco, Yatsuhashi…Shirou and think of the best option to confront him, but she dismissed it. All this time her team had been pushing her to be more confident in herself, surer of what she could do. If she wanted to do that, she couldn't rely on them for everything. She would face him herself and with any luck that would be the end of it. She had so many weapons Shirou had shown her now at her disposal.
Velvet snuck through the school under the cover of night, making her way to the amphitheater where the welcoming ceremonies had taken place. With no events currently planned, the stage was eerily deserted…yet the lights were on.
"I'm surprised a phony like you decided to come."
Velvet spun, revealing Laguna in his full huntsman attire emerging from the shadows. He had a long wrapped package slung across his back, based on the length it was likely his repaired gunblade. With the smile on his face he looked utterly terrifying.
"S-say whatever you want about my style!" She proclaimed, trying to hide the hesitation in her voice. "I want to be a huntress just as much as you want to be a huntsman. To protect people!"
"The people deserve better than a thief like you," he snapped. With a smooth motion he pulled the long item from his back. With the way he was holding the base it was unmistakably a weapon. "It was enough for Beacon to allow Faunus without restriction, but one that works off the backs of others...It ends here. Once I shatter that camera of yours you won't take anyone else's."
With a tug of the cord, the red material fell away, fluttering to the ground and leaving Velvet perplexed. The weapon in his hands was not his old gunblade, it was…a sword.
The blade looked old yet was pristine, there was no doubting that. Velvet had never seen its equal, so perfect was its surface she could see her warped reflection in the surface even from how far she was. The hilt was incredibly ornate with alternating patterns of blue and gold forming a cross shape handle surrounded by a gold circle with a glistening blue gem at the base of the pommel. Other than its stunning appearance, it was a sword, and only a sword. She couldn't remember the last time she had seen such an antiquated design, according to Doctor Oobleck, they had been practically the only style utilized before the invention of modern weapons.
In a flash, Laguna was on the move, racing to close the distance as he gripped his newly acquired weapon with two hands. Velvet jumped back for more room, her projector humming to life as a form appeared in her hands. Swinging Yatsuhashi's blade she clashed with the outdated sword.
Velvet yelped in surprise as her replica shattered instantly, the sword deflected off her own, clipping her in the arm. Her aura was the only thing preventing injury though it flickered at the impact. She dropped down, already preparing her next weapon, raining a hail of gunfire down on Laguna's position with Coco's gatling gun. Despite her best efforts the man kept up, dodging or parrying each shot expertly. Ducking and weaving in and out of fire he closed the distance, once again dispatching her weapon with a slash across the barrel, destroying it before she could use even half its potential.
"Keep relying on forgeries," Laguna mocked. "I will cut through them all!"
Velvet raised her hand to counter attack even before the next weapon she had was ready. Avoiding his lethal blade she swung her new choice.
An impressive battle-axe caught Laguna in the hip, knocking him away for some room. Flipping Professor Port's weapon of choice over she took aim with the blunderbuss feature, releasing an impressive blast. Laguna cut her attack in half, causing the remains to miss completely, exploding harmlessly behind him.
I didn't want to rely on them, Velvet sighed as her weapon disappeared. But I have no choice. Crouching low she prepared her next weapon.
"They won't save you!" Laguna yelled as he chased her, with an angered grunt her performed a powerful downward slash.
A blade similar to Laguna's parried his blow. The greatest noticeable difference was the handguard which was far more simplistic, a single unadorned bar curved upward. Had it been more than a hard-light copy, the handle would have been an identical gold color to the one in Laguna's hands. Velvet remembered Shirou had called it "Gram."
"Just because I don't recognize the weapon doesn't stop it from being a fake," he growled.
Velvet ignored his quip, pressing forward and ducking under his strikes just like the footwork Shirou had shown her. With each weapon he showed her his lesson had also included the style associated with it and she had been teaching herself to use them in differing situations. Closing the gap, she decked Laguna hard in the chest with her shoulder, slashing Gram across his chest.
Laguna fell back, his aura shimmering at the blow. Velvet could not imitate the weapon to the extent of Shirou's, but she was improving, by her estimates she could get one more impact before it was used up. She had to make it count, she couldn't waste it trying to parry, each of the photographs provided by Shirou meant too much to her.
Laguna was absolutely enraged, gripping the handle tightly he rushed her. A moment before he was in range he ducked low, slicing upward diagonally. Velvet bent with his angle, the cut missing her contorting body by the smallest of margins, only succeeding in cutting several thin strands of her long brown hair. With one hand, a feat that would have normally required incredible strength, she swung sideways, catching Laguna across the gut as her copy of Gram shimmered out of existence.
The young man tumbled backwards, his emerald aura shattering at the blow. He had no more defense left to rely upon.
"There," Velvet asserted, standing back to her full height. "It's over, just promise you will leave me and my friends alo…"
She had assumed Laguna would have conceded at the breaking of his aura, serious injury could follow otherwise. In his anger he had ignored his vulnerable state, clearing the distance between them so fast she had no time to construct another weapon. Laguna swung down with a power slash aiming at the exposed box on her hip.
A moment before he would have cleaved Velvet's masterpiece in two his attack was intercepted. A pair of curved swords interlocked in an "X" to protect the young Faunus-girl.
"Shirou!" She called out cheerily despite the sinking feeling in her gut that he had to get involved.
The young man showed no qualms against stepping in; he would have done so earlier had he realized her disappearance from the room sooner. He would not let Laguna near her, and also had to ask him a very important question. The look on his face was so serious it made even Velvet nervous.
"Where…did you get that sword?"
Shirou's gaze darted from his eyes to the golden blade in his hand, its identity unmistakable, a Noble Phantasm. It was the very weapon Gilgamesh summoned to end his life once the mana supporting his reality marble had collapsed, the original sword that would one day be wielded by Gaius Julius Caesar and be known as Crocea Mors. It had been the first thing pulled into the vortex before either of them.
How did he get it?
"What does that have to do with…?" Laguna started to ask before being driven back by Shirou. He gasped in surprise that the sword he had been guaranteed would break anything it came into contact with was being beaten by the married blades of Velvet's teammate. In that moment, Shirou's constructs were tempered more masterfully than ever in Remnant at the clue to Gilgamesh's whereabouts that had dropped into his lap.
"Where?" He pressed again with his words and his arms. "Tell me!"
"Why should I?" He countered, barely holding his ground.
"Because I happen to know the original owner, and he would NEVER part with it under any circumstances. If you stole it…he will be coming for you."
"I bought it fair and square! If you want to know who from you'll have to beat me first." Without any warning he cut sideways, Shirou barely parrying his attack, the sword skimming the surface of his arm. His aura shimmered, the same light blue, nearly teal energy that crackled in his hands when tracing weapons.
So that's my aura's color…
"Fair enough," Shirou whispered.
Laguna kicked off his opponent's chest, flying across the stage for some distance. Only after landing and righting himself did he realize Shirou's twin weapons had vanished. Instead he held out his hands as if to grip a heavy sword.
"Trace…on," he whispered as energy began to crackle once more. "Saber…"
A beautiful longsword appeared in his hand similar to Gram based on the shape of the curved golden handguard, but that was where the commonalities ended. The base of the blade was ornately designed with alternating patterns of blue and gold reminiscent of the one in Laguna's hands; runes were etched above them leading up the length of the steel. Near the tip, Velvet could make out two more symbols engraved in blue of what appeared to be a sword and sheath. Had she not already fallen in love with Kanshou and Bakuya, the young Faunus-girl would have asserted it was the most beautiful sword she had ever seen. She could not resist producing her camera, setting the shutter to go off at regular intervals automatically so as to not miss a thing.
Even Laguna could tell the sword in his hands was extraordinary. Unfortunately, the aggravated young man was running on adrenaline, gripping his dubiously acquired Noble Phantasm, he rushed their side of the stage. Shirou did not even attempt to move, planting his feet, he gripped the blade known as Caliburn with both hands. He could not unlock its full power alone…but he didn't need all of it. Laguna did not know the name of the weapon in his hands…without that he could not hope to scratch the surface of its potential either. As Laguna neared, the blade sang through the air.
The lesser blade shattered in the young man's hand just as Shirou had intended, to destroy the leftover blade of Gilgamesh. The shockwave sent Laguna tumbling backwards amidst the shards of now-useless metal. For the second time, his actions had resulted in the destruction of an amazing weapon. Shirou approached his fallen enemy, planting the sword downward into the ground to lean on slightly. Without meaning to, he nearly mimicked Saber's posture perfectly when meting out judgments with the blade so long ago…
"Where…did you buy the sword?" He repeated.
Laguna stared up in awe, he hated Shirou and his teammate, they both could do such things so effortlessly, in his mind, only thanks to others. He had seen Shirou training with CVEY the last few weeks…seen him create forgeries other weapons just like the rabbit. He hated them so much, yet regardless of his feelings he could not bring himself to lie. Perhaps he was afraid for his life; perhaps he could sense the air of command emanating from the echo of the blade in front of him…in the end it did not matter as his lips began to move on their own.
"Junior…I bought it from a nightclub owner in Vale named Junior." He answered weakly, slumping back to the ground, not even attempting to get up.
Shirou recognized the name; apparently the locale was a real hot spot among older students. Coco had attempted to get him to go partying with her and Velvet a few days ago with fake IDs…he had respectfully declined. Nodding in understanding, Shirou turned to leave, Laguna clearly having the fight drained out of him. Before he could get very far, he noticed Velvet had remained behind, kneeling down before Laguna to be at the same eye level.
"Here," she handed him a photograph from her camera. "If you didn't want me to use it…all you had to do was ask."
Laguna looked at the picture; it was of him on the first day at Beacon heading to the opening ceremonies. He was wandering in a crowd of new students; it was obvious, based on the angle, that the image had been taken focusing on his gunblade, he'd named it Leonart, the weapon he had worked so hard to make.
"It's the only one I took of your old weapon," she muttered, her shy nature returning now that the battle had ended. "It was…a very dignified weapon. It's too bad you decided to get a new one." With that final word she rushed off to catch up with Shirou who had stopped at the entrance to wait for her.
She is kind even to her enemies.
The beaten man just sat there staring at it, remembering every step of the process he had refined to create something he considered wholly his own. The fire inside him of that being taken away started to burn low, replaced instead with the desire to improve. Maybe, just maybe, he could focus on that drive…and make it even better. Sniffling, he staggered to his feet, sliding the photo gently into his pocket.
I should probably contact Professor Port…I'm going to need a lot of parts.
Professor Ozpin's Office…The Next Day…
"I am delighted you could join me again," Professor Ozpin smiled as he produced a tray of drinks and asked his preference as always. "Coffee or tea?"
"Tea," Shirou replied out of politeness, but he was anxious to reveal what he had found.
"Sugar?"
"No thank you."
Ozpin set down the tray, turning it so the ornate tea set was closer to Shirou while the coffee remained within his own reach. No matter how many times he had a drink with the Headmaster he seemed to have a different tea set and coffee mugs available, he must be a collector. Shirou proceeded to explain the weapon Laguna had purchased and its connection to Gilgamesh, ending with the knowledge that it had come from a seedy club in Vale.
"He has to be associated with that club," Shirou concluded. "If we move now we can find out how."
Ozpin set down his empty cup, leaning back into his chair, his hand squeezing his cane tightly.
"We are well aware of this…Junior's connections. He is an information broker, occasionally renting out hired thugs for various purposes…all of which are quite small time. I doubt a…power mad demigod, as I believe you last described him last we spoke, would be interested in such a place."
"But if he got his hands on one of Gilgamesh's weapons…he has to know something!"
"We will monitor his establishment," Ozpin assured him. "If this Gilgamesh character is seen within a mile of the club, we will know it."
"But I can head out there…I know him better than anyone here!"
"That would be ill advised," the Professor's mood darkened as his tone grew serious. "We use Junior's establishment for our own information gathering needs. If a student at Beacon were to cause trouble there…it could jeopardize a dozen investigations at least."
"I can still find something, just let me…"
"Mr. Emiya," the Headmaster's tone became sterner. "I was young like you…long ago. I know how it feels that you must take action immediately…but I assure you, doing so unnecessarily only leads to more sorrow. Believe me when I tell you have made more mistakes than any man, woman and child on this planet and am well aware of such things. If you go out there…I will not be able to help you as I have…"
"There…there must be SOMETHING we can do?"
"Not for the moment," Ozpin sighed. "Your studies have been coming along but you are far from the strength needed to deal with such a foe as you have described. Please, I implore you…be at peace while at Beacon, study with your team and friends. You can find a life here Mr. Emiya…if you will let it in."
"But if Gilgamesh kills anyone…"
"He has not yet, and at present we have no evidence to suggest he will. Are you even certain he came through with you?"
"I am…I saw him fall through, he has to be…he…"
"Could have ended up literally anywhere," Ozpin finished. "It is impossible for one to predict the winds of fate or where they blow. Past events do not dictate the future."
Shirou just leaned back in his seat; he didn't know what to say. Even the tea didn't taste quite as fresh…the fact that Ozpin could essentially do nothing to help had soured the flavor. His words were technically wise but did nothing to alleviate the tension in Shirou's chest.
"Another?" Ozpin asked, ever cordial despite Shirou's empty stare. He nodded a reply, accepting another cup of the steaming beverage.
Beacon Halls…
Velvet waited outside, Shirou had been inside with the Headmaster for quite a long time and she grew worried. At long last he emerged, closing the door quietly behind him.
"Is…everything okay?" She asked, patting him on the back as it seemed he needed it.
"Yea," he nodded, though it wasn't very convincing. Velvet could see right through him.
"You know…they are holding a little festival in town tomorrow," she stood up on her tippy-toes, putting her hands behind her back timidly in her attempt to raise his spirits. "Coco and Yatsuhashi want to go too...and there are supposed to be a lot of activities and events going on."
Shirou smiled at his teammate, laying a hand on her shoulder.
"That sounds like a lot of fun; we'll have to head over early tomorrow. Come on, we don't want to be late for class…I can show you one more weapon before curfew."
Velvet's ears twitched happily at his kind words, however as she walked with him to their next course on Remnant Geography she could not help but feel that his smile was…flat. It was as if he was mimicking what a smile should be and failing due to lacking the emotion associated with it.
Team CVEY Dormitory…that Night…
Once more, the peace of night in the dorms was broken. Subtly, Shirou slipped out of his bed already fully dressed. Of the clothes he had been given by Professor Ozpin he had selected long blue jeans and a white short-sleeved shirt. Over top it he wore a red and black jacket to keep away the chill in the air…it would be a long trip to Vale. In his current attire no one could guess he was from Beacon and thus wouldn't bring any scrutiny on the school if the situation grew…complicated.
He couldn't heed the Headmaster's words, if Gilgamesh was potentially nearby he had to stop him…if he didn't then anyone he harmed going forward would be on him. Glancing about the room he spotted Coco and Yatsuhashi fast asleep, Velvet was burrowed within her den of blankets and sheets…her adorable ears still sticking out.
"Sorry Velvet," he whispered solemnly. He had enjoyed his brief time at Beacon, Yatsuhashi's quiet kindness, Coco's eccentric nature…and Velvet…just Velvet. Something inside told him he wouldn't see its towers again for a very long time.
Grabbing a pre-packed satchel of supplies, Shirou made his exit out the window, thanking circumstance that their dorm was beside a conveniently planted tree. With any luck, he could catch one of the last flights to Vale and be there by morning before anyone noticed his absence. If the stories were true, the club would most certainly still be open at that hour.
His escape plan was fool-proof, he had accounted for every contingency…except the shifting of the cute brown ears protruding from his partner's sheets, ears with far superior hearing to anyone currently attending Beacon…
Shirou chooses the route of hunting down Gilgamesh over remaining at Beacon with newfound friends and allies. Setting off following the trail, will his obsession lead him to his intended goal…or ultimate ruin? As always Read and Review, but most all Enjoy! :)
