Sable energy was the anti-aura. It did not provide warmth, it stole it away. It did not provide protection, only robbed others of it. It did not heal injuries, it only numbed the pain. Using it too much of it fried the nerves and dulled the senses. There were many stories of Judges who fought long gruesome battles while powering through their opponents blows, ignoring the pain and pushing on. All those stories ended with those Judges dead after their energy had run out and they realized that they ignored the one fatal blow they should have seen coming. Wielding sable energy made one feel powerful, intimidating, and invincible. But it did not keep its users from death, it helped them welcome it. This is why the Sable Judges had created their armor.
A Sable Judge's armor was their greatest asset, their closest friend, and among their greatest tests. A Judge's Weapon was chosen, but their armor was not. Under the supervision of the blacksmiths in the volcanic catacombs underneath the Tower of Justice in the Sable Forge an initiate is given a specific task. They are required to build their armor personally. It is a grueling, painful, frustrating task that takes several months of painstaking labor. Every tiny link of chainmail was to be forged, infused individually with sable energy and then connected until there was enough to fully cover the body. The suit was judged and then tested, before being either discarded or approved. No one had ever gotten an approval before any less than three attempts.
Afterwards they would have to build the suit that went over the chainmail. The plate mail layer was a result of intense focus and application of an initiate's sable energy. Pieces of metal were infused and tested over and over again to insure that there was enough energy to provide the benefits and none of the weaknesses. This process gave the armor its signature black color.
Afterwards the metal was melted down and judged by the blacksmiths. Initiates then had to mold the metal and create the sections of the armor. Any mistakes meant they had to start again. Many Judges still had burns from the process. There wasn't a Judge in the order who remembered their time forging their armor fondly.
When it was finally done, and the pieces were finished, the result was among the finest works of craftsmanship on Remnant. It was a full set of protection that a Judge knew intimately, by heart, right down to the last link of chainmail. The process was intense, it broke most. Those who failed it were quickly sent to apprentice themselves to a different job in the tower. But to those who passed, there were few things anywhere near as satisfying as slipping into ones armor for the first time and feeling complete safety.
It felt like home.
The end result of the process was protection and resistance from practically all harm. It didn't matter whether the damage was blunt, stabbing, slashing, flame, electric, ice, gravity or anything else. The armor would survive it. They often outlived their owners, with many museums all over Remnant displaying them in exhibits. Whatever the damage the armor didn't block, the sable energy helped the Judge ignore. When correctly taught in its use, a person could stave off pain, hunger, and exhaustion for as long as they lived. It was all in the breathing.
This is why when Hector woke up in horrendous pain he knew something was wrong immediately.
It came slowly at first, ebbing in as he regained consciousness. But the faint soreness soon became an all-encompassing ache. Opening his eyes all he saw was foliage surrounding him. He tried to will his body to move but it wouldn't respond. So he just lay there, waiting and breathing. He tried to summon some sable energy to dull the pain but none came, it looked like that last blast had left him dry. So he just continued to lay there gritting his teeth and bearing it.
Eventually he was able to move a finger, then his hand, and then his arm. The pain didn't go away but his ability to move slowly improved little by little. After some time he was able to stand, albeit barely and with extreme effort. During the process of infusion and creation the armor's metal became lighter too, which at the moment Hector was infinitely grateful for. Looking around he saw that his fall hadn't been quiet. Judging by the path of obliterated trees and the crater he was currently standing in it seemed like his fall had been broken somewhat. It didn't feel like it though.
He limped slowly out of the hole he was in and started to make his way through the forest. It was slow going and he had to stop to catch his breath plenty of times but he slowly made his way forward. The forest was filled with sounds of wildlife and as Hector stopped he took a moment to breath in the fresh air. It would have been a pleasant walk if not for the horrible discomfort he was feeling. Suddenly something glimmered in the distance. Making is way over he saw that it was his sword. It was stuck in a rock.
He smiled at the sight. It looked like a scene straight out of a fairy tale. He sighed at his luck before gingerly wrapping his fingers around the hilt and tugged. But it was in there tight, it didn't even budge. The sound of rushing water caught his attention and he looked to see a babbling brook nearby. He limped over and knelt over the water. He lifted his visor and used his hands to shakily drink. The water was cool and refreshing. He splashed some on his face and let the water ease some of the pain. A growl nearby caused him to freeze, he looked up to see an ursa no less than twenty feet from him.
Usually this would be no problem. One of the side benefits to sable energy was that it camouflaged a Judge. So long as they didn't do anything too overt and maintained a stable amount of sable energy a Judge could walk through Grimm infested territories no problem. But Hector didn't have any sable energy at the moment.
Which meant the ursa was looking directly at him.
The giant furry monster rose on its hind legs to stretch up to a terrifying ten feet. Hellish red eyes locked unto Hector and with a roar a metric ton of black muscle, teeth, razor sharp claws and fury charged at him. He stood as quickly as he could, which wasn't quick at all, and braced for impact. As the ursa reached him it reared back with a roar and swiped at him with its claws. The blow sent him flying into the water. He hadn't lowered his visor so he got a face full of water that blinded him long enough for the beast to get another hit in.
The armor would hold. If it could survive a fall like that then it could survive this easily. He on the other hand was tired and completely deplete of energy, and this ursa wasn't giving him anytime to recuperate it. This was bad. He knew what happened to Judges who didn't regain their sable energy back in time. Months, even years, worth of ignoring the body's basic needs can do horrible things to a person once they caught back up to you.
He lowered his visor in time to take another blow that sent him flying back into his sword, loosening it from the rock. He stood and quickly gripped the hilt, the ursa came after him again and this time he braced for the hit. The massive paw that slammed into him provided enough force to help pull the rest of the sword from the stone. He was now armed, but he seriously doubted he had the strength at this point to fight the monster. The ursa roared again before charging and Hector could only get in his stance and hope for a miracle.
Luckily, a miracle came.
An arrow suddenly sprouted from the monster side, causing it to roar in pain and turn. This was just the opportunity Hector needed, as he gripped the hilt of his sword as hard as he could before driving it deep into the ursa's leg. It collapsed forward unto its knees and he pulled the blade out before inverting his grip and holding it by the blade. The beast turned to swipe at him but as its head turned in his direction he acted. He swung the sword downward and slammed the cross guard into the monsters skull, cracking its bonelike mask and driving it back disoriented.
It gave an angry roar moan before collapsing, it struggled to rise but it was still heavily stunned. This gave Hector time to escape beyond the nearby tree line. He collapsed to his knees as the pain flared throughout his body in waves, his adrenaline quickly fading. That had been way to close. But where had that arrow come from?
He looked at where he gauged the arrow had come from and looked over to see a shadow flit beneath a nearby tree. "Hello?"
The shadow moved away and Hector decided to follow. He limped as quickly as he could and when he reached the spot the shadow had been he saw something strange. It was a bundle of fish, tied up and left on the floor. He picked it up and looked around hoping to see the bundle's owner. "Hello, you left your fish." Silence was all he got back. He did spot a trail of footprints leading off into the forest. With nothing better to do he decided to follow the path.
He followed the trail through the forest until he reached a large rocky hill. The footprints lead around the side to a cave opening where a warm glow radiated from within. As he approached Hector could hear voices.
"-lost it?"
"I had to run, he saw me!"
"Did you make sure to lose him?"
"…uh…"
"You think he followed you?!"
"I don't know I was panicking!"
Hector turned the corner and looked to see a weird sight inside the cave. Two people were arguing around a fire. A young bearded man with fuzzy black bear ears being cowed by a very angry young woman with dark blond hair. She was giving the man an angry earful, which was impressive given that he had two sets. She was also very, very pregnant.
Hector weighed the wisdom of interrupting her. He braced himself before knocking on the caves side. "Hello?"
The two instantly stopped arguing and moved. The man put the woman behind him defensively and they both stared at him wide eyed.
"You didn't say he was a judge!" the woman hissed.
"I didn't get a good look at him." The man said sheepishly. "I didn't see the armor Ca-"
"No names!" She eyed Hector with equal parts suspicion and fear. "They might have sent him after us."
"I am not here to hurt you, nor do I have any orders to apprehend anyone in the area. I simply wished to give my thanks for saving my life and return these fish." He hefted the bundle and the woman's eyes narrowed while the man's widened in surprise and hunger. "I am Minor Judge Hector."
"Sweet, thanks," he quickly stepped forward and snatched the bundle. "See C," he said with a sly wink, "all good. He seems to be on the level."
She just rolled her eyes before locking them unto Hector as the man guided her to sit by the fire while he got work cooking the fish. He looked over at Hector standing at the cave entrance and waved him over. "Come, come and take a seat my friend. There's plenty of fish to go around."
Hector nodded and walked over, aware of C's eyes on him the entire way. Her glare softened as she noticed his limp and the way that he lowered himself to sit as slowly as possible. "Thank you, both of you."
"It's no problem," the man said. "For now if she is C then I'm R." He began to put the fishes on some carved spits and plant them over the fire to cook. "What brings a Judge all the way out here so far from civilization?"
"I could ask you the same."
The C's glare lost any softness but R just laughed. "Ah, but I asked first, did I not?"
Fair enough. "I fell."
The two exchanged confused looks before R gave him a quizzical look. "You fell?" Hector nodded and R looked like he suddenly had an idea. "This wouldn't happen to have anything to do with a pirate ship, would it?"
"That is where I fell from."
"Ah, so you must be why they crashed nearby. How did that happen?"
As Hector told his story the two began to eat. C seemed ravenous and R was enthralled, he shifted gave C an excited smile whenever Hector reached an exciting part. When he was done the bear faunus just laughed and slapped his knee.
"What a story, what a story! Don't you think C?"
"It was something," C said with a small smile. "You nearly got yourself killed helping those people." Her look was suddenly sharp as she cuffed R's ear. "You nearly getting yourself killed helping him wasn't necessary."
"He needed the help," R complained as he rubbed his ear. "How could I not." He hadn't even known that Hector was a Judge, just someone in trouble.
Hector looked at the two, taking in their features. They seemed like normal civilians. Judging from the ratty clothes and makeshift fire they had a grasp on basic survival craft. But beyond that it didn't seem like they were the type to live in the wilds. "What are your stories? It's dangerous out in these woods, and you two don't seem like the type who come out here by choice."
R gave C a quick glance and just smiled as he rubbed the back of his head. "Me, I'm just a humble-"
"No lies," Hector interrupted. "If you are criminals, then I cannot stop you from avoiding the truth. But you two don't seem like criminals. Just people running from something, and I want to help you."
"Why?" C asked suspiciously.
"Because I can, and it's the right thing to do. It is the least I can do at any rate, for saving my life."
C just scoffed and R grabbed her hand gently. He gave her a smile as he sidled up next to her. "We can trust him."
She gave him an incredulous look. "How could you possibly know that?"
R just shrugged. "Every faunus knows that the Judges are upfront about what they want. Plus we kind of need all the help we can get at this point…"
C gave him a glare before sighing and rubbing her swollen belly. "True enough, I'm still not happy about this." R just smiled and kissed her, she hummed surprised before kissing back and Hector blushed under his helmet as he looked away. The two seemed to go on being affectionate before he coughed awkwardly.
They split apart and while C looked annoyed R just smiled awkwardly. "Right, our story, the story about us, we'll tell you. Sorry but it's going to have to be a bit abridged."
"Wait, so are you criminals?"
R shook his head. "Nah, we're just your average runaways."
"Running from what? How did you end up out here?"
R looked at C as though asking for permission. She took a deep breath and R squeezed her hand before she spoke. "My family…well they're a traditional group. All the men in my family have been huntsmen for as far back as anyone cares to remember. Where I'm from if anyone hears our last name it's recognized. We're practically treated like royalty." She smiled as though lost in a warm memory. Her smile suddenly turned into a deep frown. "It also means that we're under more pressure than anyone else. More closely watched, more judged."
She squeezed her eyes and shifted uncomfortably. R pulled her into a firm hug and held her there. He rubbed his hand in circles along her back before he continued the story. "I was just the local blacksmiths apprentice. I was awful at weapons but get me to a broken car or heater and I could fix her right up. One day someone came into the shop. An angel, crafted by the brothers themselves, with eyes like amethyst's, and-" he grunted as C elbowed him.
"I think he gets it." She said as he chuckled. "That was when we met. I came in to fix up some heirloom from our great-great something or other to give to my brother. The blacksmith was out but R here-"
"Was more than happy to help out the most beautiful woman he had ever seen with whatever she wanted."
"So he lied."
R gave an indignant grunt. "I did not lie."
"You said the blacksmith was out but you knew everything there was to forging."
"Well-"
"And that you could get me my package back in twenty four hours or less, customer satisfaction guaranteed."
"And you were-"
"I got the stuff back worse than when I had dropped it off." She deadpanned.
"I apologized didn't I?"
"Yes you did, profusely, every day, for a month, outside my house. I thought my dad was going to get sick of it and try to shoot you."
"He did shoot at me. For harassing his precious daughter and trespassing," R said in a mock grunt voice.
She nodded. "That he did."
"But you were always there to patch me up."
"That I was," she said before kissing him again. "Someone had to make sure you didn't get yourself killed." She turned to Hector, her gentle smile back. "One thing led to another and well…" She rubbed her belly and R gave her the biggest smile Hector had ever seen. "With all the pressure my family is under, we figured that no one would have appreciated me giving birth to my faunus love child."
"So we left," R said happily. "Put it all behind us to try and find someplace to raise our child, happy and free."
"The happy part is accurate," C said leaning into R, "but free, that might take a bit more work."
"So what was your plan?" Hector asked, still absorbing the story.
C snorted. "Plan, what plan? This moron just packed up everything he could in a backpack and we ran off in the middle of the night."
"Not very smart," Hector said crossing his arms.
"Hey!"
"Oh, I know."
"Hey!"
The couple laughed and Hector just smiled. "If it helps we can travel together. When I am more rested I can create enough sable energy to camouflage us from the Grimm. So long as we avoid the pirates we should all be able to make it to a nearby town safely enough."
R gave a small cheer and C's shoulder sagged in relief. Soon the fire died down and Hector stood watch outside the cave as C and R rested inside. It was nighttime, and the moon was full. It was high in the sky illuminating the forest around them. Hector watched the tree line closely as he maintained his breathing. His power was returning, albeit slowly. He could feel the ends of his toes and fingers buzzing and realized that he could hold his sword much more comfortably now. He'd need a few days to heal fully but he'd be able to fight within a few hours. He had promised the others he'd wake them in case of anything though.
Movement from behind drew his attention to the fact that he wasn't alone. C had come out of the cave and sat on a nearby rock. The two didn't say anything to each other for the longest time. R seemed to be the more personable of the two. She still didn't seem to trust him all that much. He couldn't help but worry though as she shifted uncomfortably on the rock.
"You should go inside and rest. It isn't safe out here."
C just snorted softly. "Don't you start coddling me too. I get enough of that from him."
Hector looked over at her and wondered something. "He clearly loves you, very much."
She smiled. "Yeah, I know."
"Do you miss it, home I mean?"
She seemed to mull the question over. Her face began going through a series of emotions before settling on a bittersweet smile. "Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't."
"What about your family?"
"You're asking if I miss them?" Hector nodded and she sighed. "It's complicated. I come from a big family. Do you know what it's like to have siblings?"
"All Judges are my brothers and sisters."
She just rolled her eyes. "Right, well anyways I was the oldest. Everyone looked to me to keep the family traditions alive, until my brother was born." She sighed. "I think I miss him the most."
Hector would have given anything to have one his brothers with him now. He was in pain, in the dark and alone. With two civilians to protect and no plan, things were looking dire. He held unto the hope that something would come along and change things. For the moment hoping was all he could do. "I miss my brothers too."
"I was closest with mine. We told each other everything, shared everything. Well, everything but…" She gestured to the cave. She suddenly look so downcast. "I can't imagine what me just leaving like that must have done to him. It's all on him now. With me gone he'll have to be the hunter in our family. I can't imagine the pressure he's under. He's never done well with it. Dad might even pass him over if he doesn't measure up." She started to shift uncomfortably and Hector decided to change the subject.
"You're a huntress?"
She gave him a smug little smirk. "You really think R is the type to get us this far? Alone?"
Hector realized that it didn't really make sense when he thought about it. The man was practically a plush bear, and these were dangerous woods. "Fair enough, are you registered?"
She just rolled her eyes. "Really, you're doing this now?"
He held up his hands to placate her. "I am sorry, it is my job."
"I am registered, yes. When we find a place to settle down I might have to change my name and work as huntress for whatever backwater town outside the kingdoms will take me."
"Why not work within the kingdoms? It would be safer for you and your family."
She gave him a look that was both sad and frustrated. "Hector look at me," he was startled by her use of his name. "I'm a pregnant girl barely out of her teens eloping with her faunus boyfriend. This kid's going to come out with bear ears and aside from a hat-"or a bow, "nothing is going to hide what he is. Put it all together and what? My kid grows up a half breed freak all their life in the slums of the city? I don't want that for my child. I don't want that for my family." She said hugging herself. "I don't care how much harder it'll be. At least out here I can protect everyone I love from evil I can fight." She sounded so scared, lost and confused.
Hector was stunned at the speech. He mulled over her words as he looked out into the darkness of the forest. He had seen and done so much over the last few weeks. It already felt like a lifetime. He thought that he would be dealing with accused the whole time. But this, dealing with this felt heavier than dealing with anything the Judges would have prepared him for.
A sniffle alerted Hector to the fact that C was now crying silently. He quickly moved over without thinking and wrapped his arm around his shoulder. He looked back at the cave and started trying to will R to wake up but he could only comfort C as she cried into his shoulder. After a few minutes she stopped and wiped at her nose.
"Thanks."
"It is no problem."
"I must look like a mess."
"We all get sad."
"Even judges?" She asked with a raised eyebrow.
Hector nodded, "especially judges."
The atmosphere was a lot less strained after that, it was almost comfortable. A snarl nearby shattered that comfort, and the two whipped their heads to the nearby clearing. Standing there was a beowolf. Hector mind was reeling, his energy was low but it should have been enough to cover him and C from this distance. The creature stared directly at the cave, past the two at the entrance and with a growl charged. Hector realized that it was after R, his energy wasn't enough to cover him. It must have smelled him. Hector leapt up and drew his blade.
"C get inside," he didn't spend any time to argue with her as he charged the beast back. Being practically invisible to the monster had its benefits. As it tore its way forward it didn't see him before he shoulder bashed it in the chest. The beowolf yipped as it was sent tumbling back and Hectors shoulder burned from the impact.
He slashed at the beast, which looked around in angry confusion and swiped at the air. He ducked and dodged the desperate blows. Every swing he took caused another cut and the monster to roar in pain and frustration. It was slow going, and he was tired. A lucky swing caught him in the side and sent him sprawling. The beast must have felt the blow and quickly lunged in for the attack, only to catch an arrow to the side.
Hector looked over to see R reloading his crossbow, C behind him wielding some kind of flail. Finally facing an enemy it could see the Beowulf began to howl before Hector slammed his fist into its face. The monster was about to bring its whole pack down on their heads! Another arrow imbedded itself into the beasts arm causing it to snarl and lunge at R. Only to catch a flail to the head, C smiled viciously as she delivered another blow to its legs.
It was practically crippled at this point, but the grimm weren't known for giving up. It snapped its jaws at C, just missing her as Hector grabbed it by the legs and dragged it just out reach of her. Another arrow through its eye just caused the monster to start flailing in rage. How did hunters kill these things so easily?
One of its claws swiped at C, it was intent on taking her head off. "No!" R screamed as he pushed her out of the way and the claws gouged out bloody marks along his chest. He was sent flying and landed in a heap nearby.
C screamed and went to him as Hector felt his anger boil. He slammed his blade down impaling the beowolf through the leg and pinning it to the floor. It let out a deep pained howl that echoed throughout the forest. Hector just slammed his foot into its backside laying it flat on its front. He walked along its back, the weight of his armor preventing it from standing, before reaching down and grabbing the top of its mouth with both hands. It struggled but he slammed his foot down on its neck, stunning it long enough for Hector to use all of his strength to pull the jaw up. There was a vicious snap and the beowolf went limp, it dissipated into darkness as all creature of grimm did when they died.
Hector looked around to make sure none of its pack mates were nearby before running over to the others. R didn't look good, he was looking pale and his shirt was blood soaked. C held his head, tears streaming down her face as she comforted him. Hector knelt down and checked the wounds. They weren't going to kill him immediately, but without medical help R wasn't going to last the night, or even the next few hours. They needed a miracle. They needed…"
"Aura," Hector said causing C to look at him. "If we unlock his aura, we can save him."
C's eyes were suddenly filled with hope and she reached for R only to have Hector grab her hand. "What are you doing? He needs my help!"
"You are weak and with child," Hector stated calmly despite the turmoil he felt inside. "Unlocking his aura could be dangerous, to you and the baby. Who knows how much energy it will take from you."
She slapped his hand away. "So what do you suggest we do? Watch him die?"
No, no he couldn't watch that happen. He couldn't. He wasn't able to unlock aura, only fight it. They'd need someone who…
Hector knew what he had to do. It went against the code, but that seemed so unimportant at the moment. "We need to get going. I know where to take him."
Fashioning an impromptu stretcher out of some nearby branches from the forest and rope from the couples travel bag, Hector dragged R through the forest. C waddled beside him as quickly as she could. The sound of snarls filled the forest behind them and they quickened their pace. Soon they broke the tree line and exited out into a clearing.
On a normal night the clearing might have been beautiful. It was completely covered with flowers, which would have glistened in the moonlight. But now they were trapped in the shadow of the pirate ship parked at the far end of the area. R had told Hector where the ship had landed, the plan had been to avoid it. Now they were headed directly for it.
"Hector," C hissed, "where are we going?"
"Trust me," it was all he could say without giving away how nervous he was. Suddenly a spotlight blinded the group and a voice called out.
"Who's there?"
"I need to speak with your captain." Hector called out.
"Is that the Judge?!"
The sounds of guns cocking filled the air and C readied herself for a fight. Hector motioned for her to lower her weapon. She looked at him confused as he pulled out his sword and stabbed it into the ground. "I came to ask for your help. I ask…no," he rose to his full height and his voice held the full weight of his authority, "I order you, get your captain. I have come to bargain."
After a few tense moments the spotlights lowered and Hector saw that the men had erected a barricade in front of the hangar doors. They scrambled and soon Fidelis came strolling out of the ship, looking like he didn't have a care in the world. Hector lowered R gently and walked up to meet the captain. Weaponless he met the man in the middle of the field. There was no way for one to tell what the other was thinking under their masks. Both groups behind them held their collective breaths as the two warriors stared each other down. No one dared to make a sound, no one dared to make a muscle.
And then the Judge knelt.
He got on one knee and bowed his head low. Gasps and whispers echoed throughout the field and Fidelis shifted uncomfortably. "What is this?"
"This man is hurt, and his wife is with child. The only way he will survive is if his aura is unlocked."
"So you want me to do it? Why should I?" He sounded like he was trying his best to sound gruff, but it was clear that the situation had shook him as much as it had his crew. "My ships only here in the first place because of you, its taking forever to get her airborne again. You think I'll just let that go?"
"I do not expect you to forgive me, there is much I am unwilling to forgive you for as well. But this woman is about to lose her love, and the baby their father. I cannot let that happen, not if I can help it."
"So that means you're willing to beg."
Hector knew what this meant. The Judges were figures of authority on Remnant. For one to kneel was sacrilege at best, heresy at worst. The repercussions would be long lasting and terrible. But as R gave a shuddery breath and C knelt down to comfort him he realized none of that mattered to him. He just couldn't find it in himself to care. "I will do what it takes to save the lives of those around me, no matter the cost." He would not force the captain to do this for him. He could only believe that the man had the decency in him to do what was right. All he could do was hope.
Fidelis made his move.
He walked past Hector, over to R and crouched down over him and placed his hands over the wounds. He whispered the ritual too low for Hector to hear but as R began to glow he knew that the ritual had been completed. He suddenly let out a raspy gasp and C gave a hopeful laugh as she leaned down and began to kiss him.
Fidelis stood, wobbling a bit before walking over to Hector. He gestured for his men to come and they took R inside while C followed them. Hector watched them go, still a bit wary.
Fidelis just grunted as he crossed his arms. "Get over it, my guys will patch up the bear fine. We don't hurt pregnant women or their dying husbands."
Hector turned to look at the man before extending his hand out. "Thank you."
Fidelis just snarled before knocking the hand away. "This doesn't make us even, or friends. I just did it because no kid needs to grow up without a father."
"Even if the child's mother is a human?"
Fidelis snorted. "So was mine."
Before Hector could ask him to elaborate a scream came from the ship. It sounded like C, Hector's heart started to race but before he could take a step a howl reverberated throughout the forest. Shadows began to flit along the tree line and the one howl turned into a symphony that cascaded throughout the area. Hector pulled his blade form the floor and Fidelis brought out his war fan, the two began to walk backwards toward the ship.
"Judge," Fidelis said as he tapped his helmet. It gave a small hum marking that he must have activated some sort of visor inside. "You owe me, right?"
"I believe that to be accurate, yes." More shadows began to move.
"I think I just thought of a way you could pay me back."
The symphony of howls became a nightmare cacophony of screeches, snarls and growls. There were so many and as they broke through the tree line out into the field Hector realized just what they were facing.
The moon was at its highest point in the sky, it was the witching hour, and the monsters were coming.
Right, so to sum up a Judge's armor is pretty much invincible to physical harm and most dust. But the Judge them self isn't, they get tired, fatigued, hurt by dust and if they run out of energy for long enough they die a horrible death from all their body's needs catching up to them. Hopefully this, along with their ineffectual ability against grimm and low numbers, balances them out. Again, this chapter was supposed to be one but was split into two because of length and pacing. My original plan was to just have Hector run in and help the pirates fight off the grimm. But the opportunity came up to introduce these two OC's and in doing so I've set Hector to deal with some issues further down the line. The next chapter marks the end of this arc of the story, I hope you everyone enjoys it.