Here we are at Chapter 9. I haven't been here in a long while because I was focusing on my others stories. However, this will be the last chapter for this story since I only wanted a small collection of one-shots here between my character Fuyumi and Mia. Anyway, I do not own Code Vein. They belong to their respective owners. I only own my OC. Here's chapter 9. Enjoy.
Chapter 9: Beyond the Vein
Third-person POV
Fuyumi flips in the air as she avoids a strike from a large horror's claws. She lands and jumps again when its tries to stomp down on her. The Horror roars, only for a shot to ring out and nail the horror's left eye. Fuyumi glances behind her, noticing Mia aiming her bayonet a short distance away.
"Yakumo, now!" Fuyumi yells out.
Yakumo runs out from behind some rubble, "It's about time," he notes.
Yakumo runs at the horror's left front leg, spinning his sword around to slice right through the limb. The horror falls onto its side. Just then, Fuyumi casts a blood gift to send three lightning bolts down on the horror, dealing more damage.
"Louis!" Yakumo calls out.
Louis emerges from behind some rubble and casts his blazing roar gift at the horror. Fuyumi and Mia join in and attack with their stingers, going for the wings of the beast and slicing them off. The horror roars as its manages to get back onto its feet mostly, though it has trouble balancing itself after losing one leg. It jumps at Fuyumi and Mia, but the two girls jump out of the way in time. Yakumo comes in and swings his sword, dealing a long gash across the face of the horror. Louis and Fuyumi make a cross attack at the back of the neck, but they aren't able to cut all the way through. Mia casts a blood gift to send out several shots from her bayonet at the horror, knocking it back on its side. Yakumo sends out his hounds to bite down on the horror's head to try and keep it down.
"Hurry, I can't keep him down for long!" Yakumo yells.
Fuyumi casts another blood gift, creating a long blade of lightning in her left hand. She jumps up and swings it down on the horror's neck, this time slicing all the way through and beheading the beast. The creature's body goes limp before it dissipates into miasma. With the battle over, the fighters regroup.
"Man, these things are everywhere. No wonder the outside world is a real mess," Yakumo notes.
"That's why we have to keep moving, destroying any horrors we find and helping any survivors we can," Louis says.
"Unfortunately, we haven't met any survivors yet. We know they're out there, but we just don't know where," Fuyumi adds.
"If they're out there, they'll most likely be hiding. A good guess would be underground if possible. Only an idiot would be out here in the open with no way to defend themselves from those things," Yakumo says.
Just then, Rin Murasame comes out from the remains of a building, "Is the fighting over now?" she asks, lugging her huge backpack like it weighs nothing.
"It's all clear, Rin," Mia says.
"Everyone okay?" Rin asks.
"Yeah, no bruises here. We got lucky that this one was a small horror. Some of the bigger ones are a lot nastier than this," Yakumo says.
"Agreed. I think for now, we should find some shelter to rest..." Fuyumi says as she looks up, noticing dusk beginning to settle in. "We don't have much light left."
"I agree. Let's go. It's been a long day for all of us," Louis says.
The group move down the road, looking for any building that could offer some shelter. Considering most buildings are either heavily damaged or destroyed thanks to the horrors and the thorns of judgment, that isn't as easy to find as one might think. By the time they finally find a spot to rest, it's already dark out. Luckily, they didn't encounter anymore horrors for the day. Even Revenants need time for a nap. They hide out in the basement of an old, abandoned restaurant. They have a small fire going for some light. Rin checks out their supplies. Luckily, they've been able to forage for them around town. With most of the population dead, there's plenty of useful stuff lying around. Around the fire, Fuyumi has her golden blood bead out from Io. Its glow bathes the group for a moment before it dims.
"No matter how many times I see it, I don't think I'll ever get used to that. That thing takes care of our blood thirst and gives us strength so we don't have to worry about running out of blood beads anytime soon," Yakumo notes as he lies back on a sleeping bag.
"Yes, but we still have some blood beads with us as a precaution. Just in case. We must also ensure that we don't lose Io's gold blood bead. She entrusted it to Fuyumi after all," Louis adds.
Fuyumi puts the blood bead away in the special pouch that Mia made for her that one time.
"Yeah. Who knew it would have all sorts of tricks behind it," Fuyumi notes.
"So, where should we go when the sun comes up?" Mia asks, sitting next to Fuyumi.
"It would probably be best to continue heading east for a little while. There's supposed to be another settlement not too far away from this one in that direction. We can look for survivors and more supplies there," Louis suggests.
"Hopefully, we'll find both," Rin says as she sits down. "I knew it wouldn't be easy finding survivors. We've been cut off from the rest of the world for a long time. But, I didn't think it would be this hard," she notes.
"We just have to keep going. If we keep looking, I'm sure we'll find someone. At the very least, we're helping to deal with those horrors that have been raising Hell everywhere," Fuyumi says.
"Man, and I thought the Lost were irritating. I can't believe I'm saying it, but I'm actually starting to miss those monsters a little bit. Now, don't get me wrong, I like a good fight every now and then, but this is a little much," Yakumo notes.
"At least we've gotten more experience with fighting these things. We've had plenty of fighting to do back in the Gaol of the Mists when we were stuck there. They're not as tough as most would think, once you've figured out how to fight them," Mia says.
"Well, when the thorns of judgment came, and the horrors after them, humanity had no knowledge of them or the destruction they would bring. They had no means of combating them either. It wasn't until much later, when so many lives had already been lost, that Revenants would be born to fight them," Louis explains.
"Alright, I think that's enough of the doom and gloom talk. I'm gonna get some sleep. Good night," Yakumo says as he stretches his arms before lying down to go to sleep.
"Agreed. We should turn in. I'll take the first watch," Louis says and moves to the entrance to the basement of the building.
"Goodnight. Don't let the horror bugs bite," Rin jokes before turning in.
Fuyumi lies down on her sleeping bag, and Mia is not far behind as she lays next to her.
"You really look like you need a nap," Mia notes as she sets down her hat.
Fuyumi sighs, "Yeah. The difference between these monsters and the Lost back in the Gaol of the Mists is astounding. Thankfully, we've had some practice with facing powerful enemies, including a few horrors locked up back home. But still, to think that these things were still out here while we we're locked inside the red mists all this time. We never knew," Fuyumi notes.
Mia snuggles up next to her, "Well, we know now, and we're doing something about it. But for now, let's try and get some rest. We have to take watch later on after all," Mia says.
"You're right. Better get some sleep then," Fuyumi says as she closes her eyes.
It doesn't take long for her to fall asleep. Mia watches her in a peaceful slumber and then gives her a kiss on the cheek before closing her eyes herself.
"Goodnight, Fuyumi," Mia mutters as she falls asleep.
The next day, the group rise early and get their gear together, hoping to get an early start on their quest. They leave the building and head out on the road again. Of course, they keep an eye out. They've been battling horrors from one spot to the next for a while now. They've managed to defeat each and everyone of them, but the constant fighting can take a toll, even on a Revenant. The fact that there aren't many good places to sleep and hide in doesn't help either. The group keep their eyes out for any survivors as they reach the east quadrant of the city. Another day's worth of walking and they should be outside of it.
"So, any idea what awaits us in the next town?" Rin asks.
"Let's see, horrors, fighting, destroyed buildings, followed by more horrors. Just a guess, though," Yakumo jokes.
"From what we have seen so far, these horrors don't tend to congregate in the same areas together. Unlike the Lost, who have been known to form groups, these horrors seem to act like lone hunters. It's almost as if they've marked territories and split up the land amongst themselves. What's more, they're also similar to the Lost in the regard that they are similar in ability, most of the time. Aside from those horrors we faced back home, we've only encountered a few outside the red mists that are truly unique in abilities and appearance. I wonder if there's some sort of reasoning behind it," Louis theorizes.
"You think they might be like some kind of army? Most of them as foot soldiers, while those unique ones being the commanders?" Mia asks.
"That would be a scary thought. Even more so if they start behaving like an army and working together," Fuyumi adds.
"No, I'm not entirely saying that's what they are. I'm simply saying that it's perplexing. These monsters have evolved since the Collapse, and yet, they still show some aspects of simple-mindedness. Thought, they're not entirely foolish creatures either. Otherwise, humanity wouldn't have had such a hard time against them. I think that the more we learn about them, the more prepared we'll be as we continue facing them. It doesn't hurt to learn more about your enemies," Louis explains.
"Man, and here I thought this wasn't going to get complicated. You thinking about writing a book on them Louis? I'm sure it would sell pretty well... if there were people still alvie to buy it," Yakumo says.
"One, that's not very funny, Yakumo. Two, I've never considered myself to be an author. Though I was a college student before the Collapse, I was more into readings of the scientific type, though I do enjoy all sorts of literary works," Louis replies.
"I remember looking at your collection back home. You had quite a collection there. I was surprised," Mia notes.
"And you weren't surprised by all the weapons we collected, and all the other stuff we had down I storage?" Yakumo asks.
"Well, that too. But in this day and age, weapons are rather easy to find. But stuff like that, books, music... art, that's the stuff that's hard to come by these days," Mia replies.
"Well, I'm glad some people can appreciate fine art," Louis notes, glancing back at Yakumo.
"Hey, I can appreciate fine art. Do you have any idea how valuable that bottle of sake that Fuyumi gave me was? That stuff is true genius, not to mention extremely hard to come by these days," Yakumo defends himself.
"I'd hardly call an alcoholic drink to be fine art," Fuyumi notes.
"Man, I am so alone here," Yakumo complains.
"Come on, we need to keep moving. Who knows what awaits us up ahead," Louis says.
The gang move on ahead, once again keeping an eye out for survivors and for any more horrors along the way. Of course, once they get far enough away from the area they were previously in, it's not long before they hear some noise up ahead. They take cover and more discreetly around another destroyed building. Louis peeks around a corner and sees a horror like the last one they fought from before down the road. The horror appeared to by looking around, like a dog sniffing for a bone.
"Another horror?" Yakumo mutters.
"Yes. I suggest we split up and ambush it. Rin, take cover. Yakumo, you and I will attack from the sides on the ground. Mia, Fuyumi, you two try and get to higher levels and make the first attack. You're ranged blood gifts give you the advantage there. After you two attack, Yakumo and I will make over move. Remember, keep its focus moving, chip away at it, and go for the limbs before hitting the head. Just like before," Louis says.
The rest of the group nod. While Rin takes cover behind an abandoned truck, Louis and Yakumo quietly approach the horror while remaining hidden behind some rubble. Meanwhile, Fuyumi and Mia separate and head to opposite buildings, moving them up one floor at a time. At least, whatever floors they have left that are still viable. The horror slowly creeps closer to their positions as it searches for new prey. Louis waits behind cover until the right time comes. He nods to Yakumo on the other side of the street, and then they both nod to the girls up top. Mia and Fuyumi nod to each other and cast their blood gifts, attacking the horror from up high with their ranged attacks. The horror roars in pain from the ambush, but then Louis and Yakumo charge forth and attack its sides. The horror attempts to crush them under its feet, but they both evade the attack. Yakumo jumps up high and swings his sword down on the horror's flank. Meanwhile, Louis makes a few slashes at its rear leg before jumping back as it swings its tail around in an attempt to knock him away. Fuyumi and Mia drop in from above, with Mia casting her blood gift to fire off more shots while Fuyumi casts a blood gift that creates four homing balls of lightning. The shots and the lightning hit true from above, taking the horror's attention away from Louis and Yakumo. The girls land and run around the horror with the boys, making hit and run attacks while evading its strikes. The horror brings its wings low and swings its whole body around, hoping to strike them with any one of its limbs. Luckily, they all dodge it by either jumping over the strike, or ducking and sliding under it.
"Go for the wings!" Louis shouts.
Fuyumi charges at the horror's left flank, hoping to get onto its back and attack the wings, but the horror notices this and comes around to try and chomp its jaws down on her. Fuyumi rolls to the right to evade it, but then has to jump back when its tries to crush her under foot. Fuyumi casts another blood gift, sending a blast of lightning at its face, stunning it. Mia fires off a few shots, hoping to take its eyes off of Fuyumi.
"Over here, you monster!" Mia calls it out.
The monster turns to her and charges again. Mia waits for it to get close and sends out her stinger tail, but at the building behind her. It impales itself into the side of the building and then Mia pulls herself up high to evade the horror's charge, causing it to crash into the building. Mia lands on the side of the building and then jumps down. Yakumo jumps up and both land on its back, proceeding to attack the joints of its wings. The horror recovers from its blunder and shakes them off before they can finish the job. Louis casts his blazing roar at the face of the horror, stunning it again. Fuyumi uses this chance to jump into the air and makes a series of quick slashes at the joints of the wings, finally managing to slice them off. The horror roars in pain and begins to go crazy as it swings its claws and its tail around. The group fall back and regroup as the horror continues in a frenzy.
"That thing's gone nuts. We have to take it out!" Yakumo notes.
"But how. At this rate, it'll be difficult to go for the head," Mia says.
"I have an idea. Mia, follow me. Louis, Yakumo, back us up and keep that thing occupied," Fuyumi says and charges forth.
The others follow and assume their positions. Mia fires off a few shots at the horror, causing it to turn towards them and charges again. Fuyumi and Mia jump to the sides, casting their ranged blood gifts, but this time they aim for the ground in front of the horror. They hit their target, causing the ground to crumble just as the horror steps on it. The horror's front legs fall into the underground below, essentially trapping it. Yakumo and Louis see their opening and move around it, making a few combo slashes to slice off its tail. Fuyumi and Mia send out their stinger tails, using them like ropes to fall over and pin the horror by the head and keep it pinned to the ground as their blades stab into the ground.
"Now's your chance. Hurry!" Fuyumi shouts.
Yakumo and Louis jump up over the horror's vulnerable neck. Louis makes a few quick slashes to weaken it and then Yakumo makes a final big downward slash to cut right through it, killing the horror. They all regroup as the horror's body dissipates.
"Hah, another job well done," Yakumo notes.
"Nice thinking there, Fuyumi. That was an excellent strategy," Louis notes.
"Well, it just sort of came to me. I figured it was worth a shot," Fuyumi replies.
"Rin, you can come out now!" Louis calls out.
Rin pops out and rejoins them, "Geez, you guys sure know how to throw a party," she notes.
"I think we'll be safe for a while now. By my calculations, we should have dealt with all of the horrors in this city. Unfortunately, we couldn't find any survivors, but that just means we'll have to keep moving," Louis says.
"Then I guess we keep heading east. I'm sure we'll find someone out there who could use a hand," Yakumo says.
"Yeah," Rin agrees with a nod.
"Then come on. Let's go," Mia says.
"Yeah, let's go make a difference," Fuyumi finishes.
The group continue on ahead, well aware of their goals. Mia walks up and wraps her fingers around Fuyumi's, who eagerly returns the gesture.
"Of course, I'll be watching your back out there," Mia says.
Fuyumi lifts Mia's hand to kiss it, a common ritual between them by this point, "And I will always be there for you, Mia," Fuyumi replies.
The two smile before rejoining the others. Only fate knows what awaits them on their journey. But one thing both Fuyumi and Mia know for sure: they'll always be there for each other. And they'll treasure these heart-felt moments forever.
And that's the last chapter for this story. I only planned for a small number of chapters in this story, and I wanted it done to focus on my other stories. Fuyumi and her friends continue their journey which began in Vein. Just like back then, her love for Mia remains strong, and so are Mia's feelings for her. For those who have been reading this story, thank you for the long wait, thank you for reading, and good luck in all your future endeavors. Until then, please Read, Review, and farewell (for this story anyway).