" Teams Crdl or cardinal ... " Ozpin began as he looked at the gathered boys before him " Lead by , Cardin Winchester "
He watched as the boy mentioned had a faint smile on his face , And knowing that his assignment was clear , Turned away and made an example by having his team follow after him.
" Ruby Rose ... Weiss schnee ... Yang Xio Long ... and blade belladonna " The headmaster beckoned the four girls on stage , And waited patiently for them to arrange themselves in a semblance of order before they ascended the stage to stand before him .
" The four of you collected the black knight pieces , From this day forward. .. you will work together as , Team RWBY ... Or team ruby " Ozpin fixed Ruby Rose with a small smile as he turned to face her " Lead by Ruby Rose "
The shock that formed on both Ruby's and Weiss's face was palpable as they froze , Yet yang proceeded to jump up and down and fly at her sister , Enveloping the younger girl in a hug and professing how proud of her she was ,Even as the girl seemed too shocked to be able to respond accordingly.
After a few moments , The girls once more left the stage as the final group stood waiting nervously.
" Today we have a special announcement,Would Erdine Empyrean , Pyrrha Nicos , Juane arc , Nora valkyrie and Lie Ren please come to the stage " Ozpin called out as the aforementioned persons slowly made their way onto the stage .
Garbed in his Godskin apostle robes , Erdine looked down at the calculating eyes of the Headmaster .
"Due to an odd amount of participants this year , We have made an exception with the team appointments. I would like to announce the creation of team JNPER , Lead by Erdine Empyrean "
Erdine froze as he physically withheld himself from smiting the headmaster with an overhead hammer blow .
Instead , He took in a deep breath of air as he felt pyrrha gently punch him on the shoulder , Turning his head to look down at her whilst she sent him a massive smile .
" Congratulations Erdine , I hold every confidence that you will bring your team to greatness " Ozpin smiled as he adjusted his spectacles , The mentioned teen debating if he could snap the man's neck before anybody could notice.
Glynda seemed to understand the look on the teens face as the grip on her riding crop increased exponentially , A slight tremor of her hands as she could practically feel the rolling emotions tearing from the Godkin that bore down on Ozpin with a neutral glance.
" Yes ... I intend to do just that " Erdine hissed with clenched teeth as Ozpin brought forward a small key for the boy to take .
" Your new dorm , It has been modified for your odd number of team mates to fit comfortably and allow you some ... privacy " Ozpin spoke in a low voice so nobody else would hear , Watching as Erdine plucked the key from his hand before turning away and descending with his team in toe .
" So uhh , Erdine right , I saw your weapon earlier at the ruins ... But you never said what is was , I was just wandering is all you don't have to say if you don't want to " Juane scratched at the back of his head as he walked behind the towering boy , Pyrrha on the other side whilst Nora and ren were behind them .
The other three however were curious as well as they made their way towards the number featured on the key .
" It was a weapon of unique make that was made in my homeland a great deal of time ago , I am one of the very few who have had the pleasure of wielding it , I'll have to explain further during our training " Erdine responded as he halted infront of a set of double doors .
' This is new ... ' Erdine studied the pristine condition of the door with a keen eye , Infact he could almost smell the polish on the door along with the chemicals .
' He was planning something like this ' Erdine squinted as he slid the key into the lock , Twisting the key as he heard a satisfied click signifying it was open .
Opening the door , Erdine was taken aback . The room they were in was obviously the common room , With a kitchen and lounge within for them , Two beanbags along with two large red couches .
To the leftward wall of the entrance , Was a corridor with two rooms , One on either side whilst a single door sat at the end of the corridor , Said door looked oddly familiar as he spied the key slot .
" There's no way " Erdine uttered out loud as he pulled out the key to his dorm , Which he now realised was actually the next room over , He walked down the corridor with his team following .
" What's wrong fearless leader " Nora asked , After having witness the battle between himself and the wyvern , She had bestowed apon him said title .
Sliding the key into the door , He unlocked it and tentatively pushed it open to realise his thoughts had proven true .
' They did this during initiation ' He realised as he noticed the old entrance to his dorm was gone , Making this new doorway the only way into his old dorm which he found they had turned his old kitchen into the place where the entrance was .
" This is my dorm " Erdine answered Nora's question as the others gained several more .
" Wait you already had a dorm " Ren asked as Erdine nodded , Closing the door before making his way back through to the newly constructed dorm where the rest of JNPER would be staying .
" Well I arrived here a week ago , They saw fit to provide me with accommodation, Apparently they deemed it necessary to fuse my dorm with this one to accommodate for our teams odd numbers " Erdine explained , Taking his time in unlocking the other rooms in the dorm , Revealing two bedrooms connecting to the corridor , No doubt for pyrrha and Nora to share while Ren and Juane took the other.
" Now then , Unpack your belongings and prepare your rooms , Then we'll eat dinner together where we will properly introduce ourselves " His tone gave no room for argument as they immediately dispersed to do so , Giving him a moment to think for himself as he made his way to the kitchen , Dumping several things from his inventory onto the counter.
' Let's see what I can make other than the prawns ' Erdine mused as the Greater Will offered a great solution .
' Why not look on your scroll '
Setting five plated down onto the small table in the common room , Erdine sighed as he sat down onto one of the couches provided.
He was soon joined by juane who had finished in the shower and was nervously taking a seat on the couch .
" So uhm ... which one is mine " Juane scratched as he ran a hand over his baby blue onesie .
" Take whichever you wish , They are all the same " Erdine watched as the boy nervously reached forward to take a plate and sat it onto his lap , Fingering the cutlery .
' He has a severe lack of confidence whe. he drops the act ... ' Erdine studied the boy as Nora came rocketing from her room wearing a white blouse and pink pants before she bunny hopped onto one of the beanbags.
" Fearless leader , You have provided us a beautiful meal " Nora screeched as she took one of the plates.
He disagreed . It was simply a culmination of eggs , Meats and mashed potatoes which he had searched up on his scroll and prepared .
" Thank you , It isn't the best I've prepared but it serves its purpose " Erdine reasoned as Ren came into the room followed by pyrrha who was drying her hair .
Ren took a beanbag next to Nora while pyrrha chose to sit next to Her new team leader , The two taking the provided plates and beginning to eat .
" Thank you " Pyrrha bowed her head as she began to eat .
" It's okay " Erdine smiled as he too began to take a plate to eat , Yet did so slowly as he studied his team. They ate in a comfortable silence whilst Erdine studied them alongside the Greater Will .
The first to finish, As expected , Was Nora who excitedly stared at him as they knew he wished to speak to them.
One by one the others finished as Erdine took his time to eat and savor the flavours of the food he had made.
Yet it would not last as he heard his fork rake against the porcelain of his plate , Noting it was bare of food .
Sighing , The lord of chaos placed his plate onto the coffee table and sat back into the couch.
" Okay uhm ... Let's begin our first order of business, We'll introduce ourselves ,Names , Beliefs , Goals , Whatever you want to share , Any insight is appreciated " Erdine began as he scratched at the side of his face " I guess I'll go first "
" My name is Erdine , As you know . I come from outside the kingdoms . I believe people should be able to safely live the lives they wish without prosecution or fear of dying an untimely death . So I guess ... I wish free people from the shackles cast apon them , Give them a future they can look forward to " Erdine began as he scratched at his chin , Unsure of how to continue " My semblance is indepth alteration , It allows me to alter the properties of anything I can see or touch , Which also allows me to use a great deal of weapons . that's all I have for now "
He noted the eager hand of Nora as she bounced on her beanbag .
" Your turn Nora " Erdine smiled at the eager girl as she placed her palms on the table and rose .
" My name is Nora valkyrie, I grew up with Ren together , But we're not together together , My semblance is high voltage It allows me to produce and store electricity into my body and muscles " Nora explained as she quickly sat back down , Satisfied with her explanation .
" Very good Nora " Erdine smiled as Ren cleared his throat.
" I guess it's my turn then " Ren sat up. " My name is actually lie Ren , Ren is my last name . I found nora as a kid and we've been inseparable every since . I want ... a world without the threat of Grimm . My semblance is called tranquility and it allows me to mask my emotions " Ren explained before he became quite yet again , Nora giving him a thumbs up followed by a small smile from Erdine.
" My name is Pyrrha Nicos . I come from mistral ... I want to be the best huntsman I can possibly be , My semblance is polarity ... it allows me to control magnetic metals " Pyrrha explained as she looked at the faces of everyone present before sitting back into the fabric of the chair as she finished .
Slowly everyone turned to face a nervous Juane who wrung his hands , The young teen sighing before opening his mouth.
" My name is Juane arc , I come from Ansel , The great arc family ... I want to be a hunter ... I want to make them proud ... and I ... don't have a semblance yet " Juane explained as he raised his head to see their reactions , Yet all he received was the overwhelming support from his teammates which seemed to sooth him deeply as he gave a small smile .
" Thank you for humouring my request , I appreciate your faith and comfort with revealing your secrets. Now then , It is getting quite late , Stay up at your leisure, But I believe it is time I retire , We have classes at Nine am tomorrow . I shall head to my room for the night ... Goodnight everyone ... and I am excited to work with each of you and am proud to call you my teammates " They watched as he rose from the chair and fished the plates on the table , Every watching in awe as they seemed to clean themselves in his hands with the food scraps evaporating before he put the plates and cutlery away , Giving a nod to everyone before he made a slow exit to his room.
It wasn't long before everyone took his advice for turning in for the night , Ren being first followed by an exhausted Juane , Then Pyrrha finally Nora , Who's face softened and her she seemed to lose her energy before silently shuffling to her room .
' This could become problematic for us ' The greater will warmed as Erdine removed his armour , Storing back in his inventory as he made his way to his desk before pulling out the chair and taking a seat .
' Oh I hadn't noticed ' Erdine grunted as he took out his sketching book and graphite pencil , Beginning to sketch the outline of a certain female warrior he had the displeasure of fighting in the past "/' Any luck on locating your query '
' Nay ... on that note , I would like you to locate a few books within the library ' At the Greater Will's request , Erdine raised an eyebrow but made no objections.
' What's it's name ' Erdine asked as he finished the long flowing hair and the prosthetic arm on the artwork absentmindedly, his body on autopilot as he conversed with his lord .
' Three books , One called the shallow sea . The second the judgement of faunus and the final being the two brothers ' The Greater Will announced as Erdine commited the names to memory .
' I shall locate them at the earliest convenience ' Erdine replied as he finished the details of the artworks face and helmet .
' See that you do mine young empyrean ' The Greater Will seemed mighty pleased with itself , Which caused Erdine some pause .
' What did you do ' Erdine asked , Almost physically feeling the outer gods smugness .
' I think it would be best for you if you checked yourself over in the mirror ' Hearing it's words , Erdine dropped his pencil to the table top , Stood and practically launched to the small bathroom , Tearing off his clothing and armour in but a moment.
Staring at the mirror , Stark in the nude , He froze , He stared at his bare chest , Chiselled and refined muscle layed bare before his eyes . The shape of the Elden ring remained , Yet the ring itself was absent , Absent apart from several veins of gold that branched throughout his chest , Bleeding throughout towards his neck and arms .
' Where is the Elden ring ' Erdine hissed internally as he arched his back and reached for the power he still felt ... and unlike ever before , It came to him in a rush , It's full power answered his call as his golden eye exploded with golden motes of light .
' The fusion is complete , The Elden ring is a part of you now , Mind body and soul , Never shall it be taken from you as it was from Marika. ' The greater will explained as for but a moment , Erdine watched the Elden ring appear , As his skin became translucent to his eyes .
There , At the centre of his being much like radagon , The Elden ring appeared in place of where his spine would be , The veins of golden light snaking from the Elden ring running throughout his body like a golden lymphatic system running throughout his body .
' I hereby declare thee , Mine one true vessel , Godkin and lord of Order ' The Greater Will finalized the union of their bond , Very much smug with itself , It's most important piece now safely secured with its most important creation .' May you guide the world to its rightful path through the waves of mine golden radiance '
' I feel ... tired ' Erdine began as a wave of fatigue rushed over his body , Causing him to stumble slightly through the doorway as he made an instinctive Bee line for his bed .
' I Should expect so , The final stages of your ascension has flushed you of your mortal coils unnecessary ailments , Your body is accumulating mine power , Your muscle tightening , Bones strengthening , Your focus heightening . I should expect you to rest , You will wake up when the time is right " Erdine did as was bid and slunk under the fur rug of his , Eyes heavy as they closed of their own volition .
Tears streamed freely down his face as he stood in the library of the lucaria academy , Yet as he stared at the amalgamation of faces with stones for eyes , It's mouth moved , Sensing his presence as it called for him in its simple mindedness .
" My ... apprentice" The warbled , Pain filled voice of the stone like ball of heads plead to him.
Rounding on the only other being in the room, He fixed the towering woman with a glare .
" DID YOU DO THIS " His rage was palpable as the large pale woman backed up in fear , Shaking her head furiously from side to side.
" nay ... I had no part in this " Rennala cowered as Erdine's hand twitched violently for the hilt of his Nagakiba .
" Explain " His voice was a hiss as he glared bloody daggers at the woman who shrunk under the enraged look he held .
" Tis the curse of learning the forbidden art of the primeval current , To gestate a voidborn ... but yet , It has resulted in nothing but pain ... and suffering " Rennala explained as she slowly created some distance between herself and one of the beings she feared most in life " She will be like this forever ... unless granted peace "
She made a hasty retreat in the shadows of the library as he turned back to what remained of the first if not one of the very few people who had believed in him .
Slowly He gripped his helmet and raised it from his head before simply dropping it to the ground as he lowered himself to his knees before the ball , Staring into the mask he recognised to be of sellen's own design in its structure , And as he placed his hands on the side of the face , He placed his forehead to the cold stone of what used to be her mask .
" Goodnight , My master ... May you find your dream realised " He gently planted a kiss to her mask as he reached into his inventory " May the forefathers guide thee in your rest "
With a stab of the destined death black knife , He felt and heard it wheez .
" Thank ... yoiuuugh"
He sat up from his bed , He stared out through the dimly lit room with squinting eyes as he realised he was In his dorm room .
' I believe I see why you are so averse to sleeping ' The Greater Will whispered in the back of his mind as he shimmied off of the King sized bed with a sigh .
' It's partly the reason ' Erdine answered as he felt the carpet underfoot , Rising from the bed to walk into the bathroom and lean over the water basin.
The Tear streaks that ran freely down his face unsettled him greatly , As his right golden eye shon vibrantly whilst the violent yellow of the right moved of its own volition as if it were a lit torch of fire .
' Would you like to ... forget ' He knew an offer when he heard it , And as his fingers gripped the steel basin , His face contorted as he thought seriously apon his answer , Missing completely the warping of the basin under his touch as his fingers turned it to putty under his clenched fists .
' No ... to forget would be killing them a second time ... I refuse to take such a cowardly and easy way out ' Erdine thought , Denying the greater will's offer vehemently as he turned the taps of the basin and splashed cold water to his face .
Turning away from the basin and making his way from the bathroom , Erdine looked throughout the room before sighing and making a step towards the doorway to his dorm , The carian knight armour materialising over his body as he reached for the door handle .
' Where are we off to ' The greater Will asked , It's curiosity evident as it was still very much night out .
' Anywhere but in here ' Erdine responded softly as he opened his door , Stepping into the simply lit corridor of the dorm which he quietly closed his door and made his exit whilst trying not to wake his teammates.
Sitting atop the rooftop of her dorm , Black stared up at the moon with her golden eyes , The ribbon attached to her head flickering slightly as she stared up towards the skies as she usually did when she needed some alone time .
Yet as she stared , Her faunus instincts flared , Causing her pupils to dilate before she began to frantically look around as a cold chill rose over her body .
Shivering as she were , Her ears forcing themselves out of the ribbon atop her head , She was painfully aware of the door at the base of the building opening , To which she flattened herself against the roof and spied whomever was exiting the building.
Staring at the other student , Her golden eyes refused to leave him as he stormed his way from the dorms and towards the initiation cliffs .
Her curiosity peaked , As she felt her instincts flare and pin her focus solely on the back of the curious teen , As his hair swayed in the wind , A trick of the light in her eyes made it look like embers were rising from the base of his neck , Yet as she shook her head and blinked , The embers disappeared as he entered the treeline .
Curious as she was , She felt little need to follow , Even as the wail of a Beowolf sounded from the distance followed by an abrupt silence half way through its cries , She tucked tail and decided it was most likely time to return to her room for the night.
Clutching the head of an Ursa between his thumb and index finger , The towering form of the Godkin tarnished glared down at the puny Grimm .
It clawed at his forearm in a desperate attempt to dislodge itself , Yet a tensing of his fingers all but splattered his hand in the black lifeblood that festered within their bodies .
' How does it feel to shed your false skin and walk in your true form' The greater Will asked as it regarded the towering fifteen foot tall Erdine with interest.
' Liberating ' He replied , Wearing nothing but a black sash around his waist as he took a step forward into the trees , A discharge of electricity from his body Causing the cameras within to short circuit ' It just feels ... right '
He crunched down onto of the head of a Beowolf that yelped and yowled before he applied pressure to the smaller creatures head , And as his foot touched the ground , It's head exploded underfoot , Coating the clearing black before he simply continued forward .
' Is this how Marika felt when she was blessed by your gift ' Erdine asked as he wandered deeper into the bowls of the dark forest .
' I would imagine so , But do keep aware of the time , We must return to beacon before sunrise ... lest some become aware of our ... state ' The Greater Will warned as Erdine nodded and pushed a tree out of his path , Said tree falling to the side as it was uprooted , Collapsing in a head of bark and shattered branches.
' Yes ... where I must pretend to be some seventeen year old child ignorant of the dangers of the world , And not some twenty year old deity that could squash the greatest of their number underfoot and cause cataclysm at a whim ' Erdine grunted as he kicked a boartusk straight through the forest like a Grimm coloured soccer ball that exploded some several hundred metres away against a thicker than usual tree .
' It is unfortunate , But worry not , My Vessel , The time will come where falsehoods shall be shed ' It soothed as Erdine drew radagon's hammer from his inventory , The hammer returning to its rightful size in his giant hands , Clenching said weapon as his knuckles whitened , An Ursa standing infront of his towering form as it roared up at him in defiance .
' Not soon enough ' Erdine mused as he swept his hammer downwards onto the ursa's head , Said Ursa exploding into black mist before he continued on into the night , Hunting to distract himself from his woes , Where he wouldn't return until daybreak , Once more only the height of six foot eight rather than a sixteen foot towering lord of terror .
THE NEXT DAY
Class with professor port had been amusing as always as he sat alone at the furthest right bleachers , Listening to the man's stories always brought him a small measure of distraction and comfort .
Yet today would just not be the same , Much to his building frustration and annoyance , As team RWBY , Specifically Ruby and Weiss , Seemed to be making a mockery of the class he rather quite enjoyed be apart of .
And as Port brought out a Grimm to have a student fell it , Weiss schnee announced she would like to battle the beast , And in doing so , Put on a rather unsightly display of rage towards her teammate as the younger girl was trying to offer her help and guidance in the endeavour.
His skin practically boiled in rage , Begging to bathe the room in flames as the class ended , With port bidding the students a pleasant day , Yet Erdine hadn't noticed the chime of the bell , Until port was standing directly before him with a worried gaze .
Apparently his team had also noticed his heated gaze as they sat beside him , Blinking his eyes as he shook his head .
" Care to take a walk with me my friend " Port offered as he held a small disarming smile on his face.
" I think I may need to do so indeed , Lest my frustrations get the better of mine self " Port nodded as the professor made his way to his desk and began to clean up his supplies for his next class .
" We have a clear period next , I would ask you meet me on the initiation cliffs with your weapons and armour ready in half an hour , I wish to evaluate your skills " Erdine instructed his team whilst he packed his books away and made his way to port , Splitting from his team as they accepted the task given to them .
He stopped as pyrrha seemed unsure as she watched him begin to leave " It's okay pyr , I'll talk about it later "
" Okay ... see you at the cliffs then " Pyrrha accepted as Erdine departed , Joining the professor on a walk through the corridors.
" Mind I ask what seems to be troubling you " Port asked as the older man gave an appraising look over the boy at his side.
" Just ... nightmares ... memories I'd rather not relive , Reading their heads at my most vulnerable of times " Erdine relented slightly , His budding trust in this lone professor allowing him a small measure of peace as he spoke to the man .
" May I ask what these nightmares entail " Port asked , A sinking feeling forming in the pit of his stomach as they made their way onto a terrace , Sitting themselves down onto the steel chairs .
" May I ask that what I say stays between us " Erdine looked up at the sun in the sky , Closing his eyes as he took in a deep breath of air .
" Your stories are for you to tell , It is but my job to listen young man " Port assured the boy as he smiled , Patiently waiting for the teen to speak .
" I had a teacher ... just my own master , She wished to teach nobody but mine self .She was skilled and powerful , Kind to those she trusted but hard on you when she knew you weren't doing your best . She never got to finish her schooling , Yet she did her damn best to pass on what she knew to me in our waste land of a country . She took me in , And she was the only one to believe in me when the world had turned its back , And went out of her way to help me , And she trusted me with her most precious of items and secrets " Erdine wrung his hands as he stared at the veins under his skin , Flashes of the black flame and her wailing tearing through his head for a small moment .
" She had a goal , And I helped her to complete it , She was elated , More cheerful that I had ever seen of her . It was without a doubt the best moment of her life. And so I left her side for but a single day ... And when I returned ... " Erdine grit his teeth , A blistering heat rising from his body as port's eyes became downcast.
" She was but a brain-dead wreck , Unable to move or form a complete sentence of her own volition. She knew it was me when I returned , As she cried out to me " He turned to port as tears threatened to spill from his eyes " Professor , You have to understand ... what i did was a mercy , I couldn't leave her like that , Suffering , In agony and alone for the rest of her days"
" Yet I wander ... if I hadn't have helped her realise her goals ... If I had stayed away ... maybe she wouldn't have become ... that " Erdine shook as he tried to pull himself back together , Port now leaning on his legs as he pondered deeply .
" My friend ... I cannot say whether being by her side or not would have changed anything , Because we simply cannot know " Port began slowly as he pieced his thoughts together " But I can say , If what you told me is anything to go by , That she truly enjoyed having you as a student and wished to see you thrive . And if what you are saying about her condition is as dire as I believe it to be ... You made a choice that was thrust apon you with the noblest of intentions at heart , And nobody can judge you for that "
Silence prevailed as the two sat in silence , The rays of sunlight beating down apon them as Erdine stared at the beaming ball of light unflinchingly .
" May I ask ... what her name was " Port asked as Erdine slowly looked to his for a small moment .
" Her name was Sellen , I know she wasn't always a good woman , But she did her damn best for me " Erdine relented as he slowly began to rise .
" Sellen then , Thank you for trusting me with this information my young friend , I will not sully your belief in me " Port nodded as Erdine fixed him with a small side glance , Yet smiled softly non the less .
" Thank you professor , Now I believe I must get ready for professor Goodwich's combat class " Erdine slowly departed as Port began to walk to the railing , Holding onto the railing as he looked upwards .
' You produced a fine student lady Sellen , I will nurture his flame for you in your absence , Your efforts shall not be wasted '
INITIATION CLIFFS - 40 MINUTES LATER
" Alright Ren , Come at me with everything you have , Don't hesitate , Come at me with intention to kill because your foes will do the same " Erdine ordered as he stood across from Ren , Nora , Pyrrha and Juane sat to the side as they circled the flat grass plateau next to the cliff to Erdine's back , Said cliff overlooking the forest below .
Welding storm flower , Ren prepared himself , As he looked at his team leader who appeared to be weaponless .
" Aren't you going to get your weapon " Ren asked as he fixed his team leader with a neutral glare.
" There is no need , I am aware of my limits , I wish to see yours " Erdine waved his right hand dismissively as he gave a small frown .
" You asked for this " Ren whispered as he fired storm flower at his team leader , The automatic pistols unloading their full clip as Erdine stood with a small smile and eyes closed .
' Bullets are ... underwhelming ' Erdine thought as the projectiles impacted his armour and flattened on impact , One however slipped under a grove in his armour and struck his abdomen to the same effect , A simple flat disk if metal warped and now sat under his armour uncomfortably .
' I have heard there are other iterations, I wouldn't write them off just yet , Just because these ones cannot harm you doesn't mean others cannot ' The greater Will offered its wisdom as Erdine reached under his armour and dropped the piece of metal to the side harmlessly .
Seeing the uselessness of his bullets , Ren shifted as the blades of his weapons came forward.
Opening his eyes , Erdine watched Ren sprint forward , Right blade pointed back as the left was held infront of him defensively .
Leaping infront of him , Ren thrust his right blade forward , Intending to hit Erdine in the stomach .
The stab was halted however as Erdine slapped the blade to the side , Watching as it passed by harmlessly .
The smaller teen followed up with a slash with the left blade , Which Erdine side stepped and caught in his grip .
' Acceptable speed ... for now ' Erdine thought as he let go of Ren , Allowing the teen to stumble forward slightly now that Erdine wasn't holding him.
Seeing that a frontal attack wouldn't help , Ren sprinted around Erdine , Hoping to outpace his team leader , Yet as Erdine stood still , Not moving , He tracked Ren .
And as the teen appeared behind him , He was ready , The teen burst forward , Erdine equipped his erdtree dagger and whirled , Bringing the blade up as it grated against Ren's own , Grinding the smaller teens blade to a halt as he calculated the teens strength.
' Decent ability but sub par with strength ' Erdine noted as he held the teens blade at bay with laughable ease .
' Now let's test his aura and perception along with defence ' Erdine pushed back with his left hand , Breaking the blade lock as he back handed Ren across the stomach , Said boy letting out a wheeze before he was sent flying through the air from the force of the blow , Tumbling head over heels before he landed on the ground with a solid thud .
' Well he didn't die ' The Greater Will reasoned as Ren's aura shattered as he rose .
' But he would have had I put alittle bit more effort into it ' Erdine sighed as Ren sat up , Eyes wide as he sat on his knees .
" I apologise for that Ren , But I believe I now have a fair grasp on your current capabilities , Please sit with the others ... Nora , Please stand where Ren started " Erdine instructed as Nora held a small frown as Ren sat himself down slowly onto the rocks they were using as seats .
' One hit , A back hand , Resulting in the shattering of my aura ... What monstrous strength ... be careful Nora ' Ren thought as he held a hand to his chest , He could feel the tenderness and knew there would be a massive welt there later .
Once more weaponless , Erdine regarded the usually chipper teammate of his with an appraising eye as she held her hammer aloft .
" Come on , Nora " He held his hand out and made a come at me gesture .
She took her chance , Changing her weapon form to its grenade launcher as pink grenades launched in quick succession .
Rolling to the side , Erdine let the grenades sail overhead before he leapt up and ran at the energetic girl .
Seeing the attack failed , Nora reverted her weapon to its hammer form , Holding it in two hands as she held it downwards and ran at her leader .
Sweeping her hammer upwards , Erdine side stepped the swing as it bypassed his position , Allowing him the chance to read his foot and plant his heel in her abdomen , Sending her skidding across the ground yet remain standing .
' Good stance , Acceptable defence , Low speed at current power , Potentially higher when using semblance . Let's see just how strong she is ' He spread his legs as she ran at him with an excited roar , Spinning her hammer around as she completed a three sixty degree turn and made to swing with all her momentum .
Deciding to meet the blow head on , Erdine swept his right hand back before his closed right fist straight into the incoming head of the hammer.
The girl looked shocked as the two met in the middle , The ground shaking underfoot as it cratered under foot .
She watched as the head of her hammer warped and indented before it outright exploded from the pressure , Sending shards of steel in all directions as her team leaders fist remained unmarred .
' My baby ' Nora whined internally as she felt the after affects of the vibrations in her arms , Allowing for the pole of the happer to simply drop to the ground as she let it go .
' She has acceptable strength and good perception , However lacks in reflexes and muscle memory needed to act on said perception ' Erdine reasoned as he lowered his clenched fist to his side .
" I apologise Nora , For destroying your weapon , if there is a place you can go to get it repaired I will happily pay for the damages " Erdine came up and put a gentle hand to the girls shoulder before beckoning the girl to sit by Ren.
" Mr arc " Erdine nodded with his head as the blonde gulped and hung his head , Preparing himself for the despair he was about to experience.
" Ready yourself Mr arc " Erdine announced as he watched Juane hold his weapon infront of him .
' He doesn't even know how to hold his sword ' Erdine hissed internally as his eyes narrowed .
" Come " Erdine ordered with a hard voice , The boy did as asked as he ran forward , Broadcasting his strike as he raised the sword and brought it down .
' Something is wrong here ' Erdine thought before he simply slapped the swing away , And brought his fist hurling upwards into Juane's stomach .
Immediately Juane's aura broke , The teen gargled as his eyes rolled into the back of his head .
' Sub par ... now for the next ' He gently reached down and hoisted Juane onto his shoulders , Moving Juane to the rocks to the side before laying him down .
" Pyrrha ... it's your turn "
She was excited , She knew that now , As she held Milo in her hands , She felt her blood rushing as she stood to the opposite of Erdine .
She was scared , Of both harming him and the thought of an easy fight , But she would humour her new team leader .
Cautiously , Erdine was ready as he pulled out his Nagakiba , The long katana settling in his hand as he held it at the ready .
" Ready " Erdine asked as pyrrha brought her shield and Javelin up at the ready .
" Ready " Pyrrha replied as she held a steel glint in her eyes .
" Nora count us down " Erdine asked as he brought his left hand around and held his katana in both hands .
" All right , Three " Nora jumped up as pyrrha spread her feet .
" Two " Nora yelled as They both lowered their stances closer to the ground , Erdine's hands moving to his left hip as his blade pointed forward .
" One " All the muscle throughout his body tensed , Screaming to be unleashed as he was finally ready .
" FIGHT " They blasted off at the same time , Sending dirt flying as they blitzed towards eachother , And with a use of bloodhound step , He closed the distance instantly , And to his pleasure , She was able to , Just barely ,React as he thrust with the force of a comet .
CHAPTER COMPLETE
I APOLOGISE FOR BEING UNABLE TO POST SOONER ,IM WORKING ON BOTH THIS CROSSOVER AND ANOTHER OLDER FANFICTION IN TANDEM AS I OFTEN HAVE WRITERS BLOCK , IT ALLOWS ME TO FOCUS ON ANOTHER WHILE I TRY TO THINK OF HOW TO MAKE MY WAY AROUND SOMETHING OR GIVES A REPRIEVE TO DO SOMETHING NEW .
I ALOS APOLOGISE FOR THIS ONLY BEING A PART 1 OF 2 OF DAY ONE . I ONLY HAD THE CHANCE TO SPLIT THIS ONE IN TWO DUE TO WORK CONSTRAINTS.
AGAIN , APOLOGIES FOR THE WAIT. I SHOULD HAVE THE NEXT CHAPTER UP WITHIN THE NEXT DAY OR TWO .
LEAVE A COMMENT OF WHAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE OR JUST YOUR THOUGHTS SO FAR , YOU OPINIONS ARE ALWAYS VALUED AND I WOULD DO MY BEST TO CATER TO YOUR DESIRES.
CHAPTER NOTES
ERDINE IS CURRENTLY SERVING AS A VESSEL FOR THE GREATER WILL , THE FRENZIED FLAME AND THE ROT GODDESS . JUST HOW THESE TURN OUT OR IF THERE WILL BE MORE REMAINS TO BE SEEN AS I AM REIMAGINING THE ENTIRE STORYLINE OF RWBY , I ALREADY HAVE AND END GOAL AND EVENTS I WANT TO TAKE PLACE , JUST NEED TO PAVE THE ROAD TO IT .
ALSO , ERDINE HAS 2 FORMS SO FAR , HIS MORTAL FORM , WHICH IS HIS AVERAGE 6'8 .
AND HIS EMPYREAN GODKIN FORM WHICH STANDS AT FIFTEEN FT TALL . THIS FORM , IN THIS FANFIC , COMES FROM BEING THE VESSEL OF THE GODS , OR SUFFICIENT IN POWER TO GROW IN SIZE .
WE HAVE SEEN IN GAME THE EFFECTS ON SOMEONES HEIGHT BEING ACTIVELY ENHANCED AND AFFECTED WHEN BEING EVEN REMOTELY CONNECTED TO THE OUTER GODS , WHICH WAS WHAT GAVE THE DEMI GODS AND GODS OF ELDEN RING THEIR TOWERING HEIGHT , WHICH WAS SEEN WHEN MORGOTT DIED AND SHRUNK DOWN TO A REGULAR SIZE IN HIS FATHERS ARMS APON HIS DEATH , AND WHEN THE TARNISHED WAS ABLE TO SPONTANEOUSLY GROW IN SIZE TO SIT ON THE THRONE HE WAS UNABLE TO EVEN JUMP UP TO BEFORE THE ENDING OF THE GAME
75MM Panzerabwehrkone 42 .
That is actually a really cool sounding idea , I'll give some thought on what I could do with that and post my thoughts on a later update