I WANT TO MAKE IT CLEAR BEFORE I GO FURTHER IN THIS STORY . ERDINE IS NOT A VALIANT HERO THAT PEOPLE STRIVE TO BE IN THE STORY. HE IS A BROKEN MAN FORCED INTO A BODY YOUNGER THAN HE IS , GRIEVING OVER CHOICES HE'S HAD TO MAKE . SUFFERING FROM PTSD AND PSYCHOSIS AMONGST OTHER THINGS . HE IS A PRODUCT OF HIS WORLD AND WILL ACT ACCORDINGLY WHETHER IT PUTS HIM AT ODDS WITH OTHERS MORALS OR NOT .
THIS STORY WILL ALSO FEATURE MORE THAN JUST THE BROTHER GODS AND SALEM . THIS STORY BUILDS APON THEIR HISTORY AND ADDS TO THEIR ORIGINS .
THERE ARE ' THINGS ' IN THIS STORY THAT MANY WILL QUESTION AND PROBABLY WONT LIKE . IM NOT GOOD AT WRITING ROMANCES OR A HERO , BUT I AM GOOD AT WRITING A DARK AND GRITTY STORY OF A MAN TRYING TO SURVIVE . IF THERE ARE THINGS IN THE LORE THAT DON'T MAKE SENSE OR I OUTRIGHT DONT LIKE , THEN THEY'LL BE CHANGED TO FIT .
IM WRITING THIS STORY BECAUSE I WANT TO , I'LL HAPPILY TAKE SUGGESTIONS AND HEAR YOUR OPINIONS . BUT IVE HAD TO STUDY THE LORE OF BOTH SERIES WHICH HAS TAKEN ME THE BETTER LOT OF A WEEK TO GO OVER AND GET MY HEAD AROUND .
ANYWAY , HERE'S THIS CHAPTER
THE PAST - SEA OF FOG
The expedition had gone awry almost as soon as they had entered the fogged waters .
All winds had ceased and the ship had been dragged forward into the great grey expanse .
Creatures of unknown origin and incorporeal shape clawed their way up onto the wooden planks of the vessel , Screeching with eldritch terror as they swept over the the the crew .
" YOUR WEAPONS " The captain bellowed as the crew raced around , Picking up anything they could to use to defend themselves .
Erdine picked up his short sword and hefted the blade , Stabbing it forward into the smoked face of one of the beasts .
It appeared not to care about the the blade stuck in its shadowed form as it turned to him and with a single flick of its wrist , Slapped Erdine across the deck .
Its attention was diverted as three crossbow bolts struck the shadow before it whirled , Grabbed it's attackers by the shoulders and pulled apart .
Blood and viscera sprayed the shadow as it held the two halves of its attacker before simply flicking the two halves away , One striking an oil lantern that fell to the ground and spilled everywhere , soon lightning the deck of the vessel alight .
Groaning , Erdine dragged himself from the hardwood floor and onto his feet .
He could barely focus as his head wrung , His vision doubled and a loud ringing in his ears .
Yet he stared at his attacker as others of its kind attacked the rest of the crew around him .
Clenching his fists , Erdine glared and pulled out his wooden staff , Holding it with his right hand whilst he held the shortsword in his left .
' LETS GO YOU FUCKER ' Erdine bellowed before unleashing a glintstone pebble at the beast , Sprinting forward immediately after as he stabbed forward at its stomach .
The glintstone pebble vanished into its boundless shape even as Erdine stabbed into the shadow persons stomach .
It regarded him with a tilted head before it arched its back and let out a bellow that shook the ship around it . Yet it made no moves to dislodge the blade from its abdomen .
Instead , A loud , Deep Rumble responded to its screech from somewhere deep in the fog . A low reverberating droning sound that caused shivers to rise up the backs of everyone present .
Simultaneously, Everyone of the beasts turned to face the same direction , Prostrating themselves as a looming shadow came from the endless fog .
It was humanoid in shape , However obscured by the fog and had many more appendages than one should .
The ship lurched to back as large waves struck the ship , As Erdine realised that the being infront of them was hundreds if not thousands of metres tall , As the ocean only came up to the beings upper thighs , Yet still managed to wade through the waters like it was a small pond .
' Are we in the presence of a god ' Erdine thought as the waters settled , The towering being staring down at the ship in eery silence .
At once , The attackers of the vessel vanished into motes of smoke in the wind . Yet the towering deity remained .
One by one , The surviving crew dropped their weapons , Headless of the fire that was slowly taking over the ship .
It was then Erdine felt the intrusion on his mind , As if he was being judged as his memories were forced to the front of his mind . And it appeared he wasn't the only one as everyone flinched , Some glared whilst others bared their teeth.
' You have not been permitted to leave the lands in-between ... not... yet ' Whatever it was intoned cryptically as it's voice roared within Erdine's mind .
Faster than they could react , One of the innumerable appendages sticking from the shadowed entity lurched from the fog , Impossibly large as it struck the vessel , Annihilating it in one fell swoop .
All Erdine caught in his vision , Was the appendage appeared to be made of swirling darkness rippled with the stars of the night sky , Like the stars themselves had been condensed into a single entity , Said entity that was now killing him .
And he saw black as it swept over him in an instant .
THE PRESENT
Weeks passed quickly , The team maintained their schedule without deviating. They bonded and worked together . They learnt from eachother and knew all but the most precious of secrets that wished to be kept .
Other teams seemed to progress similarly too , Whilst most teams worked well , Others did not .
But that mattered not to Erdine as he focussed on bettering his team . Pyrrha was coming along nicely as she tried to develop a new Moveset or revised what she knew .
Ren was building up his base strength as best he could along with his reaction time as he and Erdine routinely sparred with eachother .
The same went for Nora who took to their training with gusto , Ever eager to get stronger . Yet she would still more often than not rush at Erdine at the soonest convenience rather than think through a situation deeply , Often resulting in a swift loss .
Yet it was Juane proving to be the most challenging , Just as Erdine had thought . As much as he tried to help the boy , He seemed to be stepping away from them .
And he wouldn't let him deal with Cardin Winchester either , Stating it was a personal matter and didn't want them to get involved .
Erdine could respect that , But he was becoming a detriment to the team , And as much as they tried to help , Juane would weasel his way out or push the blade away onto something else . And it was beginning to irk Erdine a great deal .
He would need to be dealt with , Sooner or later , One way or another . Erdine wouldn't let his team be killed because someone was too proud to admit their faults.
But that was neither here nor now , As Erdine stood alone on the cliffs of beacon , Away from any prying cameras as he prepared to enact a plan that had taken weeks to conjure.
Held in his right hand was the bolt of Gransax that was bathed in red bolts of lightning. Releasing a horrid screech as he stabbed forward , Moving through different movements as he faced an invisible foe.
He thrust forward , Dodged to the right , Leapt back and swiped right.
Each movement of the weapon was accosted by a vicious blast of superheated air as it cooked the air around it .
Arcs of lightning left scorch marks on the ground below as it discharged from his weapon .
Yet as he came to a stop , His face became twisted in focus.
In his hand was the raging dragon cummonion seal that bathed his hand in red light .
" I don't know if you can hear me , I don't know if you are even one to live as of yet . But this humble vessel of your beliefs and ideals , Calls apon you . Please bestow apon this one humble willing servant what was lost , What was wrongfully taken from you , I will become the thing of which you lost ' Erdine please internally to the dragon seal in his grasp .
' It is of no use ... He has been silent a millenia nor has he been sighted , One would have greater luck convincing the linchpin to abdicate it's throne ' The Greater Will intoned as it tried to convince it's vessel of the useless venture .
' There is nothing gained if I am to never try ' Erdine retorted as he returned his focus to the dragon communion seal , Trying several different prayers .
Yet nothing was to come as the dragon communion seal remained silent , Nor did anything occur .
' One more try ... ' Erdine crunched his face as he focussed solely apon the seal , The rest of the world around him bleeding into a kaleidoscope of colours that he didn't notice .
' Silent lord , I beseech thee . The lands in-between have been lost , apon mine own hand , Cast into ash for the new world to grow . Yet all is not lost , For I alone remain . I alone remain to spread your teachings , But it is not enough . I call to you , allow me your favour , so I may right the wrongs I have committed apon you . I humbly pledge myself , to be your servant . Your Vassel when nobody else may hear you , to spread your influence apon the world's so you may return from oblivion. My lord , I beseech thee , act before it is too late ... ' Erdine shook as he held the seal infront of his chest , Yet he didn't get to finish his prayer as it erupted .
' Impossible ... he was dead ... I was sure of it ' The Greater Will hissed to itself in both a mix of fury and fear as it too watched as cracks of golden light split the dragon communion seal .
These golden fissures leapt from the seal and struck his flesh , Breaking the surface of the skin as like a worm , The golden threads wound themselves into his body , Fusing him with the seal that broke apart and became liquid .
Following after the golden threads , The broken seal embedded itself into his hand , A black ringed glyph forming in his palm as it took on the form of the dragon seals Insignia in his skin .
The knuckle of his right hand became rigid along with the ends of his digits , Becoming claw like in shape as the skin of his arm bubbled and churned under his gauntlet . The veins became entirely golden under his flesh .
In was unbearable , More painful than anything he had undergone in the past . Yet he stood , Bearing through the pain as it was by his own hand that this was happening .
Yet as it settled , The changes were negligible, The only tell being the odd structure of his knuckles and the glyph in his palm , Both easily hidden or passed off .
' That shouldn't have happened ... ' The Greater Will thought to itself as it watched Erdine remark his hand ' It doesn't have enough power remaining to mark a Vassel ... unless '
Silence prevailed as No further noise was heard The silent lord spoke no words , Yet his intention was clear for all .
' Congratulations mine Vassel , It appears your labours proved somewhat fruitful ' The greater will was not pleased , Yet did not move to punish it's Vassel , For itself hadn't foreseen the outcome .
' Weeks of preparation, You knew didn't you ' The Greater Will asked as Erdine attempted to cast a spell .
And to both their surprise , The spell he wished to cast , Despite no longer being in direct possession of a seal , Erupted from his palm .
' Ancient Dragon spear ' The Red spear formed in his hand as he clutched the massive bolt , He leapt and hurled it across the room where it collided with the wall and exploded in a dome of vicious energy .
' I don't need a seal to cast dragon spells anymore ... ' Erdine raised an eyebrow , as he tried and failed to cast a regular glint stone spell but could easily call apon ancient dragon lightning strike without issue .
' Thank you my lordship , I will endeavour to bring you back from the brink of oblivion ' Erdine vowed as he turned away from the arena and began a hasty escape from the room .
He knew the Greater Will was less than pleased at the outcome , That it would feel somewhat threatened , But the benefits outweighed the consequences, And even it relented at that.
Sighing , Erdine turned back to face beacon . Clasping and unclasping his hand , He dismissed the bolt of Gransax and began a trek back to the school .
' We have things to discuss ... but I'll wait until tonight to converse with you ' The flame spoke in a somber tone as Erdine squinted , Wandering what the frenzied one could with to speak to him of .
' Alright ' Erdine thought back as he stepped onto the paved footpath , A pit forming in his stomach .
THE DORM
" LEADER YOU'RE BACK " Nora loudly announced as he stepped through the door to the dorm .
She along with Ren had once more taken up residence on their designated beanbags , Of which Nora had taken the job of decorating her own to the point that it was glittered and painted orange with different animals sketched into its surface .
" That I am , Anything interesting happen while I was out " Erdine smiled kindly at the girl as a pleasant smell of cooking meat came from the kitchen .
" Nothing to report here sir " Nora saluted whilst Ren quietly read a book , Apon further inspection as he leant over , It appeared to be about the anatomy of Grimm .
" That's good then , Job well done " Erdine smirked as he humoured the girl who smiled and jumped for joy .
" Now where is pyrrha " Erdine tapped his chin as said girl popped her head around the corner .
" Right here , I'm just finishing our meals " Pyrrha quickly dipped back into kitchen as the pot nearly boiled over , Forcing the girl to frantically rush to fix whatever might have gone wrong .
With a small smile , Erdine moved to his room , Aware that Juane was most likely in his own room he shared with Ren ignoring their presences .
Opening the door to his room , Erdine quickly closed the door behind him as he dispelled his armour .
The glyph on his palm was clear as day , Looking closer to a tattoo than a focus for magic .
' I hope it was worth it ' The greater will grunted in his mind whilst the young man moved to the bathroom , Running the faucet before splashing his face with water.
' It is , it'll be fine , I had already undertaken the writ of dragon communion with the silent lord long before coming in contact with you. It staked its claim then when it gave me the power I sought . I see no reason it wouldn't continue to do so . Infact ... I can almost feel it like I can feel you or the flame ... it feels ... closer ' Erdine squinted as he thought on the implications.
' You think he's in this reality ' The Greater Will asked , It's tone dangerous . But it relaxed when Erdine shook his head .
' I don't think so , I cannot connect with it exactly here , But it's presence is certainly felt . I think that this reality is closer to it than ours was . It fled from the lands in-between and is boundless of time and space . I think it might be in a pocket reality of its own making far away from any conceivable reality , Where it won't be disturbed' Erdine went over his hypothesis with the will as it thought over his words .
" I see ' The Greater Will quiet as it thought over its servants thoughts , Now that it was aware of his vessels connection to the silent dragon god , It was greatly troubled as it hadn't been able to sense the presence of the dragon deity until now where it had directly bestowed it's blessing through the communion seal .
' I need to monitor him , Study him , Others might have already staked their claim ... I need to find out who and dispell their influences ' The Greater Will thought as It turned its attention to analysing everything that made up Erdine's existence with a keen eye.
Settling down on the couch in the living room , Erdine sighed and stretched .
Shuffling back into the couch , Erdine watched as Nora played a game on her scroll , Her tongue sticking out the side of her mouth as she focussed .
Diverting his attention , He watched as Ren assisted Pyrrha in bringing out what she had prepared .
Sitting up straighter , Erdine watched as Ren lowered a plate of bread on one hand whilst the other steadied two plates for himself and Nora .
Pyrrha on the other hand carried three identical plates as she set them down on the table offering a kind smile to her team leader as she settled at his side .
The four of them soon began to wait for their last member , Said member already aware that dinner had been prepared .
Yet as they waited , Nothing happened , It appeared their wayward teammate was keen on once more eating on his own while everyone else rested .
Yes ,As he strained his ears , He could hear the shower head turning on in the other side of their dorm .
All around them , The atmosphere became oppressive as Erdine's mood to a dive for the worst . A scowl making its way onto his face as the fork in his grip warped until it was a ball of metal .
" Hey it'll be alright " Pyrrha offered a hand as she pet his shoulder gently , A small but sad smile on her face .
" Yes... it will be " Erdine remarked as he took a deep breath in , Feeling pyrrha slide another fork into his hand before he opened his eyes back up .
" Sorry ... let's eat " Erdine offered an encouraging smile as he looked at what had been prepared .
It appeared to be a plate of Steak and chips with vegetables on the side .
Eagerly , Yet quietly , Everybody dug into their meals .
Absentmindedly, Erdine ate as he conversed with the Greater Will , Seeking guidance from his higher lord .
' What should I do about him ' Erdine asked his lord as it mused over the question.
' Mortals are fickle and more often than not make decisions I am unable to think of as they have no rhyme nor reason . This one seems to be going through what I could only guess to be a stage of guilt ... and denial , Guessing from what I've seen on his mannerisms ' The Greater Will offered as Erdine thought over what it was saying before nodding , Accepting the words as he too had been able to see that .
' I see , But what can I do to help him ' Erdine asked as the cosmic being figuratively shook it's head .
' There is little you could do without reviewing negative consequences. If you force him out of his shell that he more likely than not refute you and push you away . Rather you should be patient and let him come to you ... but a little nudge that he won't notice might also help somewhat ' The Greater Will replied as it gave its wisdom to it's vessel .
' I see ... very well I shall think on what you've told me ' He accepted the words as he focussed the real world , Blinking as he realised he had eaten his whole meal while being left with a bare plate .
" That was great pyrrha , Thank you for the meal " Erdine turned to the girl who was also just finishing up her plate , Said girl giving him a disarming smile as she beamed at him .
" I'm glad you liked it , I thought I'd try making something I hadn't made before ,I was worried I might have burned the steak of the vegetables but they came out well " Pyrrha spoke hastily , Clearly flustered to Ren and Nora as she waved a dismissive hand .
" Well your worries were unfounded , They were spectacular" Erdine gathered up his cutlery as the girl turned red and smiled to herself .
" Thank you " The redhead accepted the compliment , Allowing Erdine took take her plate as he motioned for it before accepting both Nora and Ren's own .
" I'm going to go and wash these ,If you have any work you have to study before bed , It'd be best to get it done now before it gets too " Erdine offered as the team shrugged .
" I completed mine after classes " Ren answered as pyrrha nodded .
" I did mine before showering so we're all good on that front " Pyrrha announced as Nora shifted .
" I haven't had time to do mine , You'll help me right Ren ... Right " Nora leaned into her partner as Erdine stood over the sink and began to wash the dishes .
" Of course I'll help you Nora " Ren smiled at his long time friend as she looked at him wide eyed .
" Awesome " Nora popped up and rushed to get her workbooks . Meanwhile Erdine stuck the plates and cutlery in the dishwasher before turning it on , Slumping slightly as he heard the water began to flush into the machine .
Coming back into the living room , Erdine looked at the lone remaining plate , Grunting as he came forward and picked it up .
It only took him a moment to wrap it in cling wrap and stick it in the refrigerator before coming back into the living room .
" How about a movie " Erdine announced as Nora reappeared with her books " But you still have to finish your work "
" Awesome " Nora shouted as she dumped her books on the table and bull rushed the television, Grabbing the remote as she turned it on and rushed back to her beanbag .
" Your pick tonight Nora " Erdine settled back into his spot as he leant back , Choosing to relax and think over his problems at another time .
It was a couple of hours later that Erdine found himself pacing his bedroom , Walking back and forward as he waited for the frenzied flame to speak .
" I am sorry " The Frenzied flame spoke solemnly as Erdine felt a warmth spread through his body .
" What for " Erdine asked , However his answer came as he felt an obscenely massive influx of spirit ashes be forced unto him .
" I have searched , Yet I found none that remain . From the lands of reeds to the lands in-between ... it burns with none remaining. They're gone ... all of them. And with the Erdtree gone ... find rest in the lands in-between they shan't ... so give what remains of them to you I shall " It spoke as Erdine fell to the ground , Unable to support his own weight as his consciousness bore down apon him .
He spoke naught as he layed his head against the carpet on the ground , A stream of tears running freely down his face .
" It was all for nothing " Erdine whispered to himself as he almost curled in on himself .
" Nay ... it shan't be . For I will not allow it to be so . The lands shall flourish with new life , Life previously denied by the order . I will make it so " The flame whispered in an effort to comfort it's unstable vessel .
" What of ... where is Ranni " Erdine whispered whilst the flame prepared to deliver more bad news .
" Gone with the winds ... She was not present when the world burned ... I can only suspect she became one with the stars ... however I would remain vigilant of the witch for I know not where she is " The flame informed the young man as he felt his eye lids grow heavy , His exhaustion mounting as he was forced into a state of unconsciousness .
His eyes snapped open hours later , face scrunching up in rage as he remembered the news that he had received the previous night .
Already he knew it was almost time for combat class , He could hear his team rummaging around while they rushed to get their things .
With grit teeth , He pushed himself from the ground and dragged himself to his feet .
He wasted no time , Nor was he in the mood to do so as he opened the door to his room and stormed down the hallway.
" Let's go " Erdine ordered as both Ren and Nora could tell he wasn't in a very pleasant mood .
Pyrrha came from her room moments later Garbed in her Spartan armour .
" What about Juane " Ren asked as everyone gathered by the door .
" I don't care. If he doesn't want to be part of the team then so be it "
' Something's happened ' Pyrrha thought as she sat beside her team leader in combat class , The teams sat in the stands in groups of four except for their own , As juane silently sat down on the other side of the bench next to Ren .
Glynda had already begun her speeches as pyrrha studied her team leader , His eyes were unfocussed . His left hand clenched and unclenched whilst his right finger tapped relentlessly at the desk surface his hand rested on .
Under the table his right foot bounced up and down all the while his face was perpetually scrunched up in anger.
" Are you okay " Pyrrha whispered as she placed a gentle hand on her leaders arm , Watching as his eyes snapped to her for a moment , For a second it looked as if he hadn't recognised her before his eyes registered her .
" I'll be fine " Erdine grunted in response , Yet it was loud enough for Glynda to hear as she turned to face him .
" Mr empyrean , Since you are so confident that you don't need to listen to these lectures that are specifically tailored to help you , You have been chosen as the first of the participants today " Pyrrha winced at the flash of anger that morphed on Erdine's face as he released a groan and made his way to his feet .
" Weiss schnee , Would you please join mr empyrean down in the arena " Said girl diligently stood from her seat and made her way down the steps .
' Oh no ' Pyrrha winced further as Erdine disappeared into the training rooms .
Weiss schnee was many things ,And humble was not one of them . Not to mention she could hold a grudge .
He wouldn't say anything about it when their teams sat together ,But she knew it irked him a great deal when she would become haughty .
And with his particular mood today , Pyrrha only hoped the girl could keep herself from doing anything that would send her teammate over the edge .
With a groan ,Erdine equipped the bolt of Gransax whilst being Garbed in the star scourge armour set .
" Sticking to dragon lightning again " The greater will asked as Erdine nodded , Looking in the mirror of his locker at his dual coloured eyes.
" Yes ... It would be best ,They assume I. can only do so much with my semblance , So it would be best to stick to what they've already seen me perform " Erdine responded as he shut the locker door and proceeded to make his way to the arena entrance.
Already standing on the platform of which they'd battle , Weiss held her rapier as she held her head high , Regarding him with judging eyes .
' Oh I hate that look ' Erdine hissed internally as an arc of lightning sung across the bolt in his hand.
Coming up to the platform , Erdine stood across from Weiss as the girl rotated her weapon in her grip.
" Please sync your aura to your scrolls " Glynda ordered .
" Already done " Weiss replied as Erdine brought out his scroll and did as asked .
" Done " Erdine answered before dismissing the scroll and regarding his opponent .
" Then the battle will commence after the alarm rings " Glynda stepped back as her purple cape rippled behind her back , But she kept her eyes locked on Erdine .
" Are you ready to lose " Weiss announced as she pointed her blade at him .
' She's not serious is she ' Erdine quickly scowled .
" Can't you just be pleasant for five fucking minutes " Erdine hissed as he held the bolt of Gransax low , His left hand clenching as the glyph on his palm began to glow a red light.
" Only for those who are deserving of it , And from what Ive seen , You don't " Weiss retorted as ice dust began to bleed from her blade .
" Oh yea ... tell me why " Erdine inquired as he went over his mental checklist of spells available.
" I don't know who you are , You're suspicious. Nobody knows anything solid about you . You're shifty , You don't try to socialise unless it's with your team. You have a powerful semblance yet from what I've seen your squander it's abilities. But that would all be fine if I didn't get the impression that you're a liar , Amongst other things ... like a murderer ... monster " Weiss tried to mentally corner her opponent ... and she was honest as she spoke , She just couldn't get rid of the suspicion that pooled whenever she tried to dig into the background of the man before her.
' She's going to be a problem if she isn't dealt with ' The Greater Will ominously announced as his right eye blazed with eldritch light .
' Agreed ' Erdine shifted his stance as he lowered himself , Holding the bolt of Gransax aloft , Ready to stab it forward at a moments notice .
Yet his eyes strayed from his target to the stands where he knew everyone had heard what she had said .
Of course he knew the rumours going around about him , Started from one of the students that had no doubt caught a conversation between the teachers and would most likely have misunderstood what was being said .
Even pyrrha shifted as she looked at what was going on . He could see the squint Blake was sending him and the protective look yang sent him when Weiss announced her words , No doubt thinking of keeping ruby as far away from him as possible .
' So they believe them too huh ... ' Erdine turned his head to Glynda who was still looking at him ' And you and your faculty won't do anything to stop it ... what a pitiful organisation '
' It would appear I am the social outcast once more ' Erdine grunted as liquid fire began to spill from his right eye , Becoming reptilian in shape .
" You call me a monster yet you don't know the meaning of the word . You judge me for actions you know nothing about ... I did what I DID FOR THEM " Erdine's voice began to raise as his mental faculties began to implode , The mental strain of having to deal with everything going on taking its toll .
" THEY NEEDED SAVING , THEY WERE. CRAZED , DYING ... THERE WAS NO CHANCE ... I WONT LET YOU DRAG THEIR NAMES AND THEIR SACRIFICES THROUGH THE MUD RRRRAAAGGHHH " He clutched his head as a jet of orange flame erupted from his eye , The man held his head and arched his back as a shockwave of flame tore from his form , A sinister howl escaping the man as the bolt of Gransax screamed to life at his side .
Fear quickly overcame Weiss's gaze as Erdine's scream became a low grumble , The siren above officially signifying the beginning to their match .
As as he looked at her , She froze . Terror encompassed her in its Clutches as she beheld the blazing eyes of her foe .
She had nary a moment to react as the great bolt he used appeared in his hand , The man hefting it over his shoulder and throwing it at her like a javelin .
Weiss ducked to the right as the bolt speared the reinforced steel beside her , The bolt still crackling with red lightning .
" THEY WERE GOOD PEOPLE " Erdine sprinted at her , Jumping as he reached halfway towards her as two massive V shaped spears of red lightning appeared in his hands .
" FORCED TO ENDURE FATES MANY WOULD CALL CRUEL" He hovered for a moment , Suspended in the air before he hurled the rightward lightning spear at Weiss's position .
She jumped back and created a glyph to shield herself , Yet as the lightning spear struck the ground , It exploded violently . Destroying her shield as arcs of lightning singed her outfit and threw her back several feet .
" THEIR LIVES... THEIR DEATHS ARE NOT FOR YOU TO MAKE A MOCKERY OF " He threw the second spear at her downed form .
She managed to roll out of the way as the spear sunk into the ground before it too exploded , threatening the singe the girls face if her aura failed .
The alarm wrung above as it signified the end to their match .
' My aura ... is already in the red ' Weiss thought in disbelief as she pulled out her scroll , And sure enough , the bar of her aura flashed a violent red .
" Me empyrean please put away your weapon " Glynda's voice had a tone of severe warning as the teen she had verbally and public accused approached her , His golden spear in hand .
His eyes were trained on her , Yet she could tell he wasn't looking at her ... rather through her .
" They were my friends ... my family . I did what I did for their sakes... the sacrifices we made ... that I made ... I'd do it again " A single twitch of his right hand reignited the bolt of Gransax as he grasped it with both hands and hoisted it over his head , its tip pointed downward as raging red lightning screamed and popped the eardrums of many present .
" Any threat to their future ... will be eliminated ... just as it always has been " Erdine intoned ominously as his dual coloured eyes squinted at the girl who now looked up at him in open fear .
" MR EMPYREAN CEASE RIGHT NOW " Glynda bellowed as she took out her riding crop and cast a barrier over Weiss .
With all his strength , Erdine stabbed downward with his bolt .
Glynda physically recoiled as the barrier she cast nearly instantly broke against the thrust . Yet she managed to create another and actively reinforce this new one as she physically shook in an effort to feed her aura to the shield .
Weiss looked up at the purple barrier as her hair whipped around her violently whilst the bolt in her attackers hand inched ever closer to her face .
' I made a mistake ' Weiss thought as she looked once more into the utterly rage filled eyes of the man that stood over her .
Try as she might to move , She simply couldn't force her body to move even as she watched cracks begin to spread out across the shield that was protecting her .
" CAPTAIN " Nora yelled out in both worry and fright as everyone was shocked to see what was occuring .
Pyrrha leapt to her feet and vaulted the benches , Leaping onto the boundary of the arena and prepared to jump down .
' This is bad ' Ren thought as his eyes widened suddenly , Feeling a sudden influx of aura rush from the arena as all sound vanished as if it had been sucked from the room .
Weiss watched with fearful eyes as the bolt was thrust all the way through the barrier and into the ground before her .
She caught Erdine's eyes as he raised his head to look at her , His weapon still lodged halfway into the ground . And he glared .
" It doesn't matter who ... or what the threat is " He finished as he suddenly pushed the pulsing weapon straight down into the ground.
Glynda acted as fast as she could , Gripping Weiss telekinetically and flung her back from the arena and into the stands .
Ren had half a second to jump over Nora and cover the girl before a blinding white flash overtook everything anyone saw .
Pyrrha leapt forward just as an explosion of fire smoke and energy tore from Erdine and swallowed the room .
It was something like an orbital strike as lightning arched from Erdine in all directions , A pillar of screaming red energy rose high and punched clean through the ceiling . All the while an omnidirectional dome of fire rose over everything before striking the arena boundary .
Silence prevailed over the class as the dome of fire slowly vanished leaving behind a billowing smoke cloud that rolled up into the stands .
Glynda quickly made her way to her feet and pulled out her scroll , Sending a quick message to the faculty as a blackened form shifted in the smoke .
Coming out of the smoke , Still clearly in a daze , Erdine looked to the stands clearly more than ready to continue combat .
His eyes flickered to her own , And she capitalised on his distraction .
Flicking her riding crop , She pulled a massive boulder from the far was where it flew across the arena and struck the man in the head .
It was only when the teen collapsed onto the ground , Regardless of his upper torso being pinned by the boulder that she had hurled , that Glynda relaxed ..
" Glynda ... there was an emergency" Port burst into the classroom hefting his weapon in hand , Just as the students slowly dragged themselves from the ground .
" Yes ... we need to detain Mr Empyrean ... we have alot to go over "
CHAPTER COMPLETE
FOR ANYONE QUESTIONING WHY ERDINE WENT HAM ON WEISS , IT WILL BE EXPLAINED IN DEPTH IN THE NEXT FEW CHAPTERS
APOLOGIES THAT IT TOOK SO LONG TO GET THIS OUT , I WAS DIVING INTO THE LORE OF BOTH SERIES AND COMING UP WITH THE DIRECTION I'D LIKE FOR THIS STORY TO GO
AGAIN LEAVE A REVIEW ON WHAT YOU THOUGHT AND WHAT YOU'D LIKE TO SEE
THIS CHAPTER IS LIABLE TO CHANGE AND EDITING IN THE FUTURE..
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