Authors Note:
Well, here it is. Sorry for the delay, the stress of OG MW2 becoming a likely reality with every passing day really is stressful. Not to the serious stuff going on makes it hard to focus on fictional politics.
But still, my biggest problem was how long this chapter became. Eventually, I had to cut it off before 9k words.
If you don't want to be spoiled, don't translate the Grimm.
Any real world language used in this story will probably be a grammatical nightmare to any one who speaks any of them. As much as I would love to know every language perfectly like Saint Germain, I am just an American.
"I don't own any of the series I write FF of. I only own my OC's and my unique aspects added to the story. I don't own any music or songs possibly mentioned, they are just recommendations. I don't own the Dragon/Dovahzul Language, all credit goes to Bethesda Softworks. All credit of Rwby goes to RoosterTeeth."
Chapter 18: Stadt des Haßes.
It had been seven days since the duel with Hunding, and the fall of Fridarheim. Siegfried and his Mentor had traveled in relative peace since they parted ways with the Highlanders three days ago. They encountered no Grimm, nor any Bandits. The wild dirt roads of the Frontier had gave way to the standard brick roads of the Kingdom, and they were technically back in Civilized lands. As the speeding Truck that had almost hit them yesterday displayed, it was a grey area.
Besides that encounter, they had yet to run into any other People. Though that would soon change, as Venta was at least forty minutes away. They had read a road sign not far back down the road that said so. Though the city on the cloudly grey horizon had made it redundant. They could see the keep of its legendary castle towering over the trees of the forest along with a few of its tallest towers. One of the things he knew about the city was that it was the tallest structure. The city itself had no skyscrapers, which was also true for most cities around the world.
They rode in silence, only the birds, their horses, and the wind made any sound. He hadn't spoke to Duncan much since he had admitted his situation with Jeanne, and her family. The Old Man hadn't pressured him to speak either, they only talked when the situation demanded it. Like right now for example.
"Shit." He had said when they rounded a curb to see a concerning sight before them.
And he had only one response to give in return, "Scheisse."
There were two broken down black humvees on the sides of the road, and at least a dozen men scattered around dead. From what they could see at a glance, some of them were separated into pieces, others blasted apart. The lack of any dead enemies in sight denoted a concerning possibility. That someone with both Aura and a Mechashift Weapon did this, and from the apparent freshness of the pools of blood before them, they were not far.
Both Apprentice and Master slowly climbed down their steeds, and readied their weapons for anything. They then cautiously approached the crime scene, their eyes flickering across the forest around them. It became obvious as the came closer that the dead men were a group of either Soldiers or Mercenaries, if the black combat armor, and the discarded weaponry didn't give it away. (A/N: Their Armor basically looks like Advent Trooper Armor from Xcom 2)
Blood, guts, and limbs decorated the ground. There was one chestnut haired bearded man without a helmet on, nor was his lower half connected to the upper. His face was contorted in pain, and his guts spilled out from his divided torso. But the thing that caught Siegfried's eye was none of that.
It was the insignia painted on his armor's back and shoulders. It was as well known as the Schnee Snowflake.
One thing that was shared and passed down across Avalonian cultures since the fabled time of the Avalonian Empire was the four standards of honor. Besides the battle flags that displayed the coat of arms for either nobles or nations, there were four different flags that every army carried, that every Avalonian culture had abided by and respected.
There was the Red Cross of Mercy upon a white banner, that when raised promised mercy and care to the surrendering enemy. The White Flag of Surrender that showed an army, force or city was surrendering. Then there was the Bloody Flag of the Oriflamme, a bright red banner displaying the golden, radiant sun and its light. When raised upon the battlefield, no quarter was to be given to the enemy forces, which often prompted them to raise it in retaliation throughout history. But finally, the infamous banner of dishonor, the black flag with the skull and crossbones, called the Jolly Roger by pirates throughout the centuries, the Memento mori by the Minoan Migrants and Settlers from after the fall of Minoa. And by his people, the Totenkopf, or in modern Valean, the Deathhead.
When raised, it meant that the army that raised it was freed from the limitations of honor. It gave the Men in its shadow the full permission to be as Grimm in human skin upon not just the enemy soldiers, but their people as well. Throughout the Great War, it was increasingly used by both Vale and Mantle, turning the conflict into a nightmare. And his Nation's most infamous unit took a variant of it as their insignia, and permanently etched the symbol into the cultural consciousness of Vacuo for the worse.
It had always been viewed as a vile symbol by any man with honor long before the Great War, but after it, it has become one of disgust by all except for one group.
Their shield shaped insignia with red edges had a subdued version of it, the Mantlean one had been banned after the Great War. It was a light grey skull upon a field of black looking straight forward, with crossbones jutting out its lower sides. Above it, in old fraktur font with white paint, was written Grauschädel Gruppe.
"Grauschädel Teufelen…" He said in his native language, his tone full of hatred and spite.
"Greyskulls?" Duncan said, puzzled, "Why are there Greyskulls out here? If I remember correctly, they're contracted out east to fight the ELA."
"Whatever it is, its nothing good." Siegfried spat, "Everywhere they go, they bring nothing but death."
"Looks like this time it came for them." The Old Huntsman looked around, "Where they after someone? Or was it the reverse?"
"Could be either way." He looked around in schadenfreude, "There's plenty of Mantleans and Menagerians who have enough of a motive to attack on sight."
Duncan nodded, "True."
Siegfried stood up, and looked around more at the dead bastards. One of the dead Mercs heads was stomped in, if the massive footprint was of any indication. Another's upper torso was reduced to gore from what only could be from a powerful shotgun blast. More of them were just cleaved in two by what only could be a wide, bladed weapon. Either a sword, a polearm, or a axe. On the hood of one of the humvees, a head laid with its helmet on, and its mouth wide. Presumably, it's torso was the headless one sitting against the front left tire.
Finally, the Young Knight just said, "Whatever happened, I'm glad it was them instead of innocents we came across."
"I have to agree." Said Duncan as he inspected a pistol with a empty magazine, "I knew some good people who died in the Eisenmäntel Rebellion, and during the invasion of Menagerie because of these guys."
"Tch, lets just leave these Verbrecherbande to rot." He suggested, "We owe nothing to them, and they signed away their innocence the moment they joined their damn company."
"Yeah, your right." His Mentor agreed, "Lets get back on the road."
And they did just that. No debate or much effort was made to waste anytime on a group that was bad news. They walked back to their horses, and climbed back on in the hope that whoever was responsible for this had no beef with them, and only the Greyskull Group. Narrowly avoiding the blood, or any gore as they trotted forward, Siegfried did notice one last thing.
Bloody footprints lead down the road, and into the woods on the right. When they rode past, he noticed that they reappeared on the road ahead, but with no traces of blood. He tried to pay it no mind as they followed the road to the city.
Later…
When they neared the city, the trees gave way to a sparsely forested flat plain. Before them, stood the impressive stone walls of Venta, and towering even higher over that, upon the hill the city was built around, stood the ancient seat of House Winchester, Castle Belgan. Its grey towers, walls, and keep was like a imposing panopticon that the city was built around. Where the famous, and infamous family that dwelt within its walls could walk their battlements, and observe their domain.
He had seen it before in their travels, but they had never visited the city itself. It had a bad reputation among the Arcadians to the north and north east, and a mixed one with the Caeruleans to the east. Despite being one of the more patriotic and loyal regional cultures under the banner of Vale, the old Kingdom of Venta was a force to be reckon with back before the unification. It began as a Crusader State that was established after the First Crusade, then it had grown in power by being both the frontline of the next two Crusades, and then by conquering the other Crusader Kingdoms of Randmund and Caertaff in the south on the coast.
The Arcadians only fought in the first crusade out of self defense against the Gaians, and ended up sheltering many Gaians and Faunus refugees during the succeeding ones. This inevitably led to many conflicts with the Ventans throughout the future, and only did they put it aside when the Valeans came to conquer the west, until the King of Venta made a deal with Vale's King for arranged marriage between their children, and high status under Vale.
To put it bluntly, the Ventans didn't like Faunus, Arcadians, or foriegners. And he was a foreigner that spent his teenage years in Arcadia, and while he had problems with some sects of Faunus, he didnt hate them. So, he was everything the stereotypical Ventan despised. Siegfried was just dying of enthusiasm to get in there, and interact with such fine people. It didn't help that as they rode up the road to its massive western gate, they saw at least a dozen Soldiers clad in black, guarding its entry. A familiar symbol on their shoulders, and on the side of the humvee to the right of the conduit.
"Oh, das ist wohl ein Scherz…" He said to himself in the Mantlean tongue as they were halted by a Mercenary.
"Stop!" A clean shaven, helmetless Merc with dark green hair, and illaic eyes shouted with a raised left hand, his right holding the grip of an assault rifle. There was a dark scar across his nose that contrasted with his white skin. They both halted their steeds, as he continued in a Valean accent, "No one is allowed into this city without proper identification. We need some IDs."
"Since when is the Greyskull Group doing security in western Vale? Where's the Ventan Watchmen?" Duncan asked with narrowed eyes, "Why aren't you lot out northeast, fighting the ELA?"
"Ain't you heard?" The Merc raised an eyebrow, "The Frontier has been nearly depopulated, either through evac, or through Hillbilly and Grimm attacks." He explained while looking up at them both with suspicious eyes, "Ole Winchester, and the other important people in the region have hired us to defend Vale's western border as well, considering the Kingdoms forces got their hands tied out east alongside our brothers-in-arms." Then, he pointed accusingly at them, "Where have you Huntsmen been?"
The Young Knight sneered at them, "We've been out west," He said with a haughty voice, "We stopped Hunding ourselves."
The Merc chuckled alongside his men, "Well aren't you two just Knights in shining armor." He was amused by the Redhead's tone of voice, "Are you expecting a parade through the city? Or do you think it means we'll pack up and leave?"
The Old Huntsman raised his hand, "Don't mind my apprentice," Calmly, he tried to prevent an incident, "We've just had an eventful journey is all."
"Yeah, yeah," The Greenette waved his hand, "Just show us some ID."
The two of them produced their scrolls as the Merc pulled out a scanner. He walked forward to the space in between them, and raised it as they reached out with their devices. A ding echoed through the air as the Merc walked back to his guys while reading their info. "Duncan Blackburn and Siegfried Walsung eh?" Pocketing the device, he turned around to face them. "I have some question for you Huntsmen boys," He began, "We had a patrol go dark two hours ago, and our commander is getting a mission ready to look for them." Both of them looked at each other as he asked, "Have you two seen anything?"
He glanced at his Mentor, he didn't really want him to tell them anything, despite the risks. But Duncan wasn't going to risk trouble with the Grauschädel Gruppe. "We have," He admitted, before pointing back down the western road, "About a hour out the way we came, we found them all dead on the road." Then as he continued, he stroked his black beard, "From what we could tell, it looked like they were ambushed by someone with Aura, and a Mechashift weapon."
"Firstly," The Mercenary inquired, "Why didn't you phone the authorities? We're in CCTS range."
"To be fair," His Mentor rolled his eyes, "We didn't know why you guys were out here, and we did not want any trouble." He tried to make it clear, "We planned on reporting what we came across once we got to Venta, which is now."
The Merc tilted his head, nodding, before asking very particularly, "Did they have axe and shotgun wounds?"
"Well-"
"Why should we even tell you?" Siegfried interrupted, his paitiance with them had ran out. "For all we know, they could've been a hit squad after some innocent Hunter that opposed one of your atrocities." His words shocked Duncan, and the Mercenary frown with narrowed eyes.
"Listen here, you redheaded shitstain," The Merc took a step forward, "If those guys were one of our X-Squads, you wouldn't be here right now." He said coldly, "Instead, you'd be some piece of rotting meat for some animal, or Grimm to stumble across."
"You think its wise to admit how criminal your organization is to a Huntsman, and a Huntsmen-in-Training?" He replied sarcastically, to which the Greenette gestured to all directions.
"Go find someone in any of the major Kingdoms that cares, and will do something about it." The Man then smirked, and said with a mocking tone, "Guess what? They love our services!" His men laughed at his mannerisms, "Just like when the Old Guys kicked those Ironcloaks teeth in for Atlas," Siegfried gritted his teeth as he continued, "Or when we got to burn that nest of Critters a few years ago." The Merc smiled as he thought back on it, before looking at his guys, and shouting, "Now that was one hell of a first mission, I tell you what boys!" With hysterical laughter, he said, "Everyone of them Mutants hiked up their legs when the bombardment began!" The Old Huntsman, closed his eyes.
"Your disgusting." Duncan shook his head, "It's a crime your not behind bars."
"Cry about it, Old Man." He snapped his fingers, "I'll excuse the Boy's smartass behavior as youthful bravado, but if you don't keep your mouth shut like a good geriatric fuck, neither of you are getting into Venta."
Siegfried then decided to quote one of his Heroes, and slowly rebutted, "Leck mich am Arsch."
The Mercenary scoffed, "Sorry, I don't speak loser." Before turning around, and called out to one of his guys, "Yo! Fritz! Can you clarify what this ginger just said in Valean?" A helmeted Mercenary leaning against the Humvee with a rifle in his hands then walked over to them.
"Sergeant Greenstein," He addressed him, a familiar accent on his voice. He looked back the Huntsmen, then his Superior in a dramatic pause, "The Lemming just told you to lick his ass." The whole Squad of Mercenaries bursted out in a howl of laughter.
"Well damn Fritz!" Greenstein shook his head, "Looks like knowing that outdated language of yours has some use!"
While they chortled, he looked at the man named Fritz in horror, before asking in his native language, "Bist du ein Mantelian?"
The Merc smiled, and then mockingly replied with a salute, "Jawohl!"
The Sergeant then looked between them with a snicker, "Surprised to see one of your guys in our uniform?" Siegfried didn't respond to him, instead his attention was fully focused on the Mantlean before him.
"Du traust dich, nach dem, was sie getan haben!" He shouted with rage, to think one of his Countrymen would join them was unimaginable, "Sie beleidigen die Ehre Ihrer Familie und aller Mantelians, indem du diese Rüstung trägst!"
"Nicht mein Problem." Fritz nonchalantly shrugged, before raising his fist with conviction, "Meine Loyalität gilt der Grauschädel Gruppe."
"Landesverräter!" Siegfried threw his right hand out to the side as he shouted, "Möge dir kein Ort im Vaterland Schutz bieten!" The Traitor scoffed, before grinning.
"Gut für mich, ich habe jetzt ein schickes Zuhause in Atlas." He said with a condescending tone, before shaking his head like a disappointed parent, "Du Eisenmäntel Unterstützeren sind so rückständig."
"Verräterisch Teufel!" He snarled, grabbing his sword handle, causing everyone of the Mercenaries to instantly point their weapons at him, except for the disgrace before him.
"Woah!" Duncan raised his hands, "Sieg, calm down!"
"Listen to your Daddy now, Boy." The Greenette said with a mocking tone, his expression deadly serious, "You don't want this to get ugly."
"Zieh das Schwert und wir werden ein Problem haben." Fritz said calmly.
"Ja du wirst." Siegfried said in a tone that was one of cold rage, before shouting, "Bei Ehre, werde ich das Vaterland verteidigen!"
"Und was dann?" The Landesverräter snickered, "Du wirst ein gesuchter Mann sein."
Sweat dripped down his forehead, he was right, if he did this, he would become a wanted man. But if he didn't, he would Dishonor Mantle by not upholding its Honor. Either sacrifice being a Huntsman right now by striking down this Greyskull Devil, or retreat in shame to be able to become one. It was a hard choice.
"Sieg," Duncan pleaded again, "Please, calm down."
"Tu es." The Mantlean Mercenary dared him with a smile, "Geben Sie mir und meinen Kameraden einen Grund."
He wanted to put the Monsters before him in their place so badly, but Patience was the Sixth Virtue. With a deep breath, he release his grip upon Balmung's handle, and the Mercs relaxed a bit. So did Duncan.
Fritz just shook his head smugly, "Feige Mösen."
The Mantlean Knight coldly replied, "Mögen wir uns wiedersehen, in einem dunklen Wald."
"Das hoffe ich auch, Lemming."
"Ich auch, Wiesel."
"Okay, okay," Duncan raised his hands again, trying to soothe the situation. "I am deeply sorry for how my Apprentice has been acting," He apologized for him, then suggested, "How about we just go on in, and leave you to yourselves."
Greenstein lowered his weapon, nodding, "Yeah, we don't have time for this shit." Before moving aside, and calling out, "Let them pass guys, we got bigger shit to fry." The Mercs reluctantly did as he ordered them, and Duncan ushered Siegfried forward. Not willing to let anymore potential disaster unfold.
The Streets of Venta…
When they entered the city, they were met with the sight of basic Valean Architecture. Most buildings were around five stories tall, with a few occasional ones with seven stories. The roads were laid brick, unlike the concrete of cities closer to, and in Vale itself. And vehicles were less prevalent, most either walking, riding horses, or using public transportation such as street cars. All-in-all, Venta was a standard Valean city.
It's unique flavor started to really seep in though. The first thing he noticed was all the NO FAUNUS signs plastered on almost every business they passed. The second was the political posters that seemed to be on every corner, mostly supporting 'Pro Patria', also known as the Green Party. The third was the infamous statue itself.
In the middle of a sparsely crowded plaza, there was a grand statue that stood at least two stories tall. It was of a Knight standing triumphantly upon a platform in plate armor with a chestplate displaying a bird with its wings outstretched, wearing a terrifying helmet with sharp points jagging up like a crown, and wielding a massive mace in his right hand, a leash of chains in the other. Below the statue, there were four other statues of naked women knelt down facing the viewer with expressions of anguish and despair on their faces. One even covering her eyes with her hand. Chains from collars around their necks ran up to the Knight's left hand. Their canine ears drooping down upon their heads. (A/N: It's basically 'The Gorthaur' Monument from Sahdow of War)
"And they want to remove the statues of Randgeir…" Siegfried said with a shake of his head, "Mein Gott." He had seen it before in photos online, but to see the monument in person was on a another level.
"Pretty shameless, aren't they?" He looked to his apprentice, "It's the only statue in Valean land ever built to display some Faunuses as slaves."
"It sadly makes sense," Siegfried recollected some of the history he remembered learning about this city, "Venta was both founded as a Crusader Kingdom, and was close to Vacuo." Looking back at the statue, he guessed, "I'd say before Vale banned the loophole of Faunus Slavery, half of Venta's economy was from the slave trade."
"Your correct," His Mentor raised a finger, "There was even a rebellion, did you miss that section in the History of Vale book I gave you?"
He shot him a look of annoyance, "I know that, Duncan." The Mantlean defended himself, "That part of the book mostly focused on the reactions of the religious implications that Faunus are equal to Humans made, than the economic part." Gesturing with a wave of his hand, he added sarcastically, "It's not like the very existence of Venta is partially thanks to the old belief that they are irredeemable Chaos-Spawn."
The Old Hunstman nodded in thought, before replying, "True…" Before scoffing, "It's funny to think that they sided against the Krimson Knights back in the Krimson War all those centuries ago, just so they could keep their business, only for it to end up getting banned anyway, and now they're fans of the Krimson Hand."
"History is a poet that can't help but rhyme, and be ironic." Siegfried remarked as they slowly trotted through the plaza while a few of the local people there glanced at them as they passed by. Duncan then chuckled.
"I remember hearing before we left that they're moving the Statue of General Lagune that the Black Party's Thugs tore down back in November to here in Venta." He told him, "The Greens won a court case that arguing that since his mother was Ventan, that he was a Ventan figure as well. So that statue could be moved here if enough locals wanted, and if enough Valeans wanted it gone."
The Mantlean shook his head as he spoke, "I gotta give Pro Patria some credit," Glancing at Duncan, he continued, "They always seem to outsmart Communia Saluti." Before looking back at the statue as they were close to passing it. "If only Libertas could keep up."
"If only," Duncan admitted, "They've just been fumbling the ball nonstop lately."
"Honestly, I don't know what you Valeans are going to do." Siegfried remarked, "Hawthorne has been a utter mess, and all of the candidates for the upcoming election are horrible."
His Mentor looked at him, and stated, "Salisbury isn't that bad."
"He's not exactly got the image of strong leadership," His Apprentice chuckled, "And Communia Saluti's candidate is a utter hag. Meanwhile, Pro Patria's lives there." He gestured to Castle Belgan towering above them. Duncan closed his eyes, and shook his head.
"Henry Winchester becoming Prime Minister would be disastrous for Vale." He proclaimed with a weariness in his voice, "Any hope for repairing relations with the other Kingdoms, or peacefully solving the Ethelan Rebellion out East, or the escalation with those two bands of Racists, would go down the drain."
"Agreed," He responded as he thought back to Atlas, "I don't see how he wouldn't come to blows with that Dictator, Jacques Schnee."
"Who knows, maybe they'll secure an alliance." His Mentor shrugged, but even he could tell he didn't really believe his words.
"That would require them to see each other as equals, like Mantle and Mistrial did when they formed the Concordant. Or for one to be subservient to the other, like the Argans to the Atlesians." The Apprentice mentioned, before deducing, "Both of those pompous Trottelen would rather wage a Endkrieg like my damn Kaiser, and your last King did." With hatred, he said, "Sending untold millions of noble, and ignoble men to their deaths."
"I pray to the Lord of Light that such a thing does not happen."
"I'm sure many did the same a hundred years ago." Siegfried sadly shook his head, "The Lord gave us free will, and many things lie purely in the hands of mortals such as we."
"True…but destiny can be a bitch." Duncan agreed as they got halfway across the Plaza. The Young Knight found his eyes wandering back to the the statue, they kept drifting to the plaque at the bottom in front of it, curiosity eating at him.
He had always found stuff such as statues and monuments fascinating since the time when he was six, and his family visited the city of Mantle. He had seen several of them, such as the one of his Grandfather, and several Knights and Emperors, but he hadn't been able to read what their plaques said. Ever since then, he tried to read everyone he came across when not on a important task. And that habit was itching at him right now. Eventually, he just gave up, and asked his Mentor, "Do you mind if I go read that plaque real quick?"
"Sure…why?" Duncan raised an eyebrow. He saw no reason to give one of something so disgusting the time of day.
"Why not?" Siegfried shrugged, "As abhorrent it is, it is still a landmark. I want to see what the Ventans themselves wrote about their 'Mighty King'."
"Alright, but be quick." His Mentor pleaded, glaring at the chained leashes, "I can't stand to be in the shadow of that monument of despair."
Siegfried hopped off Grane, and handed his reins to Duncan, before striding over to the brazen monument to Human Superiority. As he approached it, it became clear how menacingly it was designed. The faces of the Dog Faunus Women were expertly sculpted, making their woeful expressions all the more powerful. All the while, the Armored King was towering imposingly above, with a helmeted face of iron, with two black holes where eyes should be, and two smaller holes in what appeared to be in a design shaped like a nasal bone. (A/N: Basically, the same helmet Sauron had in the Shadow of Mordor games)
On the plaque, written in grey letters upon black was:
King Brian Winchester II
"The Mighty"
December 3rd, 1170 BW-August 24th, 1114 BW
This statue was raised in honor of the victory at Culann during the Second Crusade, on July 7th, 1144 BW, where King Brian The Mighty triumphed against the barbaric Maelgwn Khan and his sons, taking his wife and daughters as chattel.
Such was the death blow that crippled the Gaian Empire, that would lead to the triumphant Third Crusade (March 31st, 1104-June 9th, 1101 BW) when his son, King Cardin Winchester I, would be victorious with alongside Kaiser Siegbod I of Æthel, and King Leofried I of Vale, and would secure peace against Faunus Aggression in Western Vale for centuries to come.
After the Second Crusade concluded, King Brian II would go on to strengthen his new alliance and friendships with King Caelestis I of Caerulum, and King Colum III of Erecura with marriages between their Sons and Daughters. Uniting the Houses of Winchester, Azurite, and Bronzewing in Brotherhood Forever.
It was as biased as he expected, but then again, what group of people weren't? It totally left out when King Roland the First of Arcadia kicked 'The Mighty's' ass when he tried to invade, and resulted in him going to those two Kings to try and build an alliance against Roland, which was laughable in the face of Arcadia's wealth, and alliance with the Meropisian Empire, which was at its peak during that time. Which went-
"Ain't it just magnificent?" His thoughts were interrupted as a man to his right suddenly spoke, causing him to look in surprise at the newcomer. A mustachioed Man with dark brown, wavy hair, and deep green colored eyes, stood looking up at the statue with a proud, and content smile, while his hands were stuffed in the pockets of his brown waxed cotton jacket with a red plaid button up shirt underneath.
"Excuse me?" The Young Knight asked with confusion.
The Stranger looked at him, holding his smile as he then looked back up. "This statue," He said, his Ventan accent strong, "Isn't it just amazing," The Man rhetorically asked, "A symbol of what mankind can do if freed from the slavery of mercy."
"Uh…" Siegfried struggled to come up with a. response that wouldn't cause trouble, "It's definitely a symbol of creativity." Dark creativity, and a giant ego.
"And of Victory." The Stranger then raised a finger, revealing his black fingerless gloved hand, "King Brian crushed the vile Gaians under his heels, and crippled them just right for the Heroes of the Third Crusade to finish them off."
"Okay…and you are?"
"Ah, pardon my manners," The Strange Man realized his rudeness, before placing a hand upon his own chest, before turning to face him, and offering him his right hand, "My name is Nitmar Westerman, it's a pleasure to meet you, Young Hunter." Siegfried then noticed it. On his right shoulder, he wore a black armband with a red hand on it.
"…Friedrich…Siegman." He opted to give a false name as he hesitantly shook the man's hand, "What is it that you want?"
"Oh nothing my friend," The Man nonchalantly responded, "I just saw a fellow Human, and thought I would say hello." Looking him up and down, he added, "I didn't expect to run into a foreign Huntsman-in-Training today, what a pleasant surprise."
"Um, I need to go, my Master is waiting for me." He wanted to get away from this guy before things spiraled out of control.
"Ah, duty calls as they say." Nitmar nodded, before raising his left hand, "But before you go, may I interest you with a pamphlet?" He pulled out a small one from his jacket pocket, "As a Valean to an Atlesian, we need to lookout for each other, and put aside our petty differences." The Man stated with conviction, "The Faunus have been relentless with their barbarism recently, Humanity needs to take inspiration from King Brian more now than ever!"
Siegfried took the pamphlet from his hands, and looked down at it. Underneath the title, a black shield with a red hand was present. And it read:
The Faunus Problem:
A growing threat spiraling out of control.
By Dolion Bloodworth, Supreme Grandmaster of the Krimson Hand.
The Mantlean wanted to tell him to take this pamphlet, and shove it up his ass. But that would be akin to kicking the hornets nest while standing in the middle of the hive. So, instead, he politely pocketed the propaganda, and said, "Alright, I'll read it later, I have to go now."
"You, and your Master should come to our rally later today." Nitmar persuaded, "Dolion Bloodworth himself will be giving a speech."
"No," He answered rather passive aggressively, "We're rather busy-"
"What's going on here?" Their conversation was interrupted by his Mentor, obviously upset with the stranger.
"Oh, are you this fine lad's Teacher?" Nitmar smiled as he turned his attention to the Old Huntsman, "We were just discussing the meaning, and power of this monument."
"I know what your doing," Duncan said fiercely, getting in the Man's face, "And I suggest, if you know what is good for you, that you go back to your Krimson den of morons, and leave my apprentice alone."
The Man lost his smile as a frown grew on his face, his expression stoic, and unimpressed. "I see…" He said slowly, before asking with sarcasm, "Y'all Bestials, aren't you?"
Siegfried recoiled at the great insult, the slur making him grit his teeth, and raised his fists, "You dare!" His Mentor raised his hand to halt him as Nitmar sneered.
"Y'all just got a bunch of Faunus pussy waiting for you back home, with a couple of Beastblood Bastards, don't ya?" He snarked, "That's usually the case with Huntsmen dressed up like you lot stand up for the Primals." With a chuckle, he added, "Maybe you fuck those horses of yours as well-"
"Shut your mouth, now." Duncan threatened, the Man grinned.
"Make me, Animal Fucker."
The Old Huntsman shook with fury, his teeth and fists clenching. He could practically feel the killing intent emitting from his Master as he locked eyes with the Krimson Hand Member. It made Siegfried step back, the sight of a shaking Duncan rare. It seemed as some sort of violence was inevitable, but the Old Huntsman took a deep breath, and stepped back. "Lets go." He ordered coldly, before turning around and walking away. The Young Knight quickly followed him. Nitmar Westerman laughed, and gave one final jab as they left.
"That's what I thought, Bestial Pussies!"
Neither of them turned to face him. They climbed aboard their steeds, and began a light gallop out of the plaza. Siegfried couldn't help but feel embarrassed, he had been deeply insulted by a Krimson Hand Thug, but had to stay his hand due to both the city he was in, and the potential chance of serious jail time. Such were the burdens of living in a Post Chivalric society.
Main Street…
Minutes had passed since they had encountered the Krimson Hand Member. Siegfried could say that his first impressions of Venta were definitely bad. Grauschädel Gruppe were guarding the gates, maybe even more within the city. And the first statue he saw was literally one of the most infamous in the Kingdom, with a literal Krimson Hand Recruiter hanging out around it. He dreaded what this city would've been like if it was its own independent Kingdom.
The only good thing he could say he liked about the city, was its flag he saw displayed in numerous places. The Grandest of which was the City Hall they slowly approached. It was flying right below the Valean flag, which was emerald green with a black saltire with white edges stretching from corner to corner, and a shield displaying a white griffin standing segreant, facing the left, wearing a crown upon a field of black, bordered also by white edges.
The Ventan flag was a red banner with a blue cross dividing it in four, and a shield in its middle with gold edges, and a golden bird with its wings displayed, and its head rousant was in the middle upon a field of blue. (A/N: The same symbol on Cardin's chestplate in the show) All in all, they were both beautiful banners, but nothing compared to the old banner of the Holy Æthelan Empire, and its pentad colors. Not even the flags of Mantle, or the Eisenmäntel, Atlas, nor even the modern Æthelan flag could match it in his opinion.
Though now was not the time for reflections on vexillology. They had both hopped off their steeds, and hitched them to a hitching post near where the parking places for bikes are on the side of the building. In truth, the duality of low and high tech always messed with him since he was a boy. Seeing horses, carriages, ships and trains still as main modes of transport, when airships and cars existed was always dumbfounding. You'd think that by now, they'd be everywhere, and the formers would be slowly decommissioned from common use.
They both walked around the sidewalk, making their way to the front entrance. A middle aged woman walking by glanced at them both, before continuing on her merry way. As they walked up the steps, a black haired man in a suit made it up before them, and opened the door for them. The Huntsmen thanked him as they entered the lobby. It was very generic to Siegfried, seeing the golden bird from the flag in a circle on the floor, the wanted posters and advertisements for local events on the wall, the receptionist desk in the center of the room.
"Hi, how may I help you today?" She asked with a smile, looking up from her terrminal. She was a brunette middle aged woman, with some moderate weight.
"Hello," Duncan spoke on their behalf, as he placed his hand on the counter before him, "We're here to turn in a bounty."
"Oh?" She raised an eyebrow, glanicng over them taking note of their armor, "Who for?"
"Hunding Blood-Axe," His Mentor answered, "The Hill Clansman that was responsible for the raids out in the frontier."
"Oh, I see…" She said as she typed, her eyes went wide at what she saw, "Thats…quite a sum of money for a relatively new bounty." She peaked out her head behind the terminal, and looked around them, before looking back at the Huntsmen, "Alright, I suspect you don't have him in your custody?"
"No." Duncan answered grimly.
"Okay, then all we need is some sort of proof of termination." She typed some more as she looked at the screen.
Siegfried then pulled out his scroll, "I got two photos." He told her.
She nodded as she then told them, "Alright sweetie, all you gotta do is send the photos to the terminal, and I'll send it to be confirmed, and either the both of you, or just one will receive payment."
Duncan raised his hand, and told her which, "Equal share, I don't hoard wealth from my apprentice."
The Redhead flipped open his scroll, and activated Redtooth, before connecting to the terminal, and selecting the two gory photos of Hunding's head and body, sending the evidence to wherever they store it. The woman grimaced as she saw the pictures, but she clearly had some experience with people turning in bounties here rather than the local Watchmen Department, or Huntsman Guild. Both of which Duncan purposely chose not to go, because of bad reps. Siegfried reckoned that is why she was so used to it.
"Alright, that should be it-" She was interrupted as a call popped up on her screen.
"Miss Lynch," A suave, masculine voice spoke, "Could you please send the Huntsmen up to my office?"
She instantly grew nervous, her cheery demeanor shaken, "Ye-Yes Mister Winchester." She looked up at the both of them, "The Mayor would like to see you two."
They both looked at each other with caution, and confusion. Duncan then looked back at the receptionist, and asked, "Why?'
"I'm afraid you'll have to ask the mayor about that." She responded, "Sorry."
The Old Huntsman scratched the back of his head, "Ok, where is his office located, are you going to lead us there?'
"Well, I don't really have to." She said, before pointing up the black tiled bifurcated stairs at the back of the room "It's just up the stairs, and down the hall opposite from the entrance. Miss Lemon's desk is just outside his office, you can't miss it."
"Alright…" Duncan said with a tone lacking any sort of excitement, before walking away. Siegfried could understand, anything to do with the Winchesters was bad news to any sensible individual. They were the Schnees of Vale, after all. But still, his own curiosity was making him wonder why a Winchester would want to see them. He followed his Mentor across the room, and up the steps. They then turned up the right stairs when they got to the divergent path. When they reached the top, they then walked until they got to the hall she mentioned, and sure enough, they could see the redheaded secretary typing at her desk.
The two Knightly Huntsmen strode down the hall towards her, to which they caught her eye. And Siegfried would be lying if he said she didnt catch his eyes either. The Secretary was a pale buxom woman with curly orange hair, and deep blue eyes. She wore black cat eye framed glasses, a white collared, button up and short sleeved shirt with some key buttons unbuttoned to show off her rather impressive…cleavage. Her lips and nails were colored cherry red from lipstick and nail polish respectably.
"Mister Winchester is expecting you." She said with a sultry voice, standing up from her desk to walk to the door. Siegfried tried to look away, but his eyes still caught a glimpse at her ample bottom. Long enough to take note of her black office skirt, her brown panty hose on her legs down to her black heels.
Mentally, he thought a silent prayer for forgiveness for his lust as she opened the door for them.
The Mayor's Office...
Siegfried could smell the nepotism a mile away when they walked into the Mayor's Office. It was stronger than the smell of liquor, and of smoke that seemed to taint the room as well. The Mayor himself sat behind a black desk hardly stacked with paper, on an stylish Arcadian (Louis XV) armchair with red cushions and armrests, and intricate patterns on the wood. The Ventan and Valean flags flanked the exit to the balcony behind him.
"Welcome to my office gentlemen." He welcomed them, his voice smooth and refined. The mayor had his burnt orange colored hair combed over to his right, gleaming with fresh pomade. His mustache and the little amount of beard hair on his chin was fashioned into the Van Dyke style. With deep indigo eyes, he looked over them both. He wore a expensive looking black suit jacket, with a black button up shirt, and a golden neck tie. Furthermore, the Mayor seemed to be in his mid twenties. "Come, take a seat." He beckoned them forward to the two fancy black chairs placed close to his desk for visitors. Since they came this far, neither of them saw any reason to refuse.
"So," Duncan began as he sat down, "What is it that you want?"
The Man raised his hand as he spoke authoritatively, "Let me introduce myself first," Before gesturing to himself, saying, "I am Beaufort Winchester, Mayor of Venta." He continued dismissively, "And there's no need for either of you to introduce yourselves. I read your names when I got the alert for the bounty turn in." Beaufort then leaned in, setting his arms on his desk, and interlocking his fingers. "I just want to ask some questions about the situation out west with the Barbarians."
The Young Knight was surprised that was all he wanted. He expected some sort of illegal offer that you'd see in one of those crime dramas that his sister watches. It seemes his Master also expected something more.
"Is that the only reason you asked us to talk?" The Old Huntsman tilted his head with a raised eyebrow.
"Yes," The Mayor answered straight forwardly, "As I'm sure you know, the amount of devastation that has been occurring out west has been unprecedented. We haven't had organized raids on the level they've been these last couple of weeks in decades, if not over a century." With a sigh, he added, "And they've actually reset all of our colonization progress as well, as most settlements are gone. Most of the survivors have either flocked here, or have been evacuated here, and I fear that that if we have any more to take in, it might be too much for my city to handle."
"Where are they?" Duncan inquired, "I've yet to see any refugees." It was true, Siegfried hadn't seen anyone that fit the stereotypical destitute refugee during the ride through the city to get to this City Hall. But then again, how could you tell some of them apart if they look like any other Valean?
"They are on the east side of our city." Beaufort responded, "And they are causing our slums to overcrowd with every new family that flees to here." There was a tired tone that seeped through his words, "But that is another topic. I want to know what is the current status of the Hill Clans. I saw the photos of that Hunding bastard, he's out of the game, and no longer a threat to Venta. But a snake can sometimes be a hydra in disguise." His expression became deathly serious, "I need to know if there's a potential heir to be ready against."
Siegfried himself then spoke, "There is," He informed the Mayor, getting his attention, "Infact, he apparently had a couple of sons, and from what we were told, any of them could potentially take his throne. In particular, his eldest, some man named Etzel." While he explained, he paid attention to the Winchester's reaction, "But, there's also a good possibility that the Hill Clans descend into war because of some of their Jarls breaking away." Then he asked a question, to see if he can dig deeper into what was happening in the city, "Was Hunding the only reason Grauschädel Gruppe is here?"
"He was one of the main reasons, yes." The Mayor answered with a nod, "The other is the fact that most of the VDF are out east, trying to suppress the anarchy that the ELA and those Furry bastards are causing. Simply put, loathe as I am to admit it, the Greyskull Group is the second best army in the world. Vale's is fourth." He sighed, before explaining, "My father admires their…work. He's hired them to protect Venta alongside our Watchmen."
"I wouldn't say that," Siegfried scoffed, old memories flashed through his brain, "The VDF are definitely more competent than SPS."
"They may be, especially considering the second train robbery yesterday." Beaufort smirked with a snicker, "But they have access to a lot of Atlases top gear." Siegfried and his Mentor's eyes widened at the news.
"Wait, there was another train robbery yesterday?" He asked, surprised to hear of another one after the one he had heard about a week ago.
"Yes, I expect you haven't been keeping up with the news out west?" The Mayor asked with a raised eyebrow, his Mentor then responded while shaking his head.
"Hardly."
"Well, I won't go into detail, but the White Fang have been hijacking trains, and those Ethelans have been ramping up their clashes with the military." He elaborated, leaning back and placing his hands together by their fingertips, "So, I am very grateful to you two for stopping the Gothic threat before it escalated into a similar scenario. As Mayor of Venta, I would like to increase the Bounty to two hundred thousand, from the one hundred thousand."
Siegfried's eyes nearly bulged out of his sockets. "The Bounty was One Hundred Thousand?!" He did not remember that at all when they last looked at what it was. Then, it was 50,000 Ⱡien. 100,000 was way more than he expected. 200,000 though? They might as well have won the lottery.
"Yes," Beaufort nodded, "The Bounty was raised a couple of days ago to incentivize Hunters or Mercenaries to come west from the war zones that is the Forever Fall and the Thunderlands to pursue it." He then gestured to them with both of his hands, "Since you two seemed to have gone above the call of duty, I wish to reward you for your virtuous service."
Duncan stroaked his beard as he narrowed his eyes, "There's nothing…else tacked on to this, is there?" The Mayor smirked at the inquiry.
"No Mister Blackburn," Beaufort answered, before leaning in with a sly grin, and whispered, "Though, if you two are desiring more of a personal reward, Miss Lemon outside could accommodate. She is skilled at more than just paperwork, if you know what I mean…"
For a second, Siegfried felt the dark side of his Soul peer out from the wrought iron welded cage he had done his best to imprison and hide away. It generated scenarios in which he forsake the First Knightly Virtue, Chastity to indulge in the curse all men are burdened with, the vile sin, Lust. He closed his eyes, and focused on the first virtue, and the Sixth and Seventh Knightly Principles.
'Six. Do not Tempt another Man or Woman's spouse. Reject any advance from a lecherous person. Save thyself for only love and marriage.' He remembered the text for which he had memorized himself like the Royal Knights of Vale, and the Imperial Knights of Mantle had once been required to do so, 'Seven. Do not be consumed with earthly vices. Be in control of thy mind, thy body and thy spirit, not by them.' Before adding, dispelling her alluring image from his mind, 'To do so, is to live in Dishonor.'
"No, we're good." Duncan answered, he heard with his eyes closed, "We'll take the cash reward."
'Bei den Sieben lebe ich, bei den Acht verteidige ich, bei den Neun gehorche ich.' He recited the verse in Mantlean.
"Suit yourselves, you're missing out." Beaufort chuckled. The Young Knight focused his mind, still reciting the line, but now in Valean.
'By the Seven I live, by the Eight I defend, by the Nine I obey.' He thought with fervor, banishing the lewd thoughts to Hell, before reciting the Knightly Prayer. 'Sin I Dispel, and Virtue I Summon. The Values stand fast against both Devil and Demon. My Principles guide me to Heaven with Honor. Like Iron I Strengthen, with my invincible Armor I shall Conquer. The Light prevails over The Darkness.'
"You alright?" The Mayor asked, causing him to open his eyes to see both Duncan and the Winchester gawking at him like he had thrown up.
"Yeah…" He quickly patted his armored stomach, "I just feel a bit sick, its been a while since we've ate proper food."
"Say no more," The Mayor waved his hand, "I know of several high quality restaurants in my city that can help you out. I can give them a call to serve you two the best they have."
The Old Huntsman had a different idea. "Well, since you know more about Venta than we do, what is the best Hotel in town?" He ventured, "We need to stay the night somewhere to clean ourselves up before we head home." The Young Knight couldn't blame his Mentor for seeing, he didn't want to go to a horrible hotel, or a smelly motel. And he especially didnt want to return to Ansel smelling like shit.
"I know just the place, the Westerland Hotel." He snapped his fingers, before pointing at them with his thumb raised up on his right hand. "They've got the best bar, the best restaurant, the best rooms, and of course," He paused, before grinning wide, "The Best Gals." He leaned back in his chair with his arms out at his sides, "I can get you both a suite if you want, or just a regular room if you prefer, all for free from just one call from me."
"I don't know about a suite, but we'll definitely take a decent room." Duncan rejected the suite offer humbly, "Afterall, we're leaving tomorrow, there's no need for a room that big."
"You do got a point I guess," Beaufort shrugged, "Anyway, I'll do that for you, and I'll increase the bounty." Pressing a button, a holographic screen projected from his desk, and a keyboard emerged out of the desk before him through mechashift mechanisms, "It's the least I can do for eliminating some stress from my desk." He said before beginning to type.
Siegfried couldn't help but be surprised, despite the Winchesters reputation, this Mayor, despite becoming the mayor through some Nepotistic bull crap, actually seemed like a competent Mayor who cared about his city, despite the obvious inappropriate relationship with his secretary, and the shitty people of his City. Perhaps he judged them too harshly?
Suddenly, a call came through the Mayor's screen.
"Mister Winchester," The Lobby receptionist spoke nervously, "Your Father is here to see you."
The Mayors mood instantly turned sour.
He stopped typing, and looked at the screen before sighing, "What for?" He asked with an irritated tone.
"I-I don't know Mister Mayor," Lynch stuttered as she spoke, "He just walked in, he's going up the stairs as I speak. He's very upset-"
"BEAUFORT!" A loud, thick and powerful voice echoed through the City Hall.
The Mayor leaned forward on his desk, and rubbed his temple, before muttering, "Just great…" Both Huntsman and Apprentice looked at each other, not knowing how to respond to such a unique situation.
"I just got a notification!" The angry voice called again, this time accompanied by the thwacking of his feet as he walked, "Did you hire someone after I explicitly told you not to?!" The voice shouted, this time much closer, causing the two Knightly Huntsmen to turn around in their seats, as the doors was thrown wide open, "How many times do I got to tell-" The tall and stout man stopped as his indigo colored eyes fell upon them sitting in front of his son, his thick mustache twitched as he then calmly asked, "Who the fuck are these two?!"
Authors Note:
And that's it for Chapter 18. This arc should only have two or three more chapters in the city.
Next Update: Maybe next Friday, or the one after that. Depends on what Randomly Generated Events happen in my life.
I'm open to all criticism (I'm writing Fanfiction to improve my writing after all), So please review and give me your honest opinions. If you like it, please be sure to favorite or follow.
Reviews:
RonaldM: Well, I doubt it. This story is probably going to be over a 100 Chapters long at this rate.
And yes, it has quite a few. It's already been stated and displayed a few times, but to give a hint, one of the key ones is similar to Game of Thrones main story theme (before S8 dropped the ball).
Rangda: His religion will be more explored when we get to Ansel, but in truth, there's three other factors that makes it difficult for him. He isn't afraid of the act itself, but more of the sacredness of it placed in his culture, faith and the code of chivalry he follows. Not to mention the personal reason of his to abstain.
To put it as Siegfried himself would, "It's complicated." Whatever he does, he will win and lose big for his soul and desires.
And about continents, it might be confusing, but I added four new continents to Remnant, and gave a name to the Dragon looking one (Dracus, which means 'Dragon' in Latin, which is what the Minoans spoke). The other one named in the last chapter is Ossa, it's southeast of Anima, and Northeast of Hortus (The name of the Continent Menagerie is on, means 'The Garden'). It's basically Southeast Asian and Africa combined. Two of the other three is basically the Artic and the Antarctic (Nullus and Nihil, None and Nothing), Then finally, a fallen continent with two names before and after its fall, Maxumus ('The Greatest'), and Perditus ('Lost').
Might be considered spoilers, but they're just the names of continents.
The Black Knight of Critics: Thank you for your sympathy, and the review.
And yeah, that was the main reason for this fight. He's beaten the first few bosses of DarkSouls, and with this fight the difficulty went up.
And that's one of the things I've really wanted to explore that Canon failed to do. My version of Remnant is probably at least 3x the size of canon with all the stuff I've added. The Hill Clans and Highlanders meant to serve as a perspective on what life is like in more tribal lands, while this chapter is meant to be the start of introducing Vale, and its own problems.
And his personal struggles is something that is honestly hard to balance writing, but it's necessary. There's a lot of internal and external conflict because he simply wants to adhere to mostly forgotten and ignored traditions.
And on your question, well, you'll have to find out. Let's just say Jaune's got his own path in this story.
And on your suggestions, thank you, I'll consider the second one, but I already have something like the first planned.