Chapter 25
Warehouse Dynamics
Venatores
Hey Guys! Guess who is not dead! That's right, it's me! Sorry about the late update, nearly a full year and a half since I last uploaded, mostly due to the tragedies of becoming an adult! Sadly this had to take the wayside, and that coupled with a bit of rewrites of the chapter, this what I came up with!
Thank you very much to everyone who not only waited patiently, but waited with anticipation. I hope this will serve as a fantastic late Christmas Gift.
I cannot promise a secondary quick upload, but I can promise that I will try my very best to make it come as fast as I can manage it.
As for comments… I'll do them, but let's be honest, how many of you actually remember what you posted that long ago? If you do, congrats cause I certainly don't.
Wilted Galaxy: No way in hell that they beat Mors, especially if he has time to prepare. There is only one way in my head that they could beat him, and it's a pretty good reason that I will certainly keep it a secret. Yeah, Roman is definitely going to have a large number of problems! Ones that I can't help but wait to write for.
NightBringer325: Qrow is probably gonna have a bit of problems, but thankfully many things involving Eldritch Horror fade with misunderstanding and the like. The moment he thought it was simply magic, he generalized it to the point where he could only see it that way, until he was proven wrong. Eldritch Horror is strange like that.
Evinco: Honestly man, I can't wait either!
Permanentlytiredpigeon: Thanks man, I hope I didn't make you wait too long or that I'm not too rusty. College always comes first after all! I hope you enjoy it though!
Bigboisnake: I can't wait for it either! I loved RWBY growing up, faults and all, but it certainly went downhill. I couldn't help but feel drained by watching it, even now as I even write about it I can't help but feel how draining it is!
They set up so much, and it sadly had to fall apart. I certainly hope that I can keep my own story up, even with the lack of given material presented in Mistral. I have a couple of great ideas though, that hopefully will translate well.
Canadian Admiral: Vincent has been in the back of my head for awhile. Ven has always felt like, in a DND explanation sense, a Bladesong Wizard, so the idea of a friendly familiar has always intrigued me. Also, he just never shared it with anyone. Ozpin keeps many secrets close to his chest.
E: Your review made me seriously laugh man, especially when I showed it to my brother! It honestly started, especially since I'm on break, to really focus on my story again. So Thank you, truly for leaving a review, even if you might not see it again.
Son Kar: Thank you as well, you really were a kickstarter for my want to write the story again! As for Sekiro and Carlo, Penny and him are very similar so I can't really do it. Though I really loved Lies of P, such a great game. As for Sekiro, while I really want to, nothing aside from Wolf losing the Mortal Blade will add some form of tension, and the addition of the Mortal Blade is a bit too much. Simply put, the real question is, what stops Sekiro from immediately murdering Salem. Because, honestly, the dude was very effective at killing everyone else who could get in his way. And, for this type of adventure, it's all about the journey, at least in my opinion.
Also, don't worry… I have plans. *Evil Smile*
Now then… LET'S GET OUR DESPAIR ON!
The warehouse was dull at best.
Despite the plethora of opportunities to be spotted, it was fully underground without any form of protection at the top. And, even if there were, it was no one of importance.
The only residents that were within weren't even that memorable. Just a couple of foot soldiers and a few injured, nothing that impeded our search. We kept them alone, aside from those who attacked us, and put them with the injured while we searched for anything that could be of use.
"Excuse me young Soldier," The bellowing voice of Mors spoke out, as he talked to the guard in front of him, glaring at him with his large unblinking owl eyes. "Might there be anything of note towards your plan?"
"I won't tell you anything!" The Soldier spoke in anger, a sheer contrast to the polite tone that was given. As the musty scent of the paper and oily ink ladened perfume clung to my nostrils.
"Just help me search." I spoke out, looking at yet another file of one of many foot soldiers injured. Including the locations of where all of them live within the walls of Vale.
Mors however continued with his little trick, adding a touch of deceptive worry to his tone. "As you can see, my partner is becoming more verbose in his agitation!" This will most certainly be followed by a slap of force on the man's shoulder- there it is. "You should know my determined Soldier, that my friend gets vengeful if he is irritated. Why, just this afternoo-"
A hand came up to the bridge of my nose, yet another paper of the same contents. Useful in a different context, if only I were part of such reality. "Can you not do this again."
"Whatever do you mean?" Mors asked innocently, as I turned to look at him with the agitation he was craving for. As both him and the Soldier beside him bristled to varying degrees.
While the three other soldiers behind him were unconscious upon the stone. Each with a slightly loose jaw due to the small 'taps' the Herculean knight gave to them.
"Can you help me search already?" I spoke, turning back to the work at hand, yet another report of persons in my hand. "It will be far quicker if you help speed up the process."
Finally, it was yet another piece of paper speaking of yet another location that yet another person lived.
Perhaps it was time to change files again, tossing the files back onto the table, reaching for a different one. Opening yet another unlabeled file at random.
"Your methods are of a talent towards study and plethora of other knowledge, alongside a grim candance for intimidation." He spoke eloquently, as if to establish a certain point in the future. 'Return soldiers to the base by order of the High Commander. Return as quickly as possible for any future products.' Troop placement… interesting. Perhaps this is the one.
"I, however," He spoke, as I turned back to him with a wearily growing impatience. His cowl draped across his back allowing me to see the smiling face of my partner. With the man firmly planted in his grasp against the wall. "Have a tasteful charisma towards others that lead many to a certain candor."
The man then grabbed at the steel plates upon Mor's arms, trying to rip them apart. As the Soldier had yet to to understand why his fellow comrades were still upon the ground.
"He's trying to escape." I spoke plainly, turning back to the papers in front of me. 'Place troops across the entirety of Vale, orders from the High Commander. Search for potential recruits for more enforcement.' Well at least we know the reason for the large amount of Faunus at the rally.
"I understand that." Mors spoke, the Soldier screaming in some form of discomfort. Perhaps he tightened the grip, even without the smallest change in tone. "Charisma takes more time, does it not? About as much time as sifting through copious amounts of notes. Or, at the very least, beginning the venture towards this West the White Fang speak of?"
"I refuse to wander aimlessly without goal." I spoke, trying to read as much as I could as this discussion continued pointlessly. 'Nothing to report.' Great, it appears we are beginning to get into the lull of orders. "If they can grant us the knowledge of a location, we will look through every such sheet of paper."
"There is not much west, to my knowledge." Mors spoke, most likely turning back to his self appointed charge. "But, I understand many fortresses find themselves sitting beside a river or lake, for reliable water. With that said, we merely have to look for this body of water."
"If they are remaining hidden," I spoke, ruffling through yet another paper. While geographically he would be correct, it wouldn't work one hundred percent in this scenario. "It would take time. Time, longer than it would be to research such things now, then."
Many people, especially the Beasts of the night, underestimate the ability those would take to remain hidden.
"Oh please." The man started with his usual tone, one of sheer confidence and positivity. One that would force many to cease all noise just to hear it, yet the paper crinkled in my hand. "Even with the secrets we keep from one another, I can tell we are both pioneers of that which should have always remained hidden."
… There was no denying that simple truth, as there were few things I had ever planned on discovering across my night at Yharnam. Why, the only discovery I had ever actively searched for would be Yharnam itself.
"Given thyself the opportunity," The knight spoke, as I turned around to look at him In curiosity. What could he possibly say that will make me drop these papers and their secrets?
"We, along with my own efforts, would need only have fortune alone to find them!"
I didn't move my vision away from the armored man, his smile shiny and serene despite the utter nonsense that came from his mouth. Even the man in his hands had looked at the knight with a small bout of confusion.
Perhaps it was just a method of some form of Semblance or more Archaic forms of the unknown which fill the Hunters Tools. Yes… it would be improbable for him to suggest something so faulty and ludicrous as that.
"… are you telling me…" I began to speak, the smile still upon his face despite the disbelieving tone these words were spoken in. The Soldier quivering ever so slightly from my voice, while the Knight remained like a statue. "That you wish to find the soldiers and their base by pure chance and gumption alone."
"Indeed!"
I see… there was clearly only one response.
"You're a buffoon." With my statement spoken I turned right back around, continuing to read the papers in front of me, as the voice of outrage spoke behind me. 'High Commander institutes new benefactors and Roman Torchwick. The Thief will be a part of the initiation in a week's time.' It appears at least we are nearing the present.
"Tis false!" The cry echoed out, the sound of metal on metal sounding out in the hall. "I have simply never needed a map in any instance of my life!"
"Well in this instance," I continued for him, hoping for him to understand the simple problem that we share. "We at least need something other than a direction!"
The direction wasn't good enough. We needed at least a marker, that way we aren't wandering aimlessly. Even with that simple 'direction' if we don't have a compass it would be useless with the untamed forest, where light did not shine.
"Now where is the thrill of discovery in that?" Of course he would have a problem with logic. Why wouldn't he when he speaks such ludicr-… "We still hold time, and we can make it anywhere with a simple trek."
Interesting…
"That is one way to put it…" I spoke, turning around for the final time. Taking out the small slip of paper from the others, and continuing to speak. "The other is a mountain."
His eyes widened in curiosity almost, a poor reflection as the Owl Faunus's expression turned grim. The large knights hand rising at the sight of the paper, before stopping mid way.
"A mountain?" He asked with his curiosity intact, the Soldier's struggle ensued with a Beast Like fervor. All for naught against the metal upon his captor.
"Get your hands off of-" The desperate man spat out towards me, just as Mors gestured towards me, as I began to read out the report.
" 'Problem in the construction.' " It started ambiguously, never detailing anything other then construction. A base?" 'Send more dust and workers to the mountains.' "
The fatal flaw was truly the mention of the mountain… if this was found by anyone, they'd have an inclination as to where everything was…
Which was probably why the Owl Faunus had such a great look of shame on his face. I turned back around, seeing the large stack of papers… so close to the large furnace on the floor…
Clearly, someone wasn't doing his job.
"I see…" The jolly knight turned focused, the cheer draining from his expression. My eyes narrowed as he changed, looking in both curiosity at the spontaneous change. Like a flame being doused, with the smoldering cinders remaining unchanged. "Certainly easy to find a mountain, but the trek could take longer due to the climb."
Yes… of course, the problem with the term mountain is it's general connotation. It could be referring to any mountain in the region. That was not withstanding any form of ranges that could be hiding them. Which left the only question left to ask. "Which mountain do we start with?"
The gaze of the knight quickly landed on the man in his iron grasp, who flinched at the meager look. The smile once again fading from his face. "Perhaps our new friend?"
The Faunus' eyes grew to the size of dish plates as I turned to him. It wouldn't be unexpected for him to know the exact location… I turned back to him, however, my brow raised as I stared at him in question.
His face fell in an instance at the unspoken question, yet it was one that I always asked.
What was this for?
It was an annoyance, not on his part but my own, that I asked these questions. My very being has transformed into suspicions throughout the years, asking for the purpose of everything that ever happened the moment it happened.
Everything was a question. Why were you talking to me? Why were you killing that beast? Why are you doing anything? Why that weapon? Why that stance?
Yet, it was always the same question underneath everything else…
What do you gain from this?
He continued to look at me, a straight ladened face as a sigh escaped from his mouth.
"I admit fault in my thoughts," He said candidly, no change in breath or facial movement. Gesturing with his free hand towards the man within his grasp. "Can you at least aid in granting me the opportunity to ensure we will not be wasting away upon the wrong peak?"
No lie, not that a lie was ever expected from the man with the sunniest disposition at… this time of night.
At least he was corrigible…
I removed Evelyn from my hip. Aiming the long barrel at the man, and pulling back the hammer slowly to draw attention to how close he was to dying. "You have ten seconds."
I wouldn't shoot him, but Mors and my own glares have certainly been painting a picture for this man. That, and the stray specks of blood drying on my coat certainly made him begin to think. Sweat was pouring down his brow, as the scent of adrenaline filled my nostrils with a thin aroma, complementing the blood. Like tea and honey.
"As you can see," My partner said, the large smile on his face as if enjoying a game. The Owl's eyes somehow grew wider in response to that smile. "We are no longer playing a game."
This could only be called a game. No injury would come to this man, yet it all hinged on him believing we would do so. Therefore, you can't give him room to think rationally.
"Five." I spoke loudly, the man flinching at the number I used the sweat and adrenaline becoming more pronounced. His arm fidgeting, and eyes darting around for anything that might be of service to him in that second.
"So please," The smile took a hardened edge, as I heard the subtle cracks of bone popping. The eyes quivering in place and hanging at every word that was spoken. "Do thy best to show candor."
"Zero." Was the final word the White Fang member needed, as his mouth opened as quickly as it could. The fear and self preservation overcoming loyalty in that one second of time. The words forming int-
Dust and wood feel from the ceiling, clattering on the floor and granting no amount of visuals to my left! The dust hung like a thick fog, obscuring the perpetrator within a single second, allowing them the chance to strike with a weapon or claw!
Before even a word was said, Mors was in front of me protectively. His hand on his sword, kneeling like a wolf ready to pounce, his pauldron adjourned arm out first, acting akin to a shield. Just as something was launched from his other hand, creating a quick breeze that dispersed the dust.
There was a shadow in the dust, a perfectly straight and narrow standing figure. Everything else faded away, as the planks of wood finally crashed to the ground.
Start it off, no waiting. The only people who know of this location are Team RWBY and the Entirety of the White Fang. Four people, versus the terrorist organization.
Either way, Team RWBY could dodge a bullet!
The loud piercing sound of a gunshot went off in the warehouse, reverberating across the many walls.
Almost as if it was a signal, the Knight raced forward with a single bound, just behind the bullet shot. Following it like a beast to blood, his overly large sword over his head ready to crush all that stood in his way.
The figures hand moved simply, as the dust remained stationary in the air. A quick slash as the sound of metal against metal rang out into the entire room. Thin swords flying in the air, dancing like fairies waiting to strike at your vitals. Three of which came to barely block the downward blow, as more dust began to encompass the small room from the impact alone.
With that visual alone, I pulled out a spare knife from my pouch as fast as I could, having no time for the usual methods. With a quick and decisive slash across my wrist, blood seeped out from my body ready to be used.
Whatever this creature was, it was strong. That could not be doubted, as the blood trickled into my hand, my eye beginning to become swallowed by the Black Sky. Now ready to unleash the passing stars that could tear the world asunder.
All that was needed was yet another visu-
"Sal-" The voice was bright and cheery, the sheer opposite of what I expected for someone here.
The silhouettes moved within the dust, quick and cleanly as the room rang with the sound of a bell. Sparks flying from the multiple pieces of metal interacting with the other.
"-U-" The dust began to clear, thrown to the side by a powerful side swing, an ugly sound that made my ears rattle. I brought my hand up as soon as I heard that sound, covering my last remaining eye.
A smart move considering the fragments of thin metal that imbedded into my arm. The pain fleeting and shallow in the grand scheme of things.
"-Tations!"
The moment the greeting was finished, the dust fully dissipated from the air. The scene clear to me, as I removed my arm from my sight.
Mors was in a simple fighting stance, his blade stopped mid air by a half a dozen of blades. Each simply designed with a single edge without a guard. The strangest things about these blades were the strange divets in each of them.
That, and the meticulous way that they flew through the air. Each of them now positioned like a layered shield in front of the other, reinforcing each other to defend from the blows…
Which was something that was barely achieved, seeing as the first one was completely shattered, while the second and third were bent inwards. The mighty sword that Mors carried around with him, cradled in their broken husks.
Yet the strangest thing was the girl now standing in the center of all the rubble. Dust covered, with bits of wood scattered across her pure white dress. Her eyes shut, as she was waving at the both of us in the center of the destruction.
"It is truly a marvel to meet the both of you!" The girl exclaimed excitedly, enough to the point where I flinched as if seeing the sun. My free hand reached for the shards in my arm, pulling them free with little trouble. The wounds clotted with other necessities barely needed. The girl continued unperturbed, that or I had simply gone unnoticed. "I have heard, watched and read a great deal of both of your exploits! It is a pleasure to both meet and experience it myself! I had not expected the multitude of my weapons to be destroyed with three swings! How extraordinary!"
… she was an odd and seemingly well informed creature… one that had barely even moved from her spot, despite Mors still holding his very own sword against her neck. One that seemed to in fact disturb the large knight, as he tilted his head in confusion.
"Might I ask for your reasoning to be here… Miss?" The knight spoke, his voice strained to sound polite. One that caused me to turn to him quickly, staring at him… it was very rare to hear him be so… on guard I guess one could say.
"I am Penny Polendina!" The girl spoke, unperturbed by the man and even walking up to him with an excited gait. Mors readjusted his stance in that second, ready to strike, yet the girl was clearly unphased. Her arm instead was outstretched for a handshake, despite the look given to her. "Huntress in Training under Atlas Command!"
… I slowly began to put the knife away, walking slowly towards the two talking. My hand was still upon the gun just in case, but not in a threatening manner.
While the person in front of me was alarming… there was something upon the back of my mind. One that calmed me enough to think of other such options, ones that I thought weren't within the Nightmare.
She didn't appear hostile, even as the weapons floated within a lazy invisible dance. She seemed… alien, but not hostile. Not to mention that being a huntress, while a simple cover, was also an easily proven cover.
"Charmed." The knight spoke, removing a single hand from his blade. Shaking the hand with a certain lax rhythm that prevented many from seeing the word as nothing but a lie.
"I concur!" The girl spoke, her bright green eyes practically glowing in the environment. Her second hand grasped Mors, whose glare seemed to narrow ever so slightly. "I have been told by many the exact thing, though it is truly a charm to meet you as well!"
"Yes…" The knight spoke, his sunny disposition now laid to rest as he stared at the young girl. The golden eyes of his ladened with a hue of caution. "Well… it was lovely to meet you, but-"
The girl's smile seemed to get even larger, the handshake still going strong despite the elongated time between them.
"Lovely!" The stranger, Penny, now spoke once again, interrupting Mors as his glare deepened… he is not the one to be this cautious. What happened to his usual cavalier attitude? "I have never been addressed in that manner before! Is it a resounding compliment, or a very simple one?"
"I assure you," Mors spoke quickly, as he removed his hand from the girls as if it was burning. "It was merely a standard farewell."
At least he wasn't always a trusting soul. Staring at the girl, it should be easy to ask for any form of identification or the like… if it is not provided, we could always just ask her the necessary questions.
"Farewell?" The mysterious girl spoke, her head tilting fully to the side with a smile still on her face. Her hands by her side laterally, and stiff like boards. "Are we departing so soon?"
"Not yet." I spoke quickly, crossing my arms over my chest, turning to me with an excited and brightened expression, same as she was with Mors. She was certainly personal despite the fact of ou- "We?"
"That means you must be Venatores Luna!" Penny spoke once more, reaching out her hands toward me without so much as a thought. I kept my arms crossed, looking at the creature before me.
She was definitely suspicious, at least Mors was right to act as such. A very poor job at trying to conceal the attitude, but I managed to see worse.
At least she wasn't covered in blood, standing over the corpses of three people.
"A pleasure." Granting the smallest bit of decency that I could manage to the young girl, who continued to remain cheerful despite the rude gesture. Knowing the limits of this conversation, she wasn't knowledgeable about social cues, so that was probably it. "My question."
"Straightforward and blunt!" The girl spoke with a displaced sense of familiarity, her hand reaching forward even further. I stared down at it, the excitement in her eyes burning my skin like the sun. "It is no wonder you are believed to be so awful!"
… if insulting me in my presence was a method to ward off suspicion, it was not a method I was familiar with. The only other option would be that the girl was socially inept to the point of insult.
I very much doubt there would be one so sheltered.
"If I might interrupt, Polendina." The knight spoke with a deep growl akin to the largest beast, my skin crawling and thoughts demanding to shoot. "I would ask that, a complete stranger such as yourself, would refrain from any form of insult."
"We are strangers?" The girl spoke with confusion, completely missing the heart of the issue that another had for me. Awful, after all, was far less of an insult then anything I received. "But I introduced myself? As for insults, I have given no such things! 'Give to others what you wish to have!' "
The knight let out a loud huff in response to that, while I stared at her fully straight. She however remained unperturbed, in fact the only change in her face was the scrunching of her brow, and the tilting of her head…
The girl was confused?
"You called my partner awful." Mors spoke directly, the girl's head lifting up straight, more shocked than anything.
"Is that not how you view him?" Penny spoke, an innocent confusion clear on her face. Yet, even that was only momentary, as a whimsical smile grew on her face. "It is a terrific moniker that tells many that one should not be taken lightly! Even the oldest of knights were called as such in great reverence!"
It was… an odd praise… especially if she was being truly genuine.
Yet it fit her like a glove, an odd compliment for an odd, out of nowhere girl…
I quickly turned to Mors, whose face was stiff as stone. Fist no longer curled around his sword, as he stared at the girl, and turned back to me.
"A-ah…" My partner spoke out, turning back to the girl, confused beyond measure. "My mistake then."
"That is quite all right!" The stranger spoke, holding out her hand once again. Mors simply stared at it, before grabbing it, shaking it as unenthusiastic as possible. "Though, might I ask why such confusion."
Well… direct seems to be the most important method of interaction at this moment… as such.
"Mors believes you called me something akin to a ghoul." I spoke quickly and effectively, leaving aside any form of confusing or long winded dialogue.
"Ghoul?" Penny exclaimed in confusion, looking between the two of us, her arms crossed against her chest. "Why would you two think I compared you two too something as awful as a Grim-"
Her entire face froze in that single second, as I nodded turning to Mors at the same second. Mors continued to stare forward, looking at the girl who stood outside my limited periphery.
"I don't think she interacts with many people." The knight turned at my statement, his brow raised to show the simplicity of what was spoken.
"Yet she has still not answered your question," Mors continued, turning once more to the girl with a near frightful intensity. It was rather odd to see him in this manner for prolonged periods of time.
Though, I will not complain. The girl, despite her current… the depressed presence was just as suspicious as the moment she walked in.
"Alongside that," Mors continued, his hands crossing over his chest, a metallic scrape sounding in the dark. Drawing my eye to the emptiness of his hand, while the other remained at his side the sword, leaning upon the guard. "We still need our information."
"Speaking of information." I spoke, looking at the hand crossed over his chest. The right hand that he had grabbed the Soldier with. A moment that felt so long ago with the momentary distraction. "Where did you put him?"
The knight in question turned to me, his expression just as confused as I was at the moment. "Whatever do you mean," The empty hand reaching forward, as if to present something invisible to the world, or the carrying of figments of thought. "He's in m-"
It was the moment he spoke, that he saw his empty hand. His eyes still perplexed, before his other hand reached to cover his eyes with a quick precision.
Why would he cover his face? Was there something…
He held his sword when he rushed in…
"… When she fell through the ceiling…" I spoke up quietly, turning to the location, seeing two things very clearly.
The first was Penny, who was looking at her hands as if there was blood on it. Eyes wide and unblinking, truly showing off the dazzling emerald within them. Each shaking as if they would fall out of their socket with the lightest tap on her shoulder.
Clearly, she didn't like to give insults.
The other was punctuated by the groaning shame of the knight beside me.
"I did it again…" The hole in the wall was large, around the size of the average person, crumbling inward to allow the wooden supports to be seen. The shadowy figure of a man within it, clinging to the crater with his unmoving body.
I was unsure whether he was unconscious, or a corpse. Yet, there was only one other question that I could ask, one that intrigued me more than the situation at hand.
"Again?" I spoke turning back around, quite honestly interested. After all, it was very hard to hear of a single instance of… this, yet to think there was more than one…
The knight uncovered his eyes and quickly turned towards the hole in the wall, within a single motion. His steps were loud and imposing as he took large strides forward, sword dragging on the ground.
"Just," He spoke with a defeated tone, the hand that was meant to hold the Soldier waving me away. "Deal with her!"
My lip curled into the smallest smirk, as my partner stared into the hole. It's good to see him perturbed every once and awhile. To see beneath the steel and fire on the surface. Sadly such amusement had to be left to the side. It was someone else's deeper workings that needed to be examined. The central clockwork of the plannings within the mind of this girl.
Help? What help would she give total strangers? What help would any stranger give…
Despite the ceiling above, I looked upwards trying to get the impossible glimpse of the transcendent silver light, and its distant siblings within the sky.
There was a time long ago that such things would fill me with comfort… Now the only thing that could ever remain was the smoldering sense of distrust. Distrust in the stars high away from my reach… and those just within arms length.
Yes… trust is earned through blood, as so many other things.
"So," I spoke, finally turning my attention downward. The orange haired girl saluted quickly, as if on personal instinct. It was more reminiscent of a Soldier than any kind of Huntsmen I've seen. "Why are you here?"
"I profusely apologize!" The girl spoke with unbridled sincerity in her voice. She was certainly empathetic… or at the least, embarrassed. "I-I did not mean for it to be seen as an insult in any way!"
"It doesn't matter." I spoke, no edge of aggravation in my voice. No need for such things, especially over an apology. Although proper etiquette has been denied from me, perhaps such an opportunity could grant me answers.
"Yet, I've asked you two questions," I continued, Penny's face growing somehow paler the second I asked that. Her hands move ever so slightly, as if trying to build a conversation with her hands. A lifted hand halted it ever so slightly, as she stood still. "In spite of this you appear to have answered none."
She remained there, staring at the hand for a while as if waiting. Her eyes never veered away from its gaze. Hmm… she appears to respond with more forceful manners and signals… she acts like a Soldier, at the least.
I turned my hand, the words instantly stuttering out of the girl.
"I-I I apologize for that," The words stringed together, as she grabbed slightly at the hem of her skirt, her gazing looking away from my own. It was a childlike form of regret, in many instances. "A-and for asking the questions once again!"
I grabbed my chin ever so slightly, looking down at the rather petite girl… This was like speaking to a child in many ways…
This was none of my business… The girl came to this secluded warehouse for a reason. No matter how innocent she may be.
I looked upward, my gaze feeling the slightest pull, turning towards the apex of the sky. Though I could not see anything, the roof of the room above flowed with an ethereal silver light. What would fill those with hope, radiant beams in the darkened night promising hope was naught but a stain on my eyes.
Yet, they remained nothing short of beautiful. Rays that shone brilliantly in my eyes, like a visual symphony. I could hear it true… violins and piano, and an operas song, all coalescing in a beautiful harmony.
For anyone else, it would be enough of a distraction.
I could see through the music, the light and its shadows. For every lovely beam that stretched into my sight, the shadows clung darker than any other light source. Though I use them to my advantage more times than not, it was nothing short of horrifying.
That's what light was, a place where those you knew nothing about could spy without interference. Yes, the shadows were not my ally…
They simply wanted me closer to their gaze… they greedily ate me up, hoping for their wards safe return.
No matter where I traveled, the light followed me. Both as that beautiful song, and the ever stalking jailer.
Moonlight.
Such a beautiful curse.
Everything has their duality.
"Why are you here?" I spoke, returning from my skyward gazing. The girl flinched ever so slightly as the gaze hit her, arms at her side standing at attention. "What were you doing here, and why did you act to ambush us?"
Accusation was necessary, the moment anyone is accused they show how they would handle such things. Anger, discomfort, patience or redirecting, it was all simply a test.
"W-well the ceiling was mostly an accident." The stranger, who despite her name given she would remain, turned her gaze to her hands. Each of her digits fidgeting with nary a glance upwards. "It just… caved in when I walked over it."
I looked at her, my arms crossing over my chest. My voice did not even pass through my lips, as she quickly assumed a stiffer posture. Arms at her side in the briefest of seconds. "Really?"
"Of course!" The words echoed out in an echo across the barren room. The anxiety fading instantly as she repeated her previous statement. "I merely walked into a room, and did some searching!"
Loudness never portrayed the truth… but, the girl was also simple. I even looked down at the tattered floorboards below my gaze.
Scraps of what was once whole lay tattered upon the ground. Splinters sticking out of the planks like ravenous maws of death. No true signs of any form of sabotage or the like. Despite this, they remained broken and irreparable.
But, wood was not truly my expertise.
"That doesn't explain what you're doing here." I refuted, turning to the girl who flinched as my single eye trained onto her. Eyes never straying from my own, aside from the slight twitch.
"I…" The stance she held broke in that single sentence, her fingers pushing together similar to a nervous child. Always switching between the two, left my mind tired of this conversation. It was nearly impossible to tell when she could switch. "T-thought you guys might need help?"
A beat of silence passed, each of us staring at the other… It was only until my mind finally processed those words that I slowly began.
"You thought complete strangers needed help?" My finger went to the bridge of my nose, the grip tightening with the ever growing nuisance of what could only be a bold faced lie. Even if it wasn't, it was far too hard to believe! "Complete strangers, that I might remind you, you have not even met in passing."
"Absolutely!" The girl tried to add confidence in what was already known as a lie. Her face now as bright as the moonlight with happiness, unable to hear the disdainful sarcasm in my voice. The girl was certainly naive. "I thought Team Eclipse needed help in whatever endeavors they needed! A-and…"
"Well…" The girl trailed off, her vibrant eyes turning to the corner, at the ground. My eyebrow perked as I stared at her… the smile growing fond and warm… it was truly genuine. "R-Ruby…"
"Ruby?" Of course it was someone I knew, as well as light hearted as the girl in front of me. For once I had thought it to be someone I would not know. My arms fell to my side as I looked at her closely with my single eye. "Ruby sent you?"
The girl barely flinched, attention within her own mind as she smiled to herself. Her head within some unseen heaven that was only hers to enjoy. "No." She spoke in an almost dreamlike manner, before her eyes widened, returning their gaze to me.
"B-but," The girl quickly added, the smile never fading but dimming ever so slightly. As if I had interrupted something, however unintentionally I may have hoped to do. "I'm inclined to help a friend of a friend!"
A friend of a friend… I looked at her, just as her final words sprang from her mouth like a Scourge Beast pouncing from the shadows.
"That's important for friends, right!?"
The desperation she spoke was palpable… not only in the manner that it would get her closer to us but also something else.
The faintest whiff of uncertainty and desire stank upon the words she spoke. As if she was merely saying them, to understand what it meant as well as its importance. Like a toddler babbling its first word, in hopes of grasping what it means…
It was sheltered ones did, in hopes of finding some semblance of familiarity in the world they knew nothing about.
Was she just perha-
The screeching sound of ruble falling to the floor echoed across the hidden room. I had instinctively readied my hand, before I realized the most likely source. Dust flowing from behind me as I turned ever so slightly, the girl peeking behind my shoulder.
"I object!" A voice like wildfire echoed from the veil of debris, as the Knight dragged its prey forward through the smog. The man moved as if he were a heavy stuffed doll, dragged against the floor by its misshapen leg with hollow eyes. Perhaps the throw killed him? A poor death, abrupt and painful. "We know nothing of you Miss Palendina, not from you or Miss Rose, who has not spoken of you in any manner!"
The words were harsh in tone, far harsher than any other words ever spoken from the man I knew. As if something stoked the flames deep within, that he exhaled like some mythical beast. His golden brown eyes seemed to melt from the heat ever so slightly, taking a darker hue.
Yet, his words held an inkling of the truth, as I turned back to the girl.
We did not know her…
She looked like a child whose toy had been taken from them, mouth agape in naive horror and sadness. Eyes brimming with invisible tears that made the green of her eyes look like the sea, each of the orbs staring at the ground pensively in her mind.
"S-she h-hasn't…" The tone was sad, akin to a child denied their favorite story before bed. It was just innocent and pure enough to hurt anyone who views it. My eye unconsciously moved away, turning to the corner of the room to spare my soul from that look. It was akin to staring at the Eldritch Truth, a mind altering event that one could never return from. I had experienced this feeling once, long long ago.
I could still hear the music box…
The loud steps of my partner resounded through the room, as if he was struck by a cannon. The flush of satisfaction grew on my face at those steps, as the giant reaped his own justice at th-
I shook my head slightly, banishing that wellspring of feeling to the depths of somewhere in my mind. The usually articulate knight began to stammer away at what he saw, rightfully so.
"I-I apologize that was r-rathe-" Metal scraped against the leather gently, yet it sounded loudly in the dead quiet of the room. Better him to be the fool for now, especially after his… alien display of aggression. "W-we should probably-… I-I did not mean for it t-"
I turned my attention to my partner, completely avoiding Penny's face. Looking at the sheer split second change in attitude back to his calmer self. My glare darkened as I landed upon him, speaking my words with an impassioned tone.
"We don't talk to her very much." That was honestly true, seeing as how my interactions outside of class were as limited as my ammo at the moment. Mors stared at me, his gaze filled with the slightest hint of fear. Good, it appears the girl's gaze changed nothing about my own being.
"Besides that," I cautiously turned my gaze to the young girl, looking out of my limited peripheral. The look lessened, yet I could still feel the tug of memory as I turned away. Grabbing the large ogre with a firm hand, which offered no resistance as I led him further away from the girl. "A mission of this caliber isn't something you do for friends. Could you give us a minute?"
I left before an answer was even granted to me as my grip on the arm grew. A grip that could have been broken by the knight at any time.
It was a simple matter of his want, that I am even allowed to do this. Further and further from the girl, whose features were screwed in the shadows of the warehouse.
I suppose even Mors noticed that, as he pulled softly for his stature. Which was to say, sudden and abrupt.
"Please tell me we are not considering this." He spoke in a hushed whisper, his gaze planted on the child he seemed to be a threat
I glared at him openly, the slightest twitch of his metal coffin responding as he turned back at my words. "Did I say that?"
It was a quick staring contest, as his face remained like marble. His eyes no longer warm, but filled with unease. Like a fire in the middle of a rainstorm, struggling to keep its shape.
Though that contest sputtered out like his very own eyes. Gaining a more subdued luster as he started to speak, arms crossing over his chest.
"No…" He spoke with a defeated quiet voice. "No you did not."
Mors was a simple man, but this behavior eluded me in many different ways at the moment. Thankfully, the simple man only needs to be asked.
"Ever since you've fought her, you've been acting peculiar." I spoke, keeping that even tone. Little to no judgment, aside from the one that boiled up in my throat against my wishes. "Why?"
He nodded his head, planting his sword into the ground. Peering once again at the girl, as I hounded after his gaze.
She now had a hand in her chin, staring at us absently as she thought.
"I understand my behavior is abnormal, but it is rather simple." The large man spoke, never turning his gaze from the childish warrior. "That girl grants me a shiver in my soul, one I've felt limited times before, all times that have told me one thing."
He turned back to me, his eyes deadly serious.
"Something is not right with that creature."
… the girl hadn't moved her from her spot in the slightest fraction, just staring at us expectantly with a near unblinking gaze. As if waiting for our return to say something. It was no wonder she and Ruby got along.
Her face ever so slightly vacant, as she was deep in thought, emptying staring out to the both of us, her exuberance gone as if waiting to return. Until that moment, she remained stoic like a picture.
The girl… makes him afraid? I could not grasp it, even as I continued to stare at her, her eyes never truly meeting mine despite the feeling of her gaze.
Why? She seemed relatively normal, if a bit excitable. Not truly equipped for any form of trial that will come from being, the attitude and naïveté of her being reflected that. Even besides that, despite her capacity for battle shown, the girl could only be described as fragile.
"She has done nothing but react." I turned back, Mors staring at me, waiting expectantly as the girl. The moment he heard my words, his hand grasped at the base of his own skull. As if my calm reaction was the ramblings of an incoherent drunk.
"Incorrect!" He spoke exasperatingly, my single eye twitching. Incorrect? Such an irritating word. How could I be incorrect about a simple child that he was overreacting to? "She has done everything, except react!"
"There remains a stiffness about her," He spoke, the stray stretches of moonlight no doubt causing short term insanity, turning back to the young woman who had still yet to move an inch out of her line. Hand still placed upon his skull as if were the only thing keeping it all together, trepitation strained across his face. "Not merely in form, but in spirit… something is just simply… not correct."
My gaze never left his face, even shawled in the dim shadows of the night… Though nothing could truly be gleaned, his concern was not an emotion he showed sparingly to the world around him…
"All right…" I conceded, the pointlessness of such an argument releasing from the sigh that escaped from me. He turned to me, a straight look upon his face, listening to me despite my clear defeat. "Let's say I believe you."
He smiled ever so slightly for the simplest of seconds, before turning to the girl. She stood there, still as always, awaiting our verdict with grace unbefitting her apperance and attitude. A silent calm that filled me, despite the 'supposed' intensity that Mors continued to show.
"Let's continue our questioning…" His voice was firm, as he sauntered over to the girl as if he were ready for anything that may happen, despite the calm scene. Many would consider it hilarious, yet all I imagine was the sheer energy wasted upon my own part. "Be hopeful she has information similar to the Soldier."
Ah yes, my head turning toward the man we had only just spoken to. His face firmly on the floor, an arm uncomfortably bent under the weight of his own body.
"Dead?" Was the only question that needed to be asked, a rather simple affair that would end with a straightforward answer.
"He merely won't be waking up for an age." Poor man. The beings that controlled fate were never kind.
As soon as we both got within a couple of feet, the girl named 'Penny' still remained there. Unmoving and unchanging, lost within thoughts that I could not pierce. Still, the knight held a serious expression against her.
A sigh escaped from me, as the last step was taken. The both of us needlessly ready for whatever she may do.
"Penn-"
It was a rush of movement, as something clasped around my waist. The familiar feeling of every part of my body tightening up in unison, as something crawled in my gut telling me to escape. It was akin to suddenly being thrown into a jail cell, and realizing you couldn't leave.
Even the hard and unmoving feeling of something against my spine, Bending it in the way that I did not wish it to go. My hands reactively reaching for the head of the creature, ready to pierce the soft jelly like membrane of its ey-
"I-I'M NOT A SPY!"
Two emerald eyes stared up, with near comical desperation. The mysterious girl's arms wrapped so tight, one could mistake them for a beast's jaws. I could already feel my spine and organs being crushed, as if I was stepped on by a Whale Giant.
The uncomfortable feeling seemed to triple in an instant, as the girls arms seemed close in. My hands reached for the crooks of her elbows, putting immediate pressure.
All the while, yelled words filled my ears, so piercingly close.
"I-I promise! I'm really not, I understand that I was following you two, but I promise I'm truly here to help you in any way I can! I-I just didn't know how to talk to you, because both of you are really scary to walk up to, and I don't have any experience with any of this! Most people just run into me, and I greet them in turn! I promise I can be of help, really! I-I packed my own provisions -hic- a-and I'm v-very combat efficient, except for one report tha- I-it'snotimportant!"
It was like a waterfall had crashed into me, and held me in place. Each of her expressions ever changed, as the words grew louder, and the grip tight enough to crack bone. If it were not for my past exploits, and the echoes of blood that filled me, this action would leave my spine in two. Yet her elbows did not give in any way.
"Please take me with you!" My feet lifted off the ground as I swung side to side, like some form of toy in a child's hands. The vertigo immediately muddled thoughts and actions, the cosmos appearing in my vision as I began to search across the stars for answers that are seen yet never comprehended. The darkness encroached, threatening to consume all the stars, the answers of everything lost to the time, never to be known. Like a grand messiah, saving one from the madness of knowing. "I won't get in the way, promise!"
The star's vanished in an instant, blinking into my vision every now and again, hoping that I would come and join them. Whispering in my ear to abandon the mortal road, and join in their eternal evangelical rest.
It was only the cold feeling of gravity that kept me aware, as I stood with a sputtering breath entering my lungs. The darkness fading away, leaving at least one answer bare to the world.
Mors stood over me, the orange haired strangler within one hand. Eyes staring at the knight with green stars of shock, and near wonder.
It appeared I was still standing, a hand upon my shoulder keeping me upright, even if I looked closer to those damned toys Micolash played with. The dizziness of the ever expanding cosmos falling to the wayside, as my feet planted firmly once again.
The girl… appearance certainly didn't show her potential. No doubt, as the area where her arms had met my skin already felt ever growing pain. It certainly brought memories of being grabbed from the dead of night.
Yet the action didn't seem to portray harm. A grave disparity that showed a form of naïveté. This coupled with the rather ineffective social interaction, makes for a rather telling story.
Without even a word of acknowledgement, the knight's hand released its grasp. Turning to the young girl with a questioning glance. Her amazement dying with the cold veiled gaze of the usual bright knight. "Why do you need to come with us?"
Despite it being an answer, one could hear the silent command in it. As if there were no other choice in the matter.
"W-well…" The girl spoke, eyes moving every which way in hopes to possibly alleviate her growing nervousness. Legs kicking back and forth, which given her recent action, moved with enough force to fracture an arm."I-I am on a mission from General Ironwood…"
"The general…" The knight spoke, slowly putting the child down with his usual knightley grace. The tone never changed in the slightest. The strangest disparity taking place, oblivious to the girl who simply nodded her head with a smile. As if satisfied with a great solution.
"Why you?" I asked simply, my arms crossing over my slightly bruised chest.
The smile turned confident, as she turned to us. Hands on her hips as she looked upwards, proudly proclaiming a statement to the entire world.
"I am combat ready!"
It was at least held some form of weight, as the pain flashed around my chest. It was small in the face of those she faced. As I simply raised an eyebrow, the shuffling of Mors bringing my attention away, his swords tip on the ground. His whole being stating his impassive impression.
Her eyes opened, blinking at the lack of reactions, as she stared at the two of us with blank eyes. Her hands clasping together, eyes glazing over ever so slightly.
"… a-and, I am… a very… good navigator?" The lack of confidence portrayed didn't settle well in my mind. Yet, just as suddenly as she spoke it with that voice, her eyes brimmed with confidence yet again. "Yes, Navigator!"
The girl turned back, the confidence somehow renewed. "I've also been told I have a Geographical Positioning and Navigation System in my head!"
…She was certainly odd.
It was better than insane.
"How many spots are capable of long term shelter and survival," The moment I spoke, two things happened. First, was that Mors placed a hand on his nose. The other was the girl who somehow managed to grow even more excited. "One close to a mountain?"
The answer was immediate and confident.
"There is one location capable of sustainable long-term survival that fits those descriptions!"
It wouldn't be the most shocking thing in the world, a random stranger having what we need. It certainly is far luckier than I had ever cared to have been. Leaving such things to mere chance.
Sadly, upon what else can we truly turn to.
"We cannot." The knight spoke, continuing his newfound trail of distrust. It would be a rather welcome trail, save for this particular moment. "We still cannot trust if she was even sent by the general. It is also far too late to contact Miss Rose for reference!"
Trust need not always be one hundred percent… especially with an eye on her at all times.
"Actually!" The girl spoke, lifting a finger for all to see. "If we continue to the wall, we can assure my story! After all, no Huntsman, in training or otherwise, is allowed to leave the Cities without permission from senior staff and correspondence to where they are going to ensure their whereabouts!"
…
At least we can trust her forgetfulness…
Mors
The grace of a now dead god stood at the horizon, its light shining for all to see in scarlet hues across the land. Even as the olden trees stretched their hands to grasp it, leaving naught but shadow. Everything now stained in a reddish hue, as the blue sky began to fight the darkness…
Yes… it would be a welcome sight…
"Beautiful…"
If it were not for the uninvited guest.
My gaze had barely left her, the moment we had fought. Her orange hair, that had remained unchanging in the breeze, danced in the shadows as a light. Her small stature forced me to look down, as if they were a child. Steps as loud as my own in the quiet of the dawn.
Her emerald green eyes scanned the treetops, ever walking just behind us. Amazed at the beauty of the world…
Yet it was…
I shook my head, ever marching forward beside the second part of Team Eclipse. His gait was completely silent, focused upon the shadows, and the ever distant scratches of the forest. His trusty pistol in hand.
"Are they always this tall?" The girl's voice managed outward, as the trudging of footsteps followed us. Passing by an overly large trunk, as I instantly tore away from the beaten path.
The best ways were simple and effective, thus straight was the answer.
"No." I managed to speak up, looking around the red stained woods. Spying the many bushes around us, waiting for one to reveal its limbs and attack. Or even for those accursed felines to come and roll through the trees. "I have seen far larger. These trees may stretch across the expanse, but there are those that would blight out the sun."
"Sensational!" The girl screamed out, my blade twitching against my shoulder. Despite its childish glee, one could hear the simplicity of it. "Tell me, how long would I need to wait?"
"A hundred years," The Hunter answered with a quiet voice, shadowed eyes darting to the hidden darkness. "Soaked in blood."
The girl looked squeamish at the mention of blood, the singular emotion portrayed expertly across her guise. As if manufactured for the perfect moment, to a near comical extreme…
Later… she is, at the least, a harmless guide… with the might to entangle Venatores… who seems completely fine with such borderline danger. All this in spite of how I could never enter a room without having to grab a knife thrown at my eye.
"Nonsense." The words came out of me like the popping from a large campfire, my head shaking ever so slightly. I could feel their gaze upon my head, as my hand lifted itself with a point of a finger. Sometimes it is better to add, then to fumble when it comes to mispeaking. "Far longer. For thou to see a forest of true splendor, one must wait millennia for its growth."
The girl's eyes sparkled at my speech, looking at the tops of the trees and no doubt imagining them thicker and heavier. Perhaps to her it would seem beautiful, yet to the one at her side, I could see the smallest of shivers. After all, with trees as overgrown as that, a plumage of darkness would spread these lands.
"Sadly," I continued with a straight face, passing yet another tree. Its face and body were marked with past primal scratches of a creature. Large and deadly, leaving little else but the barest chips of wood. Some of it was even burned away… traces of a battle against the creatures of Grimm, and perhaps a single human or faunus. A sigh exiting my lips, as memories of that accursed and ever expanding forest continued to fill my mind. "That shall always include whatever evil grows within."
The girl looked ponderously, acknowledging it but never fully paying attention. Her eyes narrowed, as if a certain determination had overtaken her being. It reflected in her features and smile… but something remained entirely off… as if it was practiced and not true.
"… I can make it."
… Granted, her responses remained endearing in spite of it all.
"I'm sure you can." The Hunter spoke up without any form of humor. His hand reached in towards his side pulling out a small pouch. His single eye squinting into its dark expanse that matched his horrid eye squinted in dissatisfaction. "Until then, can you begin to lead us?"
"O-oh!" The girl exclaimed, shuffling forward with a hastened step, arms above her head. Studying the surroundings with an excited air, like a child on their first adventure. Turning her head back, a great and brimming smile upon her face. "R-rest assured! Nothing will harm you on our journey!"
The girl took a single step, one brimming with confidence… which betrayed the forward motion of her entire body. A sudden sound of the dirt shifting, as her foot, stuck under the many roots of the forest, lifted from the ground.
There wasn't even a scream as she fell forward, just the silent propelling downward. As if such actions came expected of her.
The root was as large as her arm, and no doubt nestled deep within the earth. I would not be shocked if a tree fell, or went without its usual supply of water.
"I am well!" The girl yelled out to the forest, her face and body still rather stiff into the ground. My hand reached to my mouth, covering the growing smile. Despite the cowl, it would be shameful if she saw my grin at her own misfortune.
The single step foretold the luck that our journey would have. As always accustomed.
It appears it would be an arduous one… at least, if she were alone.
"We march towards her certain death." The Hunter spoke plainly, a chuckle managing its escape from me. Miss Polendina seemed to not heed it, dusting herself off and taking another confident stride. This time landing on her feet, at least.
"At least it'll be a lively life." I spoke up, following the strides of the untrustworthy child. Turning towards Venatores, who appeared to have forgotten his pistol in turn for daggers and… bottles and urns? Each of them were placed on his hip, as if waiting to be pulled from his belt. "I can not claim my first steps are always as graceful."
"I find that doubtful." The Hunter spoke, his hand absentmindedly turning the serrated dagger in his hand. It was quite mesmerizing, as I in turn lit the fire in my unfilled hand. "Any more force, and that tree would have fallen."
I nodded my head, as I lifted my foot over the now revealed root. Its height reached up to my shin in an arch of vines and soil. The distant creaking of birds flying away, and the ever changing song of life filling the void of the morning.
"With certainty." I responded, noticing the girl spin in place, looking high above the tree instead of the path ahead.I couldn't help but focus on it, seeing the barest trace of something deeper… it still remained strange to see it… but, it was at least there within. For what reason it was, remains to be seen.
My mind turned dark, as I succumbed to my thoughts… looking deeply into the eyes of Penny Polendina.
Humans and Faunus… it was always plain to see… in every movement, in every expression, in the very depths of their eyes. Purpose, emotion, instinct…
A gift from long ago, that transcended even our very soul.
Humanity.
…
But this girl… to call her devoid would be a lie, but to claim she has it even more so. It was a paradox, only few could be capable of, yet it stood before me.
I've seen it before… those so driven by purpose and folly that they are in turn consumed by it… even the Knight Artorias of the Abyss… but this was not to much… it was lack. She portrayed them with great skill… but, it was not real.
It was a falsity that brought something crawling up to the edge of my spine. A feeling of deep uneasiness and distrust…
Yet, that was all right… The journey would be long, plenty of time to learn.
My foot landed lightly upon the ever growing grass.
My footfall was heavy upon the shattered cliff face.
I looked around seeing no destination, only the journey ahead. The thick trees obscured all in my sight, as Venatores pace quickened. Leaving me to see both of them, trek ever onward. One without a care, another with all of it in spades.
No matter how long I looked, nothing looked the way it once did. Great shadows clung to my very mind, and stabbed at my heart eternally. The things I once knew, vanishing into a place I could not know. All that I knew was in front of me, a great expanse of claimed and forsaken land that held an answer I sought.
It was all I saw, even as the Raven came with claws outstretched. Grabbing my arms, no longer fear king death for what it once was.
Yes…
The journey had only just begun…
I could not help it… the smile off my own lips. Veiled in the life I once had, yet never used. Taking yet another step…
For once in my life…
I began a journey free from the weight of all… free from my own risk… free from influence of gods and man a like.
I continued to step forward. The blade on my shoulder light as my step.
A simple purpose, that I had never held.
Twas mine at last.