Chapter 2:
The Waking World
It feels like an eternity has passed since I first met Uncle Qrow. In that time, I have turned 13 years old, growing from a small child to a young adult. My mother's strict training regimen has left me with weak and wobbly bones, and my muscles ache from exhaustion. But the pain was worth it. Through this intense training, my mother and I have spent more time together than ever before. And as challenging as it was, I couldn't help but love it. It made me feel closer to my mother and proud of the strength and determination I had developed. With each passing day, I could see how proud she was to call me her daughter.
"Impressive, Iris!" Mother's voice rang out through the training grounds as she watched me gracefully take down all four members of our tribe who were sparring against me. I turned to face her with a proud smile, my body buzzing with adrenaline and satisfaction. "Thank you, Mother. Your teachings have played a crucial role in my progress." She walked towards me, her steps confident and purposeful. "Your consistency has improved by leaps and bounds. And I've noticed that you're no longer charging in blindly; you're strategizing and thinking ahead before making your moves." As she reached me, she placed a hand on my shoulder, a gesture of pride and affection.
"However, do not let your ego and pride get the better of you. The tribe members are strong in their own right, but they pale in comparison to the strength of the Grimm and the huntsmen and huntresses. That is why you will need every advantage that they possess." With a sly smirk on her face, Mother finished speaking and my heart raced with anticipation. I knew what was coming next - the unlocking of my Aura. It was the final step in my training, preparing me to face a Grimm on my own.
The thought of fighting a Grimm made my stomach churn with nerves, yet I couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement at the same time. This would be my chance to prove my worth and join Mother on her missions. As I eagerly awaited the unlocking of my Aura, the forest around us seemed to grow still and silent - as if even nature itself recognized this moment's significance.
"Now, close your eyes and focus solely on the sound of my voice," Mother commanded, her tone gentle yet commanding. I obediently followed her instructions, letting myself sink into a state of calm and relaxation. I could feel the warmth of her hand resting on my right cheek, grounding me in the present moment. Her other hand rested on my chest, almost as if she was trying to connect with my very soul.
Her words resonated deep within me, stirring up something powerful and ancient. It felt like a forgotten part of myself was being awakened and brought to the surface. "For it is in passing that we achieve immortality," Mother's voice rang out, filled with conviction and belief. "Through this, we become a paragon of virtue and glory to rise above all, infinite in distance and unbound by death." With each word she spoke, I could feel a surge of energy coursing through me.
As she finished the incantation, I could sense her exhaustion, but she quickly brushed it off with a laugh. "I'm fine, Iris. It's just that unlocking your Aura always takes a toll on me for a brief moment," she explained, her breaths coming out slightly labored. My concern for her must have been evident because she reassured me with a smile and added, "But it's worth it to see your potential growing stronger every day."
We both knew that tomorrow was the final trial that would determine whether or not I was ready to fully harness my Aura. But for now, Mother pulled me into a loving embrace and declared the session over for the day. "Rest well tonight, my dear daughter. You'll need all your strength for tomorrow's challenge," she advised before leading me back inside our home. As I drifted off to sleep that night, I couldn't help but wonder about the unlimited possibilities awaiting me once my Aura was fully unlocked and under my control.
"Yes, Mother, I will not fail you!" I replied, my determination and fiery passion evident in my tone. I met her gaze with a confident smile, and she responded with a knowing smirk of her own. "Of course, you won't." She chuckled and brushed a stray lock of hair from my face. "You're my daughter, after all," she said with pride in her voice. The bond between us was unbreakable, like two flames that danced and intertwined to create an unyielding blaze.
The sun slowly peeked over the distant horizon, casting a warm glow across the watchtower where I stood. As always, I savored the peacefulness of early morning and the quiet moments before the chaos of the day began. But today, there was an underlying sense of anticipation and fear as I prepared for my first encounter with a Grimm - creatures of darkness that hungered for nothing but the extinction of mankind.
I couldn't help but feel a mix of terror and excitement at the thought of facing such formidable foes. My fascination with combat seemed to override any sense of self-preservation, as if I were born for this very moment. The rush of adrenaline in battle was like a drug, sending waves of euphoria through my body. It was almost as if I had been craving this experience my entire life.
But then again, who's to say I hadn't? Memories from a past life lingered within me, fragmented and elusive. No matter how hard I tried to piece them together, they slipped through my fingers like grains of sand. It was as if something or someone was deliberately hiding the truth from me.
As I stood on that watchtower, gazing out at the vast expanse before me, I couldn't help but wonder who had taken my memories and why. What kind of power did they possess to do such a thing? And most importantly, could I ever uncover the truth about my past?
The sharp call of my mother's voice echoed through the crisp morning air, bouncing off the stone walls of the watchtower and reaching my ears. "Iris! Are you up there?!" Her words were tinged with urgency, and I knew it was time to get going. I took a deep breath, inhaling the scent of dewy grass and fresh pine, before shouting back down to her. "Yes, Mother, I'll be down shortly!" This was our usual routine - she always knew where she could find me at this time of day, perched atop the watchtower with its sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. It was my favorite spot, a place where I could feel like I was on top of the world.
With eager anticipation pulsing through my veins, I descended the tower and grasped a sword tightly in my hand. My heart thumped with adrenaline as I made my way towards the camp gate, where my mother stood waiting for me. "I'm ready, mother!" I exclaimed, unable to contain my excitement. Her stern gaze softened slightly as she looked at me. "I know how much you've been looking forward to this, Iris. But remember, on the battlefield, you must remain focused and level-headed. Any stray thoughts or distractions could be your downfall." Her words sobered me, and I realized I was acting like a naive child. Although technically I was still a child, my soul was not and had lived a life before. "Yes, Mother," I replied with a tinge of shame. "I will do my best to control myself."
"I will always be here to guide you, my dear," Mother said, her voice carrying a clear smirk. As we began our trek through the dense forest, she continued, "But for now, let us make our way into the heart of the woods." The thick canopy above cast dappled shadows on the forest floor as we walked deeper into the unknown.
Mother's next words drew my full attention, knowing they would be crucial in my fight against the Grimm. "Remember this: the Grimm have no fear, no mercy. They are relentless because they are devoid of souls and only seek destruction." She punctuated each word with emphasis, underlining their importance.
"Never hesitate," she warned, suddenly turning to face me. I froze in place at her sudden movement. "Because if you do, the Grimm will see it as weakness and strike without mercy. And you will not survive." Her words hung heavy in the air, a reminder of the danger that lurked within these dark woods.
I could only respond with a simple "Yes, Mother" in acknowledgment of her advice. She stood there for a moment, her piercing gaze locking onto mine before proclaiming, "Good, now come." I followed obediently behind her as we made our way closer to our destination. The crunch of leaves echoed beneath our feet as we ventured deeper into the woods, each step bringing us closer to our encounter with them. My heart raced with anticipation and trepidation, unsure of what was to come. But I trusted my mother's guidance and continued onward, determined to face whatever lay ahead.
After walking for what seemed like hours, my mother suddenly stopped and raised her arm in a closed fist, signaling for me to halt. I could feel the tension in the air, and my heart began to race with anticipation. "They're close," my mother whispered, placing a hand on my shoulder. "It's time to show me what you can do, Iris." With a deep breath, I unsheathed my sword and started to rotate slowly, scanning for any signs of danger. My muscles were tense, ready to strike at a moment's notice.
My mother's voice pulled me back to reality, reminding me that this was my fight alone. She would only intervene when absolutely necessary. Just as I turned to reply, I realized she had disappeared without a trace. Panic set in for a moment before I forced myself to focus on the task at hand.
But then something strange happened - I heard growling behind me. Slowly turning around, I was met with the sight of bright crimson eyes glowing in the darkness. They practically screamed with fury and malice, sending shivers down my spine. But then more pairs of those fiery red eyes appeared, until there were four sets in total.
Fear threatened to overcome me, but I quickly pushed it away. 'No,' I told myself sternly in my mind. 'Stop it. Fear is for the weak, and only the strong can survive. I AM STRONG! Just like my mother, and I will not fail her as a daughter.'
With newfound determination, I focused on controlling my breathing and raising my sword into a defensive position. The beasts in front of me snarled and growled, but I stood my ground boldly. This was just another challenge that I would overcome with strength and skill. I would make my mother proud.
With a guttural growl, the pack of Grimm descended upon me like a storm. The first Beowolf lunged for my neck with razor-sharp claws, but I was quick to dodge and slice its left thigh in one swift motion. It howled in pain, giving me a moment to catch my breath before two more Beowolfs pounced at me from all angles. With precise footwork, I evaded their attacks and managed to deflect one's claw with my sword. But before I could strike back, a searing pain shot through my back as the third Beowolf knocked me off balance and onto the ground. My aura flickered as I began to stand up.
As I scrambled to regain my footing, the fourth and largest Beowolf stepped forward, towering over the others like an alpha leading its pack. Its glowing red eyes bore into mine with a sense of malicious intelligence. The other three Beowolfs circled around me, their primal instincts taking over as they closed in on their prey. I knew I was in for a fierce battle against these deadly creatures.
Once again, the Beowolfs launched their assault, charging at me from both sides. With sharp claws and bared teeth, they lunged towards me, hungry for blood. The one on my right reached me first, slashing at my arm with ferocity. But I was ready for it, ducking under its attack and swiftly decapitating it. Its body crumbled into dust, a pile of ashes left in its wake. Meanwhile, the Beowulf on the left took advantage of the distraction and landed a deep blow to my shoulder. My aura flickered in response, a warning sign that I was reaching my limit. But I refused to let this fight end in defeat. Rising to my feet, I charged at the remaining Beowulf, our movements mirroring each other's as we closed in for the final showdown. Just like its comrade before, this Beowulf made the same mistake of underestimating my speed and agility. As it lunged at me, I deftly dodged its attack and plunged my weapon into its gut, cutting it clean in half. Like all Grimm, it disintegrated into nothingness, leaving behind only a sense of victory and relief.
As the third Beowulf lunged at me from behind, its teeth bared and razor-sharp claws reaching for my back, I could hear the sound of my own ragged breaths echoing in my ears. Despite Mother's warnings about their relentlessness, I couldn't give up now, not when I was this close to vanquishing them. With a fierce determination fueling every movement, I pushed myself off the ground and charged towards the beast with all of my might.
We collided with equal ferocity, our weapons clashing in a deadly dance as we circled each other. The creature's claws scraped against my sword, creating an ear-piercing screech that only fueled my desire to defeat it. In a split second, I saw an opening and took it - my boot connecting with its knee in a satisfying crunch as the creature let out a pained howl. But I didn't stop there; I swiftly sidestepped and with one powerful swing, I decapitated the Beowulf with my sword, taking it down for good. Two down, two to go. Victory was within reach, and nothing would stand in my way.
Panting and coughing from the constant and relentless fighting, I realized too late that I had made a grave mistake - I hadn't kept track of the alpha. As it lunged at me, I narrowly dodged its attack but lost my balance in the process. Before I could recover, its next strike was already heading towards me like a freight train. Desperately, I raised my sword to parry it, letting out a battle cry as I did so. In that moment, I heard a faint voice calling out to me - Mother screaming my name.
"Iris!" she cried out as her eyes locked onto mine with fear and urgency.
Right before the Beowulf's claws and my sword clashed, the sound of shattering glass filled the air, and everything around me froze in a monochromatic haze. The beast was motionless, its claws inches from my face, and I could see my Mother standing frozen in time with her sword, Omen, in hand. Then, darkness consumed my vision as my consciousness slipped away into oblivion.
As I slowly emerged from my slumber, the darkness enveloped me like a thick woolen blanket. My surroundings were indistinguishable, save for the feeling of wetness beneath my feet. It was as if I stood on a vast and shallow body of water, extending endlessly in all directions. In the distance, a partially formed sphere loomed, radiating a brilliant white light that trailed down its curved surface like a glowing ribbon. Yet, at its center, there was a foreboding darkness that seemed to devour everything in its path. As I struggled to make sense of my surroundings, a voice cut through the silence and called out my name, snapping me out of my daze of confusion.
"Iris." The name was soft on the wind, a gentle caress that drew my attention away from the bustling crowd around me. I turned to face the person who had spoken, startled by their sudden appearance at my side. Their presence had gone unnoticed in the chaos, but now they stood tall and commanding, their eyes holding a spark of familiarity.
With my heart pounding and my mind racing, I turned to face the stranger who had appeared before me. My eyes widened as I took in her appearance. She was a woman with long, flowing white hair that cascaded down her back, reaching all the way to her knees. Her bangs partially covered one of her eyes, but the other was a striking crimson red with a clear white pupil, almost unnerving to look at. She wore an outfit that could only be described as revealing, with a strapped bra adorned with multiple straps that seemed more for aesthetic than practical purposes. A long jacket with a unique pattern resembling flames draped over her shoulders, completing her monochromatic color scheme that matched the surroundings we were in.
But what stood out the most were the crimson-colored markings that adorned her body and right arm. They looked like scars, but they seemed to have a life of their own as they pulsed and throbbed with an otherworldly energy. Crimson flowers sprouted from these markings, adding to the surreal and mysterious aura she exuded.
Despite my fear and confusion, I couldn't help but be entranced by this enigmatic stranger standing before me, as if she were somehow connected to this strange place we found ourselves in.
A fierce, mysterious woman stood before me, her eyes blazing with concern and anger. Her presence was commanding, causing me to shrink back slightly as she approached me. "How reckless are you going to be?" she demanded, her voice sharp and cutting. "You wouldn't have survived without my intervention." She shook her head in disbelief. "What were you thinking? Did you not learn anything from your mother's intense training?" Her words were like daggers, piercing through my thoughts and shattering any sense of pride I had left. The weight of her disappointment was heavy on my shoulders as I hung my head in shame.
The questions came at me like a barrage of bullets, each one probing deeper into my actions. My mind raced as I struggled to find the right words to respond. "I wasn't...I was just fighting how I always did in training," I finally managed to stammer out, my voice strained and shaky with emotion. The weight of judgement and scrutiny hung heavy in the air, causing me to second-guess every move I had made in the heat of the moment. But I knew deep down that my instincts had kicked in, just as they had been trained to do.
"Clearly, even though your mother had warned you about the Grimm, you still didn't take the fight seriously enough, and now we both find ourselves in this dangerous predicament...To think that my life is woven together with such a reckless and clueless individual." As she spoke, a mixture of anger and concern flickered across her face. The words hung heavy in the air, emphasizing their dire situation. And as I looked into her fierce eyes, I couldn't help but wonder what she meant by saying our lives were intertwined. Were we connected in some way? Was there something more to our meeting than mere chance? The uncertainty only added to the weight of the moment.
I gathered the courage to ask the mysterious lady standing before me, "What happened back then... when the world froze still... was that your doing?" She studied my face with her piercing gaze for a moment before responding in a calm, yet stern voice, "As I mentioned earlier, it was indeed my intervention that halted time and brought you here. I wouldn't have taken such action, but it seems my vessel lacks understanding of their own worth and fails to protect their life." Her tone held a hint of annoyance and disappointment.
A mischievous smirk played across my lips as I spoke, breaking the tension in the air. "Well...can I know your name?" I asked, a playful glint in my eye. The words had a teasing tone to them, like a secret waiting to be revealed. I couldn't keep using 'Mysterious Lady' in my head for this conversation, it was getting old and I was itching to know who she is
"Ah, yes. I should introduce myself. You may call me Acheron," the woman said with a sly smile. "But I'm also known as The Watcher." As she spoke those words, a strange feeling washed over me. It was like a memory trying to break through, but just out of reach. A fleeting sense of familiarity that left me unsettled. My brow furrowed in frustration, which did not go unnoticed by Acheron who continued on.
As I stood before her, bewildered and lost in my own thoughts, she reached out a hand towards me. Her voice was gentle but held a sense of urgency as she spoke. "You must have countless questions right now, and even more throughout your second life. Who were you before? Why are you here? Why do you have these fragmented memories?" She gestured towards the distant abyss hole, her eyes deep and mysterious. "All in due time," she said cryptically. Then she turned to face me fully, her gaze piercing. "I will send you back to the moments before the alpha made its first attack on you. With the knowledge of its attacks that you have experienced, make sure you take advantage of this and survive." Her words hung in the air like a heavy fog, leaving me with chills running down my spine. I couldn't fathom the gravity of what she was saying, but one thing was certain - my second life was about to truly begin, and it would be filled with secrets and danger at every turn.
"Will I ever get my memories back?" I suddenly asked a heavy heart, I turned to Acheron, my only hope for recovering my lost memories. Her dark eyes met mine momentarily before she smiled gently and replied, "In the coming long nights, you will face many hardships and witness countless tragedies." She began walking toward me, her movements graceful yet purposeful. "And in the end, all you will see is black and white. But do not despair, for in that monochrome world, there will be a glimpse of fleeting red." With a swift motion, Acheron unsheathed her sword, revealing a blade as bright and beautiful as the sun. Intricate patterns adorned its surface, shimmering with every movement. Without hesitation, she swung her sword towards the gaping abyss hole beside us, shattering it into pieces. "And when you make a choice," she continued, "it will appear once more." As the abyss hole fractured like glass, I caught a glimpse of what lay beyond - a frozen moment in time, my past battle with the Alpha wolf frozen in an eternal struggle. Suddenly, I felt myself being pulled towards the broken void but Acheron grabbed my arm firmly. "What you must do," she said urgently, "is ponder its significance. Only then can you return to The Waking World."
As her voice faded into the distance, I felt her grip loosen and my body plummeted into the dark abyss below. The rushing wind whipped past my ears, drowning out any other sound. My mind was filled with a sense of weightlessness and disorientation as I fell deeper and deeper into the unknown. And just before I lost consciousness once more, I could almost hear her whisper: "That's where we all find our answers." It was both a comfort and a warning, echoing in my mind as I descended into the depths of the unknown.
HEY GUYS! IM BACK!
Sorry for such a long wait for chapter 2. I was busy a lot with work the past couple of days. I finally got a good amount of days off and could write this chapter. I really hope you guys like it. Also, we get a bit of lore going. I didn't reveal too much yet. Although if you any of you guys play Honkai:Star Rail, you kinda already know what this character is about and can probably guess the route I'm going with this fic. Only people who've played Honkai: Star Rail's story could guess where Im going with this. Although this is not a crossover fic. I'm just using the character for this fic and giving them lore to Remnant. THAT IS ALL I WILL SAY ABOUT ACHERON. :)
Well, hopefully, this chapter was worth the wait. (I really hope it is because I suck at writing, and this is just something I decided to do for fun.) Well, other than that, I have nothing else to say! I'll see yall next time for Chapter 3: The Breaking Point.