Welcome back, everybody. I hope that everybody will enjoy this chapter.
Let's Go!
DarkBlight: Personally I didn't want to do canon change, yet, that would (in my mind) Do nothing else for the story. I did some slight changes, but as you said nothing major. But there is two reason I did that, which will be explained in this chapter and much later on.
I feel you about those team things. I won't do it here though, don't worry. While they are powerful, I believe that it will still take time to change the canon entirely. This is once again my opinion only. But thank you for the pointers.
Ezio: It's so much easier to call you this. The majority of her family is far worse from what I've seen. Except for Lady Winter of course.
Nynaihyon: Don't start digging my grave just yet. I have so many more chapters to write.
Baz:... I am confused, can you elaborate.
Blazeforcer: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
I4md347h: Thank you for the two reviews, and I am trying to work on my dialogue. I am still relatively new at this. He'd have to slay the Moon Presence to become one… a lot really.
I will try to make the characters connect more with their history, I will try being the key phrase.
Student: Well guess what, I was perfectly alive. Thanks for the critique and sorry about Venatores. I've always seen the Hunter's in Bloodborne like people who hang back until someone needed them. So yeah, but don't worry. I am thinking of something badass that might make up for it, while also changing some canon. Now onto your other questions.
Yes and no, they will do it if needed. For example, Mors needs to mow down multiple Grimm in a forest. Hell yeah, he's going to use Pyromancy. But the people of Remnant will think it a mere Semblance.
Kinda. He will give her pointers and such and some physical training. But he will not teach her full time like Pyrrha does Jaune. He will do the same for others though, just teach them how to fight instead of, in his words, two people struggling to knock someone out.
No, it would be cool but no. Two reasons. One, OP Ruby will be created. Two, Siderite is a rare metal in the Bloodborne universe.
… Maybe as an omake, and they comment how stupid they look.
The Philosopher: I shall do so and thank you for the compliment.
Beowulf: I will not fail you Beowulf, slayer of Grendel and wielder of Hrunting! I shall not fail!
Scarease: I hope you do to sir.
Never again… will I jump off a bird, to kill a single Demon? Far too much dizziness and sickness. I thought I could handle jumping off the bird, especially since I have actually fallen to my death, multiple times. But why did I have to spin jump it!
Thankfully the demon was dead beneath me, it would have been problematic if it lived.
"Mors… Did you just… fall from the sky?" Wait… who said that? Turning my head to the sound of the voice I found…
"Venatores! So you were the one who saved Ms. Rose!" I got up quickly, ignoring the small pains in my legs. "I always knew you were nice!" I finished, standing right in front of Venatores placing my hand on his shoulder, fighting off the urge to vomit all over him.
"First, get off." He said as he brushed my hand away from his shoulder, rudely might I add. "Second, answer the question." Oh… he did ask a question, didn't he. What was it again?
Oh right.
"Yes."
"How?"
"I jumped off the bird," I answered simply, giving a small shrug. It wasn't that strange… was it?
"Why?" He said, crossing his arms over his chest the hand cannon at the ready.
"I wanted to help you and Ms. Rose," I answered truthfully. "Also it was the fastest way to get off that foul, fowl!" Yes, it was incredibly foul, that awful crow.
"HA!" … Who was that?
"You thought the possibility of snapping your bones, rupturing your organs or possibly crippling you for life, was worth a few extra minutes of waiting?" Venatores asked, in very excruciating detail.
"It's not like it's the first time I've ever done so," I replied simply, I have in fact done all those things and more when it comes to falling after all. Especially falling to death.
"... And here I thought that you were smart." Venatores said, giving a slight shrug while he retreated back to the students and their teammates… Teammates?
"Oh yes almost forgot," I spoke out loud, causing Venatores to stop in his tracks. Though he still stared forward at the group of children. Maybe he was worried about them. After all the crow is still very high into the sky.
"Nice to meet you… teammate." I said, smiling even though no one could see it.
Venatores looked back at me, giving me a blank stare up and down. One that was obviously sent to a person to analyze them.
"... At least you aren't one of them." He muttered, moving back toward the group of children in the distance. As the majority of them still watched our every move, as if mesmerized by us.
I will admit it was a tad disturbing. I've never been looked at like that, like a god walking among men. Besides all I did was jump off the Demon. Ms. Rose did so as well, though in a slightly more… purposeless way.
But my emotions were at a later time. All that mattered right now was the children and the supposed relic. The bird would be an easy fight, which meant that their victory and safety were assured in just a few minutes.
When Venatores and I had finally made it to the ruins, where the children lie in wait, I was surprised to see… rose petals? Why were there stray rose petals in the woods? There was no wind blowing across the massive field, so how would this phenomenon be possible?
"That was so cool!" A voice below me bellowed, surprising me from my stupor. Looking down, I saw two silver orbs stare back. "How did you survive a fall like that!? Not only that, why you could have gotten hurt!? Oh, who cares, you looked like a true hero and it was awesome!"
I could have said a lot of things, one of them was, 'Why would you jump off of the demon without a second thought of your own safety!' No matter how hypocritical it seemed.
Sadly the only thing that had come out of my mouth was a simple, "You're a little close…." That was putting it lightly, as she was practically hanging off of me. It did not hinder me in any way though. She felt weightless against the things that have grabbed me before… Damn Mimics.
"Oh right sorry…" She cut off right there, as she suddenly froze in place. Even her eyes, once filled with awe, now lay in the midsts of confusion. She turned her head to the side, rubbing the back of her head in a manner that seemed embarrassed why exactly would she be doing that.
"Umm… What's your name?" Ms. Rose said quietly, as I froze in place from shock. "Wait… did you ever say your name while you were with us?" She asked again, making me realize that I had not. Though I believed I did not have to, considering that we had met before.
I even let her hold the Greatsword of Artorias! How ru-... Didn't Jaune have the same problem with me… It's because she can't see my face isn't it. Gwyn- damn it, why can they not realize that it's me!
"It's me, M-" Moving my hand while doing so, forgetting the sword that I was still holding. Despite its weight and girth, I still forget that I am holding it, nearly at all times. After all the blade was my lifeline in this world. It would be obvious that I'd always be holding it.
"Mors!"... And because of that, it has become something that defines me. I guess I shouldn't be surprised, she appeared to be more excited when she took the sword than by the conversation we had had yesterday. It would be obvious that she would recognize me by the sword alone.
"Hi…" I said, waving my sword hand once more, as stars appeared in Ms. Rose's eyes once more. It looked as if her eyes had even grown bigger in her admiration towards me. Once again, it was more uncomfortable than anything else I've ever experienced.
"Why didn't you tell me it was you!?" She said, her eyes still filled with stars. "Why are you wearing armor? Why does it look partially destroyed? Why does it look awesome anyway!? Is that a cape!?" The questions came like a dragon breathing fire, quick and nigh unstoppable.
Yet, it'd be foolish to not try to.
"Ca-can you get off me first?" She was hanging by what was left of Artorias's cape, acting like a small child climbing a tree. It wasn't affecting me in any negative way, but it was still uncomfortable being treated as the greatest thing since Gwyn.
"Oh… Sorry. Again." As the weight disappeared from my back, I simply turned to her, her face almost as red as her namesake. Though it quickly disappeared as she asked another question. "So… why are you wearing all of that armor?"
"Why am I wearing armor?" I repeated her question, saying it as if she just asked me what the sun was. "To protect myself of course, why else would one wear it?" If anything I should be asking about her lack of armor. Does she wish to be slain by these abominable creations?
"Oh…" Ms. Rose stated simply. Looking at the ground now, in possible thought. "Most people just don't wear armor. So I was curious." She looked at me again, her eyes shining like the sun this time "But you look really cool in it though, almost like an actual knight from stories!"
Well, I am wearing the armor of the late Abyss Walker, that would make some people see me as the knight from most stories. Most of the stories should be about the, once, great Artorias. Though it was still flattering to hear nonetheless.
"Why, thank you, Ms. Rose." Giving a slight bow, while saying those words. It would be rude not to after all.
"Are you done?" A voice asked from behind me and a little below me. It sounded slightly angry for some reason. I was merely talking to the young rose. What wrong could I've possibly done?
Turning around, while also looking down, I saw Lady Schnee. She was looking up at me, more literally than figuratively, a slight glare in her eyes. Though she moved past me, opting to talk to Ms. Rose.
For a while, they didn't speak. All they did was look at each other. Well, Ms. Rose stared slightly at the ground, almost unable to stare into Lady Schnee's cold eyes.
"What you did was childish." Lady Schnee said bluntly. Though, I had trouble disagreeing with her statement. One of the many reasons were simple, yet deadly, mistakes. She had rushed in without a second thought.
"Y-yea-"
"As well as naive." Lady Schnee, who had continued speaking through Ms. Rose.
"But," Lady Schnee continued, looking away from Ms. Rose. "I suppose I can be a bit…" She was silent for awhile as if trying to find the correct word. "Difficult." …Yes, I suppose that would be an appropriate word in this case.
"So… no more showing off okay."
"I'm not trying to show off." Ms. Rose said, looking back to Lady Schnee. "I was trying to show you that I got this."
"You're fine." At that point Lady Schnee left, leaving Ms. Rose standing there. Looking at the ground, saying one last thing to herself.
"Normal knees." … I believe I was missing something, but I am not sure what?
"Umm, guys!" Sir Jaune spoke up, up towards the sky. I turned to where he was pointing, seeing the Demonic Crow, that I had jumped off of not even a minute ago. "That thing's circling back!" He continued once again, slightly panicked. "What do we do?"
"... I believe it's simple." A quiet voice from behind me spoke. It appears Venatores has snuck up on me again. Yet he did not speak up further, remaining quiet.
"Umm…" Ms. Rose spoke up, ready to ask the question that was, most likely, on everyone's minds. "What's simple?" She, however, wasn't staring at Venatores, she was staring at the bird. Watching its every move.
Yet Venatores remained silent, as usual. Unmoving as he stared at the ruins beside him, well a glare is more appropriate.
"We simply kill the bird of course," Venatores stated bluntly, not even looking at the surrounding children. It would be very simple, especially with ten warriors. It would be fair to say that it could be a very simple fight.
"... And how do you propose we do that." Lady Schnee asked, her attention moving towards Venatores with an eyebrow raised in question. It was an appropriate, yet needless, question to ask, however.
Birds, while fast and deadly in the air, are sluggish while they are on the ground. Even then, the crow has limited ways of attacking from the sky, other than swooping down, and the feathers it uses to attack. While the bird was powerful, nothing could compare to Dragons or Drakes while in the air.
The only ways they could attack from the ground was the bill of the bird, it's body, and its talons. However, there should be a limited amount of feathers it can use, as birds need feathers to fly.
So it should be fairly easy to take out the bird. If done correctly at least.
"..." Venatores didn't speak, instead, he had only looked up at the bird. He had barely looked at it for a second, before turning to Lady Schnee once more. He didn't say anything, no one did, leaving the area in silence. All except the sound of beating wings.
"You should be able to figure it out," Venatores spoke in a matter of fact tone, turning away from everyone. Walking to the ruins in his usual manner of silence.
I had to sigh as, unsurprisingly, almost no one took that statement well. Especially Lady Schnee, as her face turned red as if it were a raging flame. I was fine with what he said, however. Not everything will be given to you on a silver platter in life. Though certainly brash about it, I could figure out he was trying to teach these children that you must earn what you wish to gain. Though that was only one of the lessons you can take from this.
They might not realize it for a long while, but this is an important lesson, one that they can only ever realize for themselves.
So I decided to follow Venatores example, though less brash than he.
I turned to all of the children, walking towards Venatores while doing so, all with an awkward smile. One that most likely couldn't see. "I'm sorry about him, even though he'll never admit it, I'm sure he's just trying to help," I explained to them, as more than a few lifted a brow. "Go on ahead, we'll catch up as soon as we grab our relic."
"You sure?" The Blonde woman asked as she looked past me towards what I assumed was Venatores. "I'm sure Ven over there can grab it himself ." She said simply, with a small amount of what appeared to be sarcasm.
"I am quite sure," I told her simply, still moving towards the ruins. While I was surprised at the nickname given to whom seemed to be my new partner, I didn't bring it up in the conversation. "The both of us should choose which relic we should take. We are allies after all." The answer was quite a simple one, one that seemed to convince the young lady.
"Well, can't argue with that." The young woman stated, turning to the bird once more. "You better get back soon, who knows. You might just find some princess in distress when you return." She said, with a slightly audible snicker.
… What did a princess have to do with anything? Even if one was out here, why was she in distress?
Perhaps this could answer at a later date, as now is the time to follow my new partner.
"See you later Mors!" I heard Ms. Rose shout, as the sound of footsteps hit the dirt and grass. More than likely from the young children running towards the fight ahead. Glancing back, watching as they left to fight the good fight.
When I could no longer see them, and when the giant bird followed them, I turned and jogged towards my new partner, as he glanced at the pieces surrounding him. His hand was placed against his chin, a simple motion of thought.
"So, you've come," Venatores spoke turning to me, his single eye barely visible through his long hair. "Took a bit longer than expected, though."
"I had to be certain that your message didn't affect future partnerships Venatores." Continuing my trek forward, ignoring his gaze and looking at the strange pieces on the pedestals. They were quite strange, so I picked one up and examined them.
It was made of a metal that reminded me of pure gold, polished so that it reflected the sun's light. It was strangely shaped, going from thin to thick and thin again. It seemed to be at attention, like a brave knight ready to fight. At the top of the piece was a hat, similar to that of a priest, with a large gash going diagonally which stopped at the center of the 'hat'.
Looking around the sanctuary, I saw more of the pieces. Though some were different than the one I was holding. For example, some were, instead, an obsidian black. Others appeared to be wearing crowns of some sort, while others seemed to have disappeared.
"What are these?" I asked Venatores, looking over each of the ones that remained on their pedestals. He looked at me strangely, quirking his covered brow.
"You've never seen chess pieces before?" He asked, standing in the same place as he did when I arrived.
"Chess?" I asked, looking towards him, noticing his attention wasn't entirely on me. Yet instead it lay on an area of the forest. Turning my head to the very same location, I saw the tree once more. Strange, he's been glancing at that for a while now…
I turned towards his gaze and immediately went on edge from the familiar feeling of murderous intent.
There was only one thing that put a warrior on edge, and they came from the darkest corners of the world.
Demons.
I turned back to my original position and saw him looking at me. His single visible eye was gazing upon me with rapt attention. I noticed his hand slowly moving towards his blade, ready for the fight ahead.
Following his movements, I reached for my sword as well. Cautious as to what lay beyond the shadow of the woods. Once again looking at the tree, I began my slow trek.
The loud thuds of my armor didn't help anything though, it just made certain the demon would notice me. Though it didn't matter if he noticed me, after all. I was well prepared for any type of resistance.
Arriving at the tree was a simple matter really. After all, it was merely twenty paces away from ruins, the target of everyone's attention. My sword at the ready, I prepared for the inevitable confrontation that would come.
That was when I heard it, a low pitched growl, eerily similar to those of the Infested Ghouls. It could've been disregarded as a small trick of the mind, but I knew better than to think that. Years of dying has made m trust both my instincts and my senses.
So when I heard the growl directly above me, I knew I had to move.
Rolling to the side, careful to not pierce myself with my own blade, I quickly moved away from the forest and moved into the clearing. A sudden thud echoed outwards, signaling the demon had revealed itself, attempting to pounce on me.
After righting myself, I gazed upon the Demon, searching for any and all weaknesses to exploit.
It was a black humanoid monstrosity with red tribal-like markings, each one running across its bone-white claws, and constricting around its body like veins. Its claws were gigantic compared to it's thin, human-like limbs. Each claw was in the shape of a crescent moon that looked ready to tear through flesh. There were three on each hand, connected by three, bone-like, four-jointed fingers.
It turned it's head to me, it faces missing any sort of flesh, as if it was torn off long ago. It's red, glowing eyes were bright, like lanterns within the dead of night. Horns perturbed from its head, like that of tree branches, yet sharp like the tip of a spear. Across it's thin, black flesh, bones were left bare from. Its ribs were curved outward instead of in, ready to kill someone with their pointed ends. Worst of all, the Demon left the unmistakable stains of dried blood across its many bones, as if to proudly display its victims.
Slowly the being opened its mouth. Releasing a roar that should have been impossible for its body size.
It was a monstrosity from one's nightmares, given the flame of life.
A Demon made of Ash.
I wasn't phased by the Demon, (which man had taken to calling Grimm) its features that wrought terror was none like his siblings brought. Still, the Demon in front of me could not be taken lightly, despite my feelings about it.
A Demon should never be taken lightly, no matter where it comes from.
However before the Demon could even do anything, a noise rode across the plains. It sounded like a tiny explosion, coming from the ruins behind me. Then, the demon did something quite peculiar. He moved his entire body around until it almost seemed painful to do. Then something went by, something so small and fast that it appeared as just a blur.
"Move!" Venatores shouted, drawing the attention of the Demon before us. Understanding the message clearly, I moved to the right. Out of the beings line of view.
The beast turned back around, possibly looking for the source of the small blur. Only to look directly at Venatores, who already had his blade raised high, ready for the kill.
The being, despite only having seconds, dodged the blow. As the blade came down, the Demon responded with its claws at the ready. Yet Venatores didn't show any form of shock, only looking at it with caged animosity. He brought his blade up blocking the blow from hitting him.
This went on for several seconds before the Venatores brought out his pistol. With a small flourish, he pointed it right at its ribs. Yet the demon seemed to have already seen what was to come and dodged a fair distance away. Right towards me.
Taking the chance presented to me, I swung my blade downward at him. Willing it to strike true, through the Demon. Yet before I knew it, the Blade of Artorias stopped against my will. When I looked again I saw something bizarre.
The being landed gracefully on the ground, almost making no sound as he did. He was like a phantom, only tangible.
Yet that did not matter. Running towards the beast, blade by my side, I swung. The swing, while slow, was a powerful enough to shatter the very earth.
One that the beast narrowly dodged out of the way of. As the ground shook from the blow, my second strike was already prepared. Turning my entire body to the side, bringing the sword with me, I launched my sword right to the demon. I half expected the being to be split in half.
Then audible cracks filled the air, as beast turned his body to avoid my swing. It looked… impossible to say the least. Its arm was now bent inwards, towards itself. It was bent in a way that made me miss it.
When it landed back on the ground, the cracking sound appeared again. This time his arm was in the correct position.
Strange. No, beyond strange. It should have been in a plethora of pain from doing that.
Suddenly, air rushed by me. At first, I thought it might have been the demon. Sadly that thought was dismissed. Venatores was merely rushing toward it, blade held high. That, however, did not stop the being in front of him.
Despite the limited amount of room for it to do so, the being dodged to the side. He went for a swipe at Venatores. Sadly for him, he dodged to the right. I ran up to the Grimm, my loud and heavy steps not even concealing my position. Though it didn't matter, the Demon was still occupied with Venatores.
I stabbed forward at the thing, as to not hit my companion. Who knows how disastrous that can be for or partnership.
The blade wasn't even a meter away from skewering the being. Until it saw me, it's red eye growing out of shock. Then the same noise filled the air again. Snaps as if someone stepped on a branch. But I knew what it was.
The sounds of bones cracking under strain.
Next thing I know my blade hit open air. While the Demon loomed above me, his claws ready to stab me. With an inhuman screech, it plunged it's hand down. My sword moved on its own, trying to block the blow.
A blow that had not come. All that came was an inhuman screech… of pain. Right through its arm was the point of a curved sword. Then, the blade started to twist within the socket. The beast let out another screech, though it sounded more like a howl.
Then the beast ran forward, causing the blade to dislodge from its arm. Venatores now stood beside me. His demeanor ferocious like a beast, yet calm like a warrior. A terrifying visage if one were to see it.
That didn't matter at the moment, however, I turned my head towards Venatores. Looking at him in a way that I could still see the beast. It was now holding its arm, the one that was skewered through. With that, it stayed back away from us giving us enough time to plan.
Albeit a very hasty one.
"It's far more wary of me," I stated, which was in fact true. While Venatores may have the speed advantage, he isn't exactly the most mighty of individuals. While he has trouble piercing armor, I demolish it with a single swipe. The armor doesn't help to show that I was slower than the average person but far safer from its blows.
I which case, the beast deemed me more of a threat than him.
"What of it?" Venatores said, opening his pistol and placing a small ball into its shaft. He then flipped it closed and aimed at the Demon.
"How long can you keep this up for?" Movement was seen, though I didn't worry.
"Ten minutes at most, five if injured." Good, that gives me a chance to think.
"When I give you a signal, back away." He merely nodded his head, firing the gun in his hands, making contact with flesh. I merely stepped backward, letting Venatores handle the vicious beast. He merely ran forward towards the demon, It's head recoiling from the shot to its skull.
I waited as Venatores blocked and exchanged blow after blow with the demon, while I remained back. Each of those blows was more ferocious than any I've seen before it. It was a true spectacle, of which I had no time to witness.
I instead focused on pulling out the power given to all man, alongside our freedom.
Fire. The source of life for all of mankind, living and dead alike. Created by the Witch Izalith through the process of pure coincidence. One that had involved her end.
I let the power flow through me, reaching into my hand. Just enough to cause a slight glow on my hands. The simplest of spells and easy to control, though that doesn't say anything really. It was still a small explosive in one's hand.
Then I ran forward towards the monster. No hesitation, no fear. After all, I just needed to catch it off guard. The beast still kept his focus on Venatores, barely managing to keep the man back. Each supporting new wounds as they grazed each other. Though the demon looked far worse for wear than the quick and skilled swordsmen.
It appears fate has given to me a warrior. One who could very well be a good partner, as well as a sword to rely on in fights.
"The way I see it, our fates appear to be intertwined. In a land Brimming with Hollows, could this really be mere chance? So, what do you say? Why not help one another on this lonely journey."
The memory surfaced without my wanting of it. Despite that, my body kept moving forward towards the demon. A weapon in one hand, a pyromancy in the other. Each one a deadly force to be reckoned with.
My footfalls were heavy against the ground below, hoping for the demon to notice them. Just as predicted, the demon gaze switched to me. It's crimson gaze holding something akin to anger.
Yet that bothered me none. Even as the being grabbed onto Venatores' blade, despite its obvious sharpness, throwing it to the side. It then turned around, running towards me with the speed of an arrow in flight. Its claws had already begun to graze me when I swung my blade downwards. The cracking appeared again, however, when it arm bent. In the opposite direction, it should have been, I may add.
My blow passed through the area the arm was supposed to be. What's more, its jaw was now in line with my own head. It's red eyes now alight with joy and satisfaction. So satisfied that it neglected to look at anything else, but my head.
A fatal mistake. My hand already moved towards the creature's chest, the flames burning with an intense heat as they lay trapped in the sphere. It continued to boil like magma in my hand until it was too much.
It simply combusted, forming an explosion right under the creature itself, launching it quite a distance. A yell echoed throughout the forest, far louder than a demon its size should let out. It landed on the ground, with a small quake, yet that was drowned out by the yells the beast gave out. Everything was silent compared to the beasts screaming. As it began to be engulfed by the flames.
It thrashed around the ground, trying to extinguish the flame that burned at its exterior. Except far more violent. It's arms and legs created craters on the ground. I had to back away from the thing, worried what would happen if I were caught in that.
Even as I backed a great distance away, it still screamed it's earth piercing cry. It even began to claw away at its own skin. Each shred of skin disintegrating away in the air in a smoke like substance. Yet no matter what it did, the flames still burned away its hide.
It was strange, actually. Why were the flames still burning? It was just a Combustion pyromancy, yet the demon continued to burn nonetheless. It was odd, very odd.
Venatores, on the opposite side of the demon, gazed at me with a strange expression. One filled with intrigue and skepticism.
Then the screaming stopped, replaced by guttural growls of anger. Then the beast began to stand, though the flames around it still burned.
Only for it to appear in front of me so fast, it looked like it practically teleported.
A flaming claw met sword, as I blocked the attack. The weight of the attack was incredible, but I had felt worse as I stood my ground.
Despite meeting little success, the demon kept attacking in a crazed daze. My fire still alive on its skin as it attacked me without rest. From beyond the demon, I could see Venatores rushing with a blade in hand to slay the demon in its distracted state.
I turned my gaze back to the demon, only to see it's eyes weren't on me. They were distracted, as if it were dis-!
"It's a trap!"
As soon as I said it, the sound of bones collapsing on themselves appeared once again. The Demon bent backward in a way that would surely kill anyone else. Venatores dodged the attack by a hair's width before the horns of the demon pierced the earth. I tried to attack it as it was distracted, only for the demon to raise its bottom half before I could land an attack.
Using its momentum, it backflipped into the air, dislodging its horns from the ground. As soon as it landed, the demon attacked Venatores. He began to block and dodge all of its attacks, looking for a chance to counter-attack.
I watched the swift exchange of blow for a second, admiring the talent Venatores had with his blade. As soon as I saw my opportunity, I used my sword and went for the beasts legs with a crouch. The demon saw this from the corner of its eye, as it flipped in the air.
Venatores took the opportunity, and slashed the of the demons heel in midair, completely severing the appendage.
The demon roared once again, landing awkwardly without its foot to balance on. It wasn't given the time to get used to it though, as both of us charged to attack it. My blade went for the beast's neck, hoping to end the fight as quickly as possible. Yet, like other times I was a bit to slow.
I only managed to skim the neck of the demon. Black mist oozing like a blood substitute, yet the being remained undisturbed. Reaching its claw out once more, it went at me with the intent to kill.
I dodged away, barely ducking under the claws as they passed over my head. So close that the scars of battle attracted my eye. Sadly, this little skirmish has to end soon. Less I become exhausted from todays… activities.
I reached my hand up, catching the being's wrist. Pulling it down to the ground, as the bones cracked once more trying to free itself from my grip. Yet I pressured through it, flipping the entire demon to the floor. The flames on its arms died down where I gripped it, leaving nothing but smoke and ash.
It appears that its burns were worse than I thought, as I heard my hand crack the hard, brittle skin. It released the black, tainted smoke once more. Yet I did not care, what was more important right now, was the death of this demon.
I let go of my blade, letting it fall to the ground. Already prepared to reach behind me.
It continued to thrash around on the ground, like a child in a tantrum. Trying to remove me with sheer bulk alone. Trying to defy its inevitable fate. My other hand reached towards the second blade on my back. The cursed sword of Artorias', only used in case I was disarmed or if the ghosts of Loran came to haunt me.
The demon looked at me one more time, noticing the drawing of my blade. It's efforts began to increase, as it even tried to rip my arm off with its claws. Sadly they only grazed of my armor, leaving nothing but scratches against its bright metal.
I almost pitied the demon, as it' continued to try and release my grip. Almost.
The blade came down with swift efficiency, splitting the head of the being like one would split a fruit.
Despite the fatal wound upon it, the creature continued to fight, not realizing that it's end was upon it. Then, as if it's strings were cut, the demon's limbs fell to the ground with a soft thud.
Standing up from the ground, quickly sheathing the sword. Keeping an eye on the demon, as it faded away into the abyss. Venatores took a more… practical approach…
He stabbed it. Right in it's supposed, heart. Which was slight overkill in my opinion? It had already had its head split open while burning. So there was really no need.
But then again, overkill is the best kill. The worst part of a fight is when you mistakenly believe a creature is dead, only to have it spring upon you like prey.
Moral of the story, don't let your guard down. Now then, where were we. "I can't say I've ever heard of chess before," I spoke up, moving back to our previous location.
"It's a game where you play as a sort of tactician," Venatores spoke, as he stood and followed close behind. "You move sixteen individual pieces, trying to take the opponent's most important piece to end the game. Supposedly it was played by Kings and other such important figures to help understand the flow of war."
"Is that so?" He questioned, as he reached the ruins where they originally went to take their supposed 'relic'. He gazed upon them, looking at the difference in the style of the pieces. "Do they have names for these individual pieces?"
"If my memory is correct, then the names are King, Queen, Rook, Bishop, Knight, and-" Venatores likely would've continued, if he weren't interrupted at that moment.
After all, when an old ruin opens up and reveals a small pedestal, your attention would be focused on immediately. It wasn't grandiose or anything. It was just another marble pillar, with a golden pillow. On top of it was another relic, this one however was… smaller than it's other pieces.
It was a gray colored piece. Simple and polished, as if it were just they're waiting for one to pick it up.
"Pawn," Venatores said, reaching out towards the relic. Lifting it from it's so-called pedestal, he gazed at it upon, looking for any distinct differences from the other pieces. As soon as he had, the pedestal lowered down once more, disappearing beneath the ruins.
I looked at it curiously. A Pawn. Why would this be the piece that came up? Wouldn't it make sense for the King, the strongest relic?
"Is there anything important about the Pawn?" Questioning the only person I know in the woods.
"Yes indeed," Venatores spoke. His gaze still laying upon the piece in question. As if it were a rare jewel. " It was said that it was used as a means to an end. A Pig to the Slaughter so to speak. A sacrificial piece used to advance or protect the other pieces." He finished grimly, placing the piece into the pouch by his side.
A piece used to protect others over there own… It sounded noble, in a suicidal fashion. But that couldn't be all of it. Even the weakest piece must have something to offer other than to being to the slaughter.
"But it's also the game changer. The piece of humble beginnings." Venatores spoke poetically. "Should the piece get to the other side of the board, they will gain a chance of promoting to a new piece." Oh, I see now.
This piece is the Unknown. The being in battle used as a mere foot soldier and a glorious ace. The one that no one, even it's own kingdom, knows about.
It appears that the piece might just be a perfect fit.
"Russel Thrush. Cardin Winchester. Dove BronzeWing. Sky Lark." Sir Ozpin spoke, as he said people came up to the line. Their head held high as if they were being knighted by a Proud and Noble King.
"The four of you have obtained the black bishop pieces." He continued onward, gesturing at the four men before him. "From this day onward, you will work together as Team CRDL. Lead by… Cardin Winchester."
The four boys remain standing still as stones, while the auditorium clapped for them. Only when a new set of four came up, did they leave their positions?
The others that had come up were Sir Jaune and company. Each one coming to attention before Sir Ozpin as well.
"Jaune Arc. Lie Ren. Pyrrha Nikos. Nora Valkyrie." Ozpin stated, Each person raising their head at the mention of their names.
"The four of you have retrieved the white rook pieces. From this day forward you will work together as… Team JNPR." The audience, including myself, clapped for the team. Miss Valkyrie appeared to be very excited, what with the sudden hug she gave to Sir Ren.
"Led by… Jaune Arc." Jaune's quickly whipped around to look at Ozpin, his eyes wide with shock and surprise.
The applause grew in the room, alongside a "Yeah, go Jaune!" By a little red rose. I couldn't help give a small hurrah myself. Even Miss Nikos couldn't keep her excitement, as she gave Jaune a small slap on the back.
One that appeared to land him on the floor. The audience appeared to enjoy it, however.
Venatores merely sighed from where he stood. Looking at the next group of knights to be donned a name. Which appeared to be Miss Roses group. His gaze was now focused, his gaze appearing to never leave Miss Roses form. His expression unreadable.
"Blake Belladonna. Ruby Rose. Weiss Schnee. Yang Xiao Long." Ozpin continued simply, his posture remaining like that of a statue.
"The four of you retrieved the white knight pieces. From this day forward you will work together as… Team RWBY. Led by… Ruby Rose." Applause ran out through the entire assembly. Miss Rose looked simply surprised and excited. Like a child who had just won a prize. Miss Schnee on the other hand, looked outraged. Almost as if she expected to be the leader of her team.
I myself couldn't help but chuckle at fate. A team called Ruby, led by a person named Ruby. It was strange.
Almost as if it had been planned. I looked to Ozpin, his face revealing nothing while his eyes shone with a small amount of humor. It appears even he found this turn of events amusing.
By my side, Venatores merely scoffed at the 'coincidence of it all.
"Now for our final team," Ozpin spoke up, his eyes moving directly towards my very own. "As well as our new Honor Students for the year." Everyone who was speaking was now entirely silent. Only filled with some of the confused murmurs of the crowd.
"Mors Ignis." With my name called I moved forward with purpose. My sword held in my hand sheathed in its scabbard. It was only when I began to climb the stairs did I hear the crowds whispers.
"Armor? What era does he think he's in?" A male voice said, with a hint of a joking undertone. "He looks like he can barely walk in that thing."
" I don't know Cardin." Another voice spoke up, this one sounded nervous, however. "But do you see the size of his sword?" The voice spoke up. "How much does it weigh?"
"Big deal." The other voice spoke. "I can swing that thing like it was a knife." Ah, the arrogant knights. I wonder how long it will take them to see how strong they truly were, compared to their fellow knights at least.
When I made it in front of Ozpin. I put my sword in front of me it's sheathed blade rested on the ground as I looked forwards. My gaze is hidden behind the edges of my helm.
"And Venatores Luna." Ozpin said as he looked directly to my left, no doubt where Venatores was at this very moment. No doubt, looking at the Headmaster with respect.
"Are you kidding me." The voice said again. "First that Jaune kid, now another scrawny swordsman." the voice said once again, his whispered voice sounding outraged.
"That's weird… Did any of you guys see him get on stage" Another voice spoke out, commenting on Venatores' quiet nature.
"The two of you did outstanding work during your examination," Ozpin stated, looking at the two of us in kind. "Not only did you get to the location specified. You did so with tact and judgment, far greater than your fellow peers." He said, now turning to the screen above him.
"While also keeping a far more… Selfless mindset."
Then a picture appeared on the screen. It's contents holding an action that I had done trying to help Lady Schnee and Ms. Rose when the woods were burning. Though I looked more heroic than I probably was.
To the side of that, it showed a picture of a random branch in a sea of trees… well, it would have if it weren't for Venatores standing on it, looking at another branch. This one with small scratches on it, however. There was also Ms. Belladonna and Ms. Xiao Long in the background, conversing whilst unaware of both hunters stocking them.
"You even had you skill tested against one of the Grimm." He said, turning back to the both of us. "A Wendigo, if memory serves." So that was the name of the creature we faced today. "One so powerful that it was even given a title to compensate for its many feats." His face had turned to a frown at the word 'feat'. As if it were rather something he had rather wished never happened.
"It was given the title of Slaughter Wendigo." Gave Ozpin, his face now set into a grim scowl. "It was said that many people have tried to find it. Many excursions later, they became lost in the woods."
"We had kept contact with the group all day long trying to decipher their location. All the while, there already small reserves dwindled. It was in the middle of the night when we found the teams location." But his grim face had remained as if them being found was never a good thing.
"What we found was the reason for its title."
The audience was quiet, looking quite disheartened at the news of people they did not know. It was to be expected however, they were young and inexperienced. This was probably the first time they had realized what came with the job.
"However… now is not the time to mourn those that have been lost."Ozpin stated pointedly, Looking at the rest of the crowd. "Now is the time to welcome our newest team, alongside their skill and bravery." Ozpin looked at us, his face stretched into a smile.
"With that in mind… Let's celebrate the union of Team Eclipse." His voice, however, was quickly drowned out by the multitude of applause. Even some whistles penetrated the air around us. But even then that was quiet compared to the cheering of two individuals in the crowd.
"Great Job, Mors!" Sir Jaunes complements, who was a little quieter than the violent scream made by Miss Rose.
"THAT SO COOL, MORS!" … Sadly I didn't understand what the temperature had to do with this current situation. But even so, I couldn't help but smile, just a little. Even Venatores' usual expression was marred by the smallest of smiles.
"Truly this is shaping up to be an interesting year."
Sorry for the delay! A lot of shit has happened recently in my life. So this was kinda put down on 4th priority. Make no mistake, I still have a bunch to write about. So don't count me out, less I say so.
Anyway, the Wendigo will be explained in the next chapter. By our old Boistorieous pal, alongside a heated battle between two people. DON'T MISS IT! ON THE NEXT EPISODE OF DESPAIR REMNANTS.
PS: 'Watching episode 129 of Dragon Ball Super.' OH MY GODDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD!