The group trudged northward, their footsteps muffled against the forest floor. The once-grand woods were now eerily silent, the trees twisted and darkened as if the land itself recoiled from the demonic taint spreading across it. Archer kept to the rear, his sharp eyes scanning for any sign of movement, while Jeanne led the group with quiet determination, her holy standard illuminating their path like a guiding star. The sounds of nocturnal wildlife could be heard in the distance.
"You said some of the demons look human," Archer spoke to the man walking next to him, his voice barely above a whisper. "Have you noticed anything specific about them? Marks, symbols, anything unusual?"
The man swallowed nervously, recalling the massacre that took place days ago, "Yes… there was one. In the last village, we passed through before coming to the church. It was tall, wore black armor, and had these glowing red runes on its body. It didn't even have to fight—it just stood there, and the others tore the place apart around it."
"Anything else that stood out?" Archer asked while looking around the surrounding trees.
The man looked down at the ground in contemplation, "I don't remember anything else. I was too busy trying to escape with my life."
Archer nodded, "Ok that's more than enough information. Thank you."
"Wait," the man randomly yelled. He shrunk after realizing how loud he was. "There was a weird portal-looking thing. I happened to see it as I was running past in the center of the village. The armored one looked like it was guarding it."
Archer narrowed his eyes at the information. He quietly thanked the man and looked ahead towards the rest of the group. Ahead, Jeanne spoke softly to the frightened child who had cried out earlier. The boy clung to her hand tightly. Archer glanced around to see others' fears subdued by Jeanne's reassuring words. Archer admires how easily the Saint's presence pacifies the fear of others.
Jeanne turned briefly to glance at Archer, unaware of his staring, "What have you learned?"
Archer coughed into his hand, focusing on the task, "There's a tall humanoid demon with black armor residing in one of the villages these people lived in. It could very well be the leader. There's also a rift that it seems to be protecting."
Jeanne nodded, her expression thoughtful, "Then once these people are safe, we will find this rift and destroy it."
Archer snorted, "Let's hope it's not too troublesome."
Jeanne smiled faintly, undeterred, "With faith and resolve, nothing is too troublesome."
"Right," Archer sighed while running his hand through his hair. "Faith and resolve. Sure."
The group continued their trek, the tension palpable as every rustle of leaves or snap of a branch made the survivors flinch. Archer's eyes swam through the surroundings with urgency, while Jeanne's unwavering presence kept the group moving forward.
As the moon rose higher in the sky, the man who had spoken earlier pointed to a distant ridge. "The monastery is just beyond there," he said, relief evident.
Jeanne smiled warmly. "We are almost there. Stay close."
The morale within the group began to rise. Prayers and gratitude filled the air as everyone realized they were nearly safe from the horrors of the demons. Jeanne continued to smile warmly at the crowd finally gaining life after the hardships they'd been through. Archer remains indifferent without a single reaction toward the others. He kept his sharp eyes trained on their surroundings. Something about this area felt off to Archer. He couldn't place why but it felt like they were being watched. An alarm rose as he realized that the wildlife sounds from earlier were silent.
"Something's wrong here," Archer stated firmly.
The group stopped in their tracks and turned their attention toward Archer.
Jeanne regarded Archer with concern, "What's wrong?"
"Notice how there are no sounds of animals in the background anymore," Archer's hands twitched as he surveyed the forest.
"You're right!"
"This is just like what happened at the village!"
"Does that mean they found us!?
"Oh god... oh god please!"
"Everyone please!" Jeanne commanded loudly catching everyone's attention. "Do not be afraid. With His guidance, we will get there safely so please do not panic."
The people remained quiet as they stared at Jeanne. Fear and uncertainty filled the air but under it grew hope. They believe in the woman who protected them. Her infectious yet confident smile disarmed the prevalent fear in their hearts. The group eventually settled down after enough convincing from the Saint. Archer smirked at the display of hope Jeanne had given to the survivors in such a short amount of time. He can't help but wonder if one of Jeanne's skills is Charisma.
Snap!
Archer's eyes narrowed sharply. Archer held his hand out and a black, sleek bow appeared in hand. An arrow appeared in his other before he nocked it onto the bowstring. In a fluid movement, Archer pulled the arrow back before letting it fly in less than a second. He watched the arrow fly into the darkness. A gargled shriek followed by a body hitting the ground was heard. Everyone froze at the sound. They turn to see Archer with another arrow readied on his string. He let the arrow fly again. The arrow cut through the arrow quickly and the sound of the arrow puncturing another was heard again.
Archer clicked his tongue in annoyance, his steel gaze hardened, "It seems we walked into an ambush."
Rustles from the bushes grew loudly before grotesque beings appeared. Small goblin-like creatures emerged from the bushes growling loudly at the group before them. Bat-sized weapons covered in rusty nails in their hands. The survivors shrank at the oppressive bellows of the monsters approaching.
Jeanne moved forward and planted herself between the demons and the survivors, "Stay behind us. We will protect."
Archer stepped forward and stood beside her, arrows waiting to set loose, "I'll cover your six."
"That is most reassuring Archer. Thank you." Jeanne smiled at the tanned man.
The monsters snarled at the duo in front. With a loud roar, they charged forward with ferocity.
Without saying a word, Archer loosed an arrow, the fiery projectile cutting through the nearest demon with surgical precision. Jeanne raised her standard, its light intensifying as she stepped forward to meet the charge. The demons lunged forward swinging their bats toward Jeanne's face. Jeanne weaves through one then gives another the sharp end of her standard. She angled her standard behind her deflecting the the demon she dodged earlier. Before the monster could counter, an arrow connected directly to its head. Jeanne looked up to see Archer nocking another arrow before letting it fly to its next target. Jeanne smiled as she quietly thanked Archer. Her spirit invigorated as she charged forward against the others. Her strikes were precise and purposeful, each swing of her standard burning and cutting through the unholy creatures. Archer, meanwhile, rained down arrows with deadly efficiency, his crimson cloak trailing behind him like a shroud of fire. Some demons flinched at the teamwork of the Archer and Jeanne. The demons' resolve dwindled as Jeanne pushed forward with Archer bringing up the rear. Eventually, some demons turned back and tried to run away. Archer, wasting no time, picked off each runner leaving no chances for survivors.
As the battle raged, the survivors huddled together, their fear mingling with awe as they watched the two Servants fight. The child clung to his mother, his wide eyes fixed on Jeanne as she stood against the tide of demons like an unshakable beacon.
Finally, with Jeanne bringing her standard down on the remaining demon the coast was clear. The forest fell silent, the tension slowly easing as Jeanne lowered her standard. She turned to see the weapons in Archer's hands fade into ethereal dust.
Archer glanced at her, a small smirk tugging at his lips, "Not bad. You sure know how to handle yourself."
Jeanne smiled, her calm radiance undimmed, "And you are as skilled as you are bold. Together, we make a formidable team."
Archer's smirk widened but he didn't argue. The civilians rose to their feet clapping and cheering for their heroes. Jeanne smiled awkwardly as she received the praise from them. Archer shrugged off the antics and looked into the direction the demons originally came from.
Jeanne approached him, her serene confidence steady as ever. "The road ahead will be difficult," she said, quiet but firm. "But with faith—and with each other—we will overcome it."
Archer continued staring into the distance, "Yeah, let's hope you're right. Anyway, we should get moving."
Jeanne nodded in agreement and returned her gaze toward everyone else, " Everyone, we must move quickly. We cannot allow those creatures another opportunity to attack."
Everyone followed suit with Jeanne's words. Their courage renewed as everyone moved forward with Jeanne leading the charge. The group pressed on, the eerie quiet of the forest now a stark reminder of the battle they had just survived. Though the survivors' steps were cautious, Jeanne's comforting presence strengthened their spirits. She walked ahead, her standard glowing softly, a beacon that guided them through the oppressive darkness.
Archer lingered at the rear, his sharp eyes scanning the treeline for any sign of movement. His mind churned with questions. It couldn't be a coincidence that those things had managed to find them here. Maybe it was his paranoia talking but it's better to be paranoid than naive.
Jeanne slowed her pace to match his, glancing at him with curiosity. "You're troubled," she said. It wasn't a question.
Archer exhaled, "I may be a little paranoid but I'm having a bad feeling. Something about that encounter doesn't scream random to me. Knowing my luck, the situation could be worse and some leader stalking ahead waiting for our appearance."
Jeanne's gaze turned thoughtful, her eyes narrowed slightly, "The enemy is cunning, but cunning can be overcome with faith and vigilance."
"Faith's great," Archer replied, his tone dry but not dismissive. "But it takes more than that to get to the bottom of this. You are rather strong, but you're not invincible."
Jeanne gave him a faint smile, her serene confidence unwavering. "That is why you are here, Archer. Where I may not be invincible, your presence will make the both of us invincible. Together, we can protect these people and uncover the truth behind this evil. That is what matters."
Archer stared into Jeanne's eyes briefly before shaking his head, "You're giving me more credit than I deserve."
Jeanne shook her head, "I disagree Archer. Your skill in archery is truly a sight to behold. I was impressed with your accuracy."
"Anyone could do what I did just as good or better," Archer waved his hands dismissively at her words.
"Even so, that doesn't take away from how brave you are," Jeanne smiled warmly toward Archer. "I firmly believe that God has chosen you to fight with me and for that, I am grateful to have a reliable companion."
Archer averted his gaze away from Jeanne and scratched the back of his neck, "Whatever you say, Saint. Don't get your hopes up."
Jeanne chuckled at Archer's reaction before moving toward the front of the group leaving Archer to his thoughts. Putting their conversation behind him to keep his mind in order, Archer thought back to the ambush from earlier. If they were in this area before them then there's a possibility that there's more ahead. Archer grimaced at the thought that the demons could've raided the place they were headed to already. Archer looked ahead to see Jeanne smiling at the children who held her hand. The warmth rubbed off onto the children and the adults around her. The prior conversation rang through Archer's mind. Archer quietly sighed before staring into the night sky above.
By dawn, the group reached the ridge overlooking the monastery. The ancient stone structure nestled in the forest brought a collective sigh of relief. Its high walls and sturdy gates promised safety, a rare and precious thing in this demon-haunted world.
"We're almost there," Jeanne said, turning to the group with an encouraging smile. "Just a little further, and you'll be safe."
The survivors nodded their expressions a mixture of exhaustion and gratitude. The man who had guided them pointed toward a narrow path leading down to the monastery. "That way," he said. "The monks should let us in—they've been sheltering people since the attacks started."
Archer's sharp gaze lingered on the monastery. Something about it felt off. The air around it seemed… too still. He narrowed his eyes, his instincts prickling. "Hold up," he said, stepping forward. "Something's not right."
Jeanne paused, her expression turning serious. "What do you sense?"
"It's too quiet," Archer clenched his teeth as he glared at the gate. His bow reappeared in his hands, "It seems my fear of them invading the monastery already may have been realized."
The survivors paled, their relief replaced with dread. Jeanne raised her standard, her light intensifying. "Stay together," she instructed the group. "If there is danger, we will face it."
Archer let out a breath, muttering quietly, "Famous last words."
As they approached the monastery gates, the eerie stillness became oppressive. The air felt heavy, like the calm before a storm. Archer nocked an arrow, his every sense on high alert. The flag of Jeanne's standard flowed gracefully with the wind as Jeanne confidently strode toward the gate. She raised her hand and knocked on the gate.
The sound echoed hollowly.
"Open the gate!" Jeanne called, her voice carrying authority and reassurance. "We bring survivors seeking sanctuary."
For a moment, there was no response. This unsettled the civilians behind Jeanne. Jeanne glanced over the group and looked in Archer's direction. Both locked eyes with one another as if to secretly communicate. Archer nodded his head. Jeanne breathed in and out before raising her hand to knock louder. Suddenly, a groan of ancient wood rang in the air causing a few people to flinch. Jeanne held her ground, her light illuminating the path beyond.
Inside, the courtyard was deathly silent. No monks, no refugees—only an eerie emptiness. The survivors hesitated, their fear palpable.
"This is certainly a trap," sarcasm dripped from Archer's voice. He stepped inside, scanning the shadows. "We know you're here. Show yourselves."
A low growl rumbled from the shadows, and the survivors froze.
Jeanne raised her standard, her light flaring brighter. "Stand behind us," she commanded, her voice steady.
From the darkness emerged a massive red demon, its runes glowing with an ominous red light. It looked at least 7 feet tall with long horns sticking from the side of its head. From behind him more of the goblin-like demons appeared. Archer looked behind and noticed more of them walking through the gate behind.
Twenty-five, Archer clicked his tongue in annoyance. He kept his hawk-like gaze trained on other areas in case more were hidden, I'd like the odds if I didn't have to protect others.
The demon at the front stepped forward, its voice a guttural snarl. "Foolish humans," it growled. "You thought this place was safe? You thought you could escape us?"
Jeanne stepped forward, her gaze steady, "This place is sacred. Your kind has no claim here."
The demon laughed, a sound like a grinding stone. "Sacred? There is no sacred ground left. The rift's power reaches everywhere, and soon your God's light will be snuffed out."
Archer snorted, raising his bow. "If we're done talking, let's skip to the fight. I'd rather watch paint dry than hear your meaningless prattle."
The demon bared its teeth, staring daggers at the man before him, "Know your place vermin! I am-"
An arrow appeared in front of the demon. It managed to move its head out of the way letting it zip past. Shocked, the demon turned back toward the man who nocked another arrow on his string. The demon clenched its teeth tightly and howled toward the night sky. The lesser demons howled along with it before charging forward.
Jeanne raised her standard, her light flaring so brightly that the demons recoiled. "Hold fast! Stay behind us!"
Multiple demons surrounded Jeanne and pounced on top of her. With swift movement, Jeanne threw a wide arc swing against them. After disrupting their attack, a golden light emanated from Jeanne's body causing the enemies to writhe in pain. Arrows flew past Jeanne striking true for their intended targets. Multiple demons fell one by one at the onslaught of the Iron Wrought Hero. The speed at which Archer moved from one target appeared inhuman. The big boss of the group howled even louder before jumping high into the sky. A jagged hammer appeared within its hands as he descended.
Archer seeing him from above frantically looked toward the others who stilled in fear, "Move! Now!"
Archer's voice broke them out of their reverie and moved quickly to a clear space away from Archer. Archer let multiple arrows loose at the demon descending quickly to his location. Seeing as his arrows were being deflected, Archer quickly dispelled his bow and replaced it with beautiful twin swords. With a thunderous roar, the demon brought down the hammer right on top of Archer. The ground shook violently causing others to lose their balance. Kanshou and Bakuya groan as Archer uses his strength to push against the monstrous strength of the leader. The runes on the demon turned a bright crimson as it pressured Archer harder.
"Hahahaha, no matter what you are you're still a feeble human," the demon mocked.
Archer looked up and smirked, "You have a bad habit of underestimating us."
"What-"
A radiant holy light covered their surrounding. The demon writhed loudly before pushing Archer back. It turned around and glared at Jeanne who moved forward with her Holy Standard setting the monastery ablaze with its radiance. With a battle cry, Jeanne blitzed the demon with monstrous speed. Unable to react, the demon raised its hammer to block her attack. Unbeknownst to it, Archer was poised with his hand outstretched.
"I am the bone of my sword."
A sword encompassed by its sheath appeared in his hands. Something about that sword made the demon flinch in fear. Flames roared to life as Archer pulled the sword from its sheath.
"My blade cleaves all things demonic. Mount Ooe - Bodhi Oni Slayer!"
The last thing the demon remembered seeing was the flash of holy radiance combined with a roar of fire speeding into his body before disintegrating into dust. The final demon was distinguished from the monastery. Silence befell the monastery once again. Archer turned his gaze toward the civilians who shook like leaves. Jeanne moved forward and gave them a disarming smile.
"You are safe."
Her holy light remained a calming force pacifying everyone's fears. Everyone stood and began to vehemently thank Jeanne once again for protecting them. Tears of joy could be seen on some mothers' faces as they cradled their children. Men rejoiced loudly as they sang high praises of Jeanne D'arc. Archer watched them from afar with a satisfied smirk. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a young boy staring intensely in Archer's direction. Archer turned his gaze to look at the young boy. He noticed the boy staring at the sword in his hand in wonder. A quiet chortle escaped Archer's lips as he kneeled to allow the boy a closer look. The boy's eyes widened like saucers. The way the moonlight reflected off of the blade.
"It's name is Onikiri Yastutsuna."
The boy looked up at Archer who was also staring at the sword in his hands.
"Originally named Higekiri before a man known as Watanabe no Tsuna wielded it. He was a man of integrity who used this sword to slay Onis who threatened the safety of others."
"What's a Oni?" the boy asked.
"A demonic yokai or evil spirit," Archer rose to his feet and sheathed the sword. "They're evil spirits told in Japanese folklore. While this sword is mainly used for slaying them, it makes an exception for beings who are demonic. It is a perfect counter weapon."
The boy's eyes shined brightly with wonder as he smiled at Archer, "That's so cool!"
Archer's lips curved into a faint smirk, "Anyway, you should return to your mother. While we are safe, I'm convinced your mother wouldn't want you wandering around."
"Ok mister," the boy ran to the group. Before he reached them, he turned back and waved at Archer, "Thank you for saving us, mister!"
Archer nodded at the boy as he watched him run to greet his mother. A warm emotion welled within Archer's chest. An emotion that Archer hadn't felt since he was alive.
"I didn't know that you got along well with children."
Archer turned to see Jeanne smiling at Archer.
Archer quietly sighed before returning his gaze to the survivors, "I've dealt with children often when I was alive."
"I would have never guessed." Jeanne chuckled lightly.
Archer huffed quietly as he turned his attention deeper within the monastery, "Anyway, I would like to scope out the rest of this area. I want to make sure this place is safe before we move the people further in. I'd hate for them to set off any traps."
Jeanne nodded, her expression serious. "Then I will leave this assignment to you. I will stay with them."
Archer nodded his head, "Sounds like a plan."
Jeanne smiled faintly, "I expect good news."
Archer nodded before walking deeper into the monastery. Jeanne watched Archer's back as he disappeared into the darkness. She turned her gaze toward the group who are finally smiling among one another. Jeanne smiled as she whispered silent prayers for their safety. With His guidance and Archer's support, Jeanne managed to bring Humanity their first victory against the demons. Jeanne believed that she and Archer will bring more victories and stop this endless slaughter.
Meanwhile...
Archer continued moving within the monastery. He noticed a few scratch marks against the walls with broken furniture on the ground. From what Archer could guess, the monks who were originally here must have attempted to fight for their survival. Stains of dried blood became more noticeable as Archer ventured deeper within the monastery. Archer turned the corner in a hallway and was met with large double doors at the end of the hallway.
From behind the doors, a faint red light glowed through the crevices. Archer narrowed his eyes as he also felt more than one presence within the room. Archer summoned Kanshou and Bakuya in his hands as he quietly approached the doors. The red light behind the doors intensified the closer Archer was to the door. Once Archer reached the door, he heard voices. The words were foreign and hard to decipher but Archer had a slight idea of what was going on. Standing inches away from the door, Archer raised his leg and slammed his foot into the doors.
Archer broke into the room and looked around. His eyes immediately landed on the summoning circle in front of him. Piles of rotting corpses lie in the middle of the summoning circle. The smell was utterly repulsive but Archer remained undeterred. Archer noticed four robed demons hissing at the sudden appearance of Archer. Immediately, the two closest toe Archer summoned a ball of fire and launched toward Archer's direction. Arche successfully evaded the fire balls and cleaved one demon in two. The red light intensified even more as crimson bolts surged area the area. Archer clenched his teeth and moved forward. The other demon moved in front of him and attempted to summon another fire ball. Archer dashed and brought Kanshou down to its limb. Blood splattered everywhere as the demon cried in pain from losing its arm. Archer swung Bakuya toward its face silencing it forever.
Archer returned his attention to the summoning circle. It seemed to have reached its peak as the light consumed the corpses below. Archer dispelled Bakuya and projected a jagged dagger in his hands. The dagger of betrayal-Rule Breaker- settled into his hand as Archer ran closer to the circle. Archer raised the dagger in his hand and begun to swing downward onto the summoning circle. Before Rule Breaker made contact, a shockwave pushed Archer back as the light brightened even further. Archer shielded his eyes with his arms against the blinding light,
Seconds later, the light died completely as time stilled. Archer's senses flared as an oppressive aura filled the room. Archer lowered his arms as he looked around, He noted the remaining demons lying against the ground unmoving. Their chest are heaving so Archer made a mental note to deal with them later. Before he could do that, he glanced at the upcoming obstacle in from of him. Archer's eyes landed on the form in the middle of the dormant summoning circle and his breath hitched at individual who exuded divine authority. His eyes glued to the spear that twirled within their hand. That spear was all too familiar as Archer instinctively swallowed.
"Hmm, this is quite the interesting situation."
The voice broke Archer out of his thoughts as Archer locked eyes with the individual in front of him. Red gleamed dangerously as it met steel.
"Show me what you've got, warrior. Fail and your life is mine."
Author's Note: Hello everyone and thank you for reading. It's been awhile since I written more than 4k words. I hope you guys enjoy this chapter and please let me know what you think in the reviews. Hope you all have a great day/night!