Damnit. A reviewer informed me that I repeated some paragraphs throughout the story without knowing it. I feel like an utter idiot for that. He also told how Ash have many issues that he needed to be addressed. I mean, I get what he means, but at the same time it's going to ruin the plotline I had already planned. I am wondering why I am bitching about it. It's constructive criticism that needs to be sorted. This fanfic is flawed, yet I intend to complete it.
Dark Souls: Embers of Remnant Volume II
Twenty-Two
What Lurks Behind the Shadows
A week has passed since the incident with the wolves. Team RWBY and JNR were training as hard as ever. They had little beaks in between, but it didn't deter their motivation to become stronger. However, something strange had occurred within the past week.
Like how their weapons and clothes were misplaced in their rooms, Ruby had wondered why Cresent Rose was in its Scythe form even when she woke up. Weiss had to thoroughly shower every day because her hair smelled like saliva, and she felt like something was pulling her braided hair. Once, she fell off her bunk bed as someone yanked her hair. Blake had always wondered why the former Heiress was uneasy about an unknown presence in her room as it made no sound. Yang was getting irritated by that same being always finding a way of taking her prosthetic arm every time she slept.
As for JNR, Jaune always found his sword in the training area in the early hours of the day. Nora had always found that whenever she brought her bacon and pancakes to her room, they had already been eaten quickly and cleanly, which forced her to get another plate. Ren had sensed the same presence at the Faunus girl, though he did see something invisible passing by.
Though that hindered their training, it didn't help their progress.
They were training in the Academy's training area, and all were undoubtedly busy as they were fighting someone familiar to them. Ash.
Unlike the Wolf Knight's Greatsword or Onyx Blade, he wielded a new weapon. The Frayed Blade. It seemed to be a Katana, which was distinct and elegant in appearance. It seemed to have a slightly curved, slender blade, unlike others. It was undoubtedly given the others a hard time.
Jaune, Blake, Nora, and Weiss attempted to attack him from all around as he stood. Yet, as they were about to slash him, a purple hue appeared from the blade, and a series of slashes managed to land multiple blows to all of them. This sent them skidding backward to where the others were.
"Are you alright?" Ruby asked with concern as she ran up to her teammates.
"Yeah, we're fine." Jaune managed to reply back and looked back at Ash. "He wasn't kidding about this training."
"You can say something like that," Nora chimed in.
Blake nodded at her leader before looking at the Unkindled's weapon. "That Katana he's using is nothing I have seen."
Weiss can see the reason why. "He seemed to go towards a stance before slashing us multiple times quickly." She looked at Myrtenaster. "My weapon seemed unable to even land one on him."
Ruby, Yang, and Ren noted that it was their turn to fight Ash. "Yang, Ren," The younger leader called out to them, "Remember our training?"
Her older sister chuckled in response. "I know, sis." She cocked the shotgun rounds in her Ember Celia and went on her fighting stance. Without wasting a moment, she fired her shots and rushed towards the Unkindled.
Yet, like the others, she was quickly knocked back by many slashes. Her aura had luckily protected it, but it seemed gravely weakened to the point where it could be shattered. She landed next to her sister and Ren. "Yang, are you okay!?" Ruby asked in concern.
The older sibling smiled in response. "Just about. Damn, he wasn't joking about hitting hard."
The younger leader and Ren looked at one another before nodding. Ruby used her semblance to rush towards Ash. Once at range, she swung Cresent Rose towards him, and he rolled to the left. However, he failed to see Ren coming up next. He threw StormFlower like a boomerang and went around Ash's arms. The Unkindled saw the wire wrapped around his arms, though he wasn't surprised. In response, he grabbed the rope and yanked it towards him, pulling Ren in progress before Ash slammed the huntsman hard onto the ground.
The younger leader didn't have time to react as she was immediately yanked towards her opponent, along with her weapon, and got immediately punched in the gut. This caused her to spit out in pain as she curled to ease the pain upon landing back on the floor. "Ow…"
"Training's over," Ash announced plainly as he sheathed his Frayed Blade back into its sheath. He saw the rest recuperating and writhing in pain. A sigh escaped his lips. "I may have pushed a bit too far. Oh well, you did train with them and saw many flaws in their fighting." That was something he wanted to be aware of when sparring with them. He could give them a simple piece of advice.
Yang chuckled while rubbing the back of her human arm. "I have to say, Ash, you really pushed us to the limit."
"I was only doing what was necessary for your own benefit," Ash commented.
Weiss didn't share the same mutual feeling. "Says the one that doesn't give us an opening and play fair."
The Unkindled looked at the former Heiress. "If you complain that I fought, you have the right to feel annoyed. However, some are willing to do anything to win. Even using cheap tricks to gain the advantage."
Ren had a feeling why Ash had thought so unfairly. "So you used tactics that aren't commonly used to train us?" He remembered how he had pulled him despite using his weapons to ensnarl one of his arms.
He liked the young huntsman's observation. "Yes. I also see that you are all too reliant on your semblances. Word of advice; DON'T use it all the time. There will be a point where your enemies know your moves, and they can exploit that to their advantage."
They took his words into consideration. Ruby, however, wasn't that too thrilled about his statement. "Does that mean our auras as well?"
"Something like that," He answered truthfully before getting up. "Well, my training with you is over. If you would excuse me, I need to go somewhere." He turned around and started to walk out.
Almost when Blake stopped him in his tracks. "Ash, are you going to train more with us?"
He slightly tilted his head towards the Faunus. "Not at all. That is something you can do. Not with me."
That caused the Faunus girl to frown at his statement. "Is it because you're not that social and have…personal problems?"
He shook his head. He really wasn't in the mood to talk. "It's nothing like that. Now, I need to have some time alone." He walked away from the training room.
Everyone looked at one another. The group knew Ash wasn't sociable, but they felt a hidden anger in his voice. "That was awkward for him." Nora can't help but mutter.
"He seems to be like that whenever he offers him," Jaune reminded them.
"What seems to make him so…dismissive?" Weiss can't help but ask.
Blake had an assumption as to why. "He never opens his past to us." The rest of RWY looked at her and remembered his attitude when talking to Jinn. "Ash seems so guarded whenever we ask about it. I don't think he's willing to share."
Ruby can agree with her Faunus teammate to that extent. "But didn't Miss Firekeeper say he has 'every right to keep his secrets'? What happens if he doesn't want to reveal it?"
The others remember that. However, Yang had a different thought. "We're his teammates, and it's our responsibility to look out for him as he did for us. However, I ain't too keen on him pulling an Ozpin on all of us." That was something that they could agree on. Ash is very mysterious to them, including the Firekeeper. All we need to do is figure out what was mentally wrong with him.
Before they can do that, Nora's stomach growls loudly. The orange-haired girl can't help but laugh. "What do you know? It seems like Ash's training has made me very hungry!"
-Scene Change-
Ash walked through the streets of Atlas somewhat cautiously. He glanced at his side several times to be sure he wasn't followed. As he felt secure, he pulled out his Scroll, which popped with a text from an unknown contact.
'Come visit behind Glass Unicorn midday. Make sure you're alone.'
That brought suspicion to the Unkindled as he pocketed his Scroll back. He had no idea who sent him this text, so he stayed vigilant. This explains why Ash has the Frayed Blade at his side in case this is a trap set up by the enemy.
The walk continued for exactly half an hour until he arrived. Ash was in front of an enormous, luxurious multi-story hotel that had seen better days. "This place had seen better days. I wonder what caused it to be abandoned?"
Walking from the left side of the building, Ash was immediately caught off guard by what he saw. A bonfire is seen in the middle of the area. It looked like it had been set up and had recent signs of activities.
"Odd…" He muttered as he cautiously approached the bonfire. This was in a city where many people could easily see it and he wondered why it is place there. "What is this thing doing here?"
Getting close to the object of interest, Ash carefully raised his hand. As he was near touching it… "So, you're just going to touch it to grab my attention?"
An irritable sigh escaped Ash's lips upon hearing that voice. He knew all too well who it belonged to. He shifted his attention to where it came from and saw a familiar bald man crouching in a typical squatting stance. "Hello, Patches." The Unkindled casually greeted him.
Patches chuckled at the Unkindled's dry response. "Why, hello again, old friend. I see you have been busy as of late."
"So it seems," Ash dryly responded as he lit the bonfire and sat beside it. He felt his Estus Flask automatically refilled to its maximum capacity. "How did you get my contact details? I never gave it to anyone."
"Oh, I just happened to know someone who had seen you and your precious Firekeeper around town." He explained with that usual tone of his.
"Oh…right. Forgot you can do that in these weird things." The Unkindled realised as he waved the Scroll towards the trickster merchant. There was another thought in mind, and he needed to confront the man about it. "Remember what you said about tricking a Schnee by doing that thing of yours?"
The Trickster knew what he was talking about. "Yeah?"
"I can't believe you kicked Lady Schnee's sister, Ironwood's Second-in-command of the Atlesian Military!" The Unkindled added. His voice stayed calm, though there was a hint of frustration mixed into it as well.
Patches were okay with what he heard. He only just shrugged his shoulders. "So what? At least she found the Firekeeper in that Mistal cave. Without that, your Firekeeper would still be stuck there."
The unkindled was about to open his mouth when he considered Patches's point. It is true. Had he not tricked Winter, he would not have reunited with her in Atlas. An irritable sigh escaped his lips underneath his Faraam Armour as he was taking his time processing it. "I see." He looked back at his acquaintance. "What are you doing here, Patches?"
"Just visiting the city, that's all." Patches answered truthfully as he put both hands up in the air before putting it down. Ash was unsure if his words were intended, but he wouldn't question it. "And I heard you were busy with the military for Ironwood's Global Communications Project."
That caused the Unkindled to look back at the Trickster Merchant immediately. "How do you even know that?" That was confidential information Patches was saying, and he wanted to get to the bottom right away.
Patches just let multiple 'tch' while shaking his head. "I passed by the construction site when I flew into Atlas. With that Kingdom being your destination, it doesn't take someone like me to know that you and your little group of friends would get yourselves involved in his schemes against Salem."
"Hm..." Ash muttered. Honestly, he expected to meet Patches again but didn't expect to be in the city of Atlas. "If you are just here only to see me, what is your reason? Today is election day, and I wish to spend that time with Olivia."
"Olivia..." Patches muttered before his lips turned into a smug look. "Oh, you mean your dear Firekeeper?"
"It's nothing like that." Ash said defensively. He was not in love with Olivia. Instead, he saw her as his close confidant.
"All right, all right," Patches put his hands up once again. "I won't go any further." He put his arms down. "But, to answer your question, I want to show you something. Though, we have to be discreet."
That caused the Unkindled to raise an eyebrow as he got up from the ground. "Why do we have to be discreet?"
The Trickster merchant look back at him, this time with a serious look. "Just follow me and you'll find out."
-Scene Change-
The sun began to set down. Ash, who followed behind Patches to the city of Mantle, was in the slums as they were heading to their supposed destination. The Unkindled scanned his surroundings and felt like he was again in the Undead Settlement as he saw how the buildings were structured and the materials used. He wondered why they were going through this part of the Kingdom. "What are we even doing here? This is home to many Faunus in the Kingdom. I doubt they would like to see our presence since we're humans."
"I'm taking you to the mines. But we have to go through here for a quick route." Patches responded while facing back at him. "You know this was one of the many within this continent?"
Ash was about to open his mouth when he turned to the left, where he saw many Faunus in Mining outfits covered in oil. He looked back at Patches. "Seems to be still operational from what I can see."
"Yeah, long ago before it was abandoned due to running out of Dust resources. Those Faunus are from the other mines within the outskirts of Mantle." The merchant told him, his voice having a lace of logic.
Both of them continued walking until they reached the mine entrance. "Here we are. The abandoned mines of Mantle. I have to warn you that there are many tunnels within. So, I recommend you stick with me if you don't want to get lost."
"I know." Ash acknowledges before he followed Patches to the entryway to the mines and began to head to their destination. While doing so, the Unkindled glanced to his side before he regained his focus. For some reason, he had a feeling he was continuously being watch but can't exactly place it who is doing it. "There it is again. Every time I turn to the sides, it seems to disappear. It is as if it trying to avoid being detected. Whatever it is, it seems to be doing a smart job."
-Scene Change-
The tunnels of the abandoned mines of Mantle have a few characteristics. Most of all, its dust veins were emptied, and nothing was left. Ash can't help but notice this. "You weren't wrong when you mentioned how they ran out of dust to mine."
The trickster merchant looked back at him with a mischievous grin. "Yes, I am. This mine is the reason why Atlas is the way it is." His expression turned grim. "But something is causing all this negativity throughout the kingdom. It is the source for all this racism and animosity between the people happening right now."
The Unkindled looked at him. Good thing he hid his curious expression underneath his Faraam helmet. Otherwise, he wasn't showing signs of stoicism. "What is it?"
Patches looked straight ahead. "Like I said, follow me, and I will show you."
The Unkindled nodded silently before allowing Patches to continue to follow the trail that led deeper to the mine. As they did so, the veteran Unkindled couldn't help but feel a sense of malic coming from all around. Why would Patches bring him here of all places?
A few minutes passed, and Patches and Ash were in the deepest parts of the mine. The area was pitch black, making the two bring out their torches. They saw many things, with the only light source coming from their torch. First, multiple carts had been filled with unrefined dust; second, much mining equipment lay on the floor as if they had been left in a hurry. Seeing all this caused Ash to look at the Merchant as if he had a serious question. "What happened here?"
Patches didn't reply. Instead, he continued to walk towards the darker parts of this area. Feeling he was leading him to the exact spot, the Unkindled followed from behind, not questioning where Patches was heading towards. Yet, as the two went deeper, their torches could not shine through the darkened place. Before passing by Patches, the Merchant placed his hand on his chest to stop him from going further. "Where do you think you're going?" Patches's voice was that of concern.
As I looked back at him. "I thought we were going further."
"Further," Patches said while raising an eyebrow. "We're already here. Just look at that hole there." He pointed to a hole that was nothing but pitch black.
The Unkindled saw what the other man was pointing at. He looked back at Patches. What am I looking at here?"
Patches just shrugged his shoulders as he stared back at his acquaintance. "I think you already know what that is?" His voice had sarcasm, though there was a hint of seriousness.
A millisecond later, the Unkindled had his eyes widened underneath his Faraam Helmet. He stared at the hole and uttered with a hint of dread. "…The Abyss…"
"This is what I wanted to show you, my dear friend." Patches said, now being very serious about this as he looked at the Unkindled while the other man did the same thing. "The Abyss has existed since these brothers decided to quell it using their powers. They managed to do it, but after they left, it started to slowly regrow. However, with the negativity from the natives of this kingdom, it only quickened the process."
The Unkindled was surprised by this. Yet, simultaneously, he had somehow expected the Abyss to maintain its appearance even after the Era of the First Flame. "Did the Embargo and animosity between Mantle and Atlas only contribute to the ever-growing Darkness?"
Patches nodded in confirmation. "Yes."
The Unkindled rubbed the metallic part of where his chin was. This had been an unexpected bombshell that had been dropped. However, it gave him some insight into why the people of Atlas acted the way they did.
The Abyss slowly corrupted each individual mind, and...wait. If it did, then why did people such as Weiss, Penny, Winter, and Marrow show no signs of having their minds slowly corrupt? Is it due to their willpower or something?
Thinking about this made the Unkindled let out a frustrated sigh as he glanced at Patches. "Thank you for showing this to me, Patches. I didn't know the Abysss had its presence here. That explains why these Aberrations Grimms are constantly attacking the Kingdom."
The Merchant chuckled at his words but can't help but to wonder why he said that. "Really? You call these infected Grimm 'Aberrations'? They're just Grimm who had been infected by the Abyss. They're not special. Besides, didn't you face enemies similar to them?"
Ash nodded as he remembered the Abyssal enemies, he had faced during his journey in Lothric. "I did. The Abyss Watchers, High Lord Wolnir, Pontiff Sulyvhan, Aldrich, The Dancer, Midir, and Gae—" He stopped upon saying the last bit as it brought some rather unpleasant memories. He muttered underneath his breath, which Patches could clearly hear. "With the Abyss starting to threaten the Kingdom, I need to inform my allies about this."
Patches can't help but notice a tiny bit of the old Ash he used to know. "Oh, you playing the Hero, my friend. How foolish are you to fall back into that."
His commented offended the Unkindled. He glared at him. "It's not playing hero, Patches. It's taking precautions in case the situation goes wrong. I am not willing to let this Kingdom fall."
The Merchant just 'tch' while shaking his head. "Oh, you and your heroism. You know you can't fight it back, right?"
"I know," Ash acknowledges the flaw of his new plan. "I'm going to give this one a shot."
Patches just lowered his shoulder after hearing all of this. "Well, I ain't going to stop you there. You do what you have to do." Just then, Ash and Patches's scrolls start to vibrate, making both of them pull them out and saw a notification. What was seen on it spelled bad news for the both of them.
'JACQUES SCHNEE, SDC MINING CORPORATION'S CEO, WINS THE COUNCIL ELECTION'
Well, shit has really hit the fan.
Jacques won the election (if you know why as seen in the canon version of RWBY) and the ever-looming threat of the Abyss is about to rampant across the Kingdom of Atlas. I don't know if I should sympathize with the people or call it karma because the people in the city of Atlas talked trash about the other Kingdom's security measures.
Anyway, I'm sorry if I haven't uploaded a chapter for a while. I been busy with my new and excited (yet unrefined) Bloodborne and Hazbin Hotel crossover; A Hunter's Guide for Running a Hotel. I just wanted to write that since I heard how fast paced Hazbin Hotel is and wanted to make it better by doing Fromsoftware's Gothic Horror Masterpiece.
Speaking of rush, I am sorry if this felt short than usual. I have been busy with other things. Fret not, I am going to compekte volume 2 by the end of the year.
I appreciate the feedback I got last time and appreciate at it more if I were given constructive criticism and feedback to improve this story. Other than that, I will see you all in the next chapter...