Chapter 55: Chapter 49 - "The End of The Beginning and Beginning of The End"
Re;Kingdom, Starting a Life With Amnesia From Zero
Arc 4 – "Eternal Contract" – Sanctuary Arc
Chapter 49 – "The End of The Beginning and The Beginning of The End"
※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※
―"I Love You"
Out of the dregs of murky darkness, consciousness emerged. The darkness, as if ripples were formed on the surface of the ocean. The "World" that I saw, was falling apart.
While standing on my feet, I saw nothing but darkness. However, I wasn't able to move what so ever. My feet were engulfed my shadows, my arms were swallowed by darkness, and my mind was one with the darkness― I was being swallowed by a big, empty, black hole. The same big empty black hole that's in place of my soul.
As I stood there, the shadows started to continue swallowing me. Before I could realize it, I was already engulfed entirely.
I couldn't move. I couldn't think. I couldn't see. I couldn't feel.
I couldn't feel pain. I couldn't feel fear. I couldn't feel anything.
My heart, why doesn't it hurt? Once again, I broke my promise to Emilia. If I cannot even be at her side, how am I going to save her against all the bad which resides within the world. So, why wasn't I feeling guilty?
Guilty. That's what I am. Yes. Their words were true. I am garbage. I am shit. I am useless. I am pathetic. I am weak. I am nothing. I am worthless. I am unnecessary――
I am sad. I am alone. I am shattered. I am heartbroken. I am devastated. I am miserable. I am aggrieved. I am broken. I am hated. I am not worth it.
This depressing feeling. The feeling of not having anything, not having anybody, and the empty feeling of not knowing what to be happy for. Should I simply embrace it? Should I become one with it?
The shadows are slowly swallowing my chest, but I don't feel like resisting―
―To resist. Withstanding these shadows and submit myself to them, is it really a smart choice to make?
Why do I exist? Why did I make such horrible mistakes? Why can't I be normal? I don't understand any of it.
―I Love You. Jens
A voice echoed within the shadows. The voice, the words, the meaning behind all of it, it had a silver-like bell to it, as if it awakened my consciousness from falling apart in despair.
Slowly, a woman that was already engulfed by pure black shadows formed a physical manifestation in front of him. Not surprised, I simply stared at it. Did it really change a lot? No, I was still being devoured by the darkness. And, that's what I wanted.
??? : "I love you."
Jens : "Shut up."
??? : "IloveyouIloveyouIloveyou"
Jens : "I told you to shut up…"
The shade's outline was vague, with not even her body height clearly distinguishable. Its voice still sounds indistinct as if passed through a voice changer, impossible to peg a man's or woman's.
Nevertheless, the sticking passion packed in its intonation communicated with irritating clarity.
She had entirely consumed wherever the place was where they were, and yet she still poured her interest, her concern, he love, wholeheartedly onto Jens.
Jens : "I don't want your love! Fuck off already! Whatever you are, stop being with me! I don't want you!"
―I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You.
Even in this darkness, my heart had felt that voice strongly.
Thumping my eardrums that were not there. Throbbing my heart that should not be there. Even touching my soul, of which I was unsure of its existence.
The voice reached out to me directly. My heart was swept away by those crazy emotions, and mourned.
It sounded terribly fragile, heart-wrenching, and filled with unbearable loneliness.
Its affection, so seared into its soul, seemed to have made it strange.
Had I hands, I would touch the owner of that voice.
Had I a mouth, I would call out the name of that voice.
Had I arms, I would like to have held the owner of that voice.
Had I legs, I would have rushed to the side of the owner of that voice.
Had I a body, I would be determined to never leave the owner of that voice alone.
Even though I didn't want to be with her, why did it feel like I had to be with her?
―I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You. I Love You.
Just like that, while darkness consumed his body, Jens was engulfed in shadows and lost all his sentences. That right moment, just like that, he didn't just lose his life, but his soul as well.
※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※
Puck : "You mistook your place, you fiend. Perhaps death is your only form of salvation—— Just die."
Jens : "P-Puck! Sto~ooop!"
One instant ago, I was being devoured by shadows, engulfed in darkness. A second later, I was back on my feet the moment right before Puck had already transformed into his Beast of The End state. Coming to that conclusion, I realized that I died the moment I heard Satella's voice— Or rather, the moment I lost my consciousness. If I would go down the same path, I would meet the same demise. Thus, I stopped Puck.
Turning his tiny little head towards me, a disgusting gaze was staring at me. I raised my chest and pressed my fist against it. Just like that, I spoke out.
Jens : "Don't you understand? This is what he's trying to do! He's trying to divide us by using words. Don't even think about entering your Beast of The End state, do you hear me?!"
Puck : "Pathetic insect. Do you really think that the Crazed Prince stands a chance against me, The Beast of the Eternally Frozen Lands of the End? Just like him, you're nothing but garbage."
Hearing those words, Emilia grabbed Puck's little pawn and pulled him back. Noticing this, Puck turned his disgusted gaze at the beautiful silver-haired girl.
Emilia : "Don't talk like that to Jens! I… I thought Jens was a liar… But if that crazy man is telling me that you're hiding the Full story of me, then don't you dare to act like you're protecting me! And don't even think about saying such mean words to Jens! He's the one who's actually protecting me!"
Legend : "My Lady Emilia, do not make assumptions that quickly. That crazy man you're talking about is the best deceiver walking on the surface of our world. Do not take his words as if they're facts. They're contaminated by malice and hatred by now."
Puck : "…"
The tiny spirit, with no words leaving his mouth, shattered in pieces, literally. As if his physical body turned to light and shattered like glass, he diminished from everyone's sight.
Emilia : "Haah?! Hey! Come back here! Do you hear me?"
As I grabbed Emilia's gentle hand, I looked in her eyes as she gazed upon mine. Just as our gazes meet, Emilia released a sigh of relief. However, she was still pissed by the fact that Puck simply abandoned her. In addition to the former, Puck was also hiding something from Emilia. Perhaps…. He really was a Liar?
Furuta : "Hahahaha! Oh my! Oh my? Oh my?! You really did it Jens! Once again, you avoided a BAD END! My my my my! How can one be that amazing? My sacred self cannot understand. Your power, your will, your pride… It's vile. Disgusting. You should've died from the beginning, fuck. I can't. Why? Perhaps that's the question? Or is it simply the fact that you're destined to be the one who will bring this world to its original form? Either way, both are impossible. I can't kill you, nor can you repair this world. An everlasting war! It's time for a MIRACLE!"
Cracking his finger, Furuta gazed upon Legend. Staring at the hero to-be, the man wearing a skin-tight hero suit collapsed to the ground. Instantly, he started to hyperventilate, as if he received a punch in the stomach.
Jens : "Legend!?"
Immediately as I called out his name, Emilia dashed towards him and started to heal him with a single touch. She placed her hand on Legend's muscular back and applied all her Mana into his body. The two Aura's fused, and Emilia successfully started to heal him, whatever may had damaged him.
Furuta : "Now that you've lost your only source of actual power, how will you fight me? I mean, it's just me here now. The others are already making their way to the Roswaal Mansion."
Hearing this, I widened my eyes in an instant and turned around with a rush. I extended my arms as if giving orders to the others and gazed upon them.
Jens : "Yang—!"
Trying to give orders, I realized that Team RWBY was already gone, and the ones that remained were necessary for the plan at hand. We needed to deal with Furuta, but we also needed to deal with the ones at the village. In addition to that, I also needed to take the trials. With that many orders carved on my mind, I shook them away with a single shake of my head and pressed my feet against the ground.
Opening the palm of my right hand, light formed a physical form of a spear. Scattering sparks formed my weapon as I threw it towards the neck of Furuta.
Emilia : "Jens!"
Stepping aside, Furuta easily dodged my spear, but I still teleported close enough. As I landed on my feet right near the man I was destined to kill, I threw away my spear which vanished in the light, and created a great sword. With a sinuous gesture, I swung the blade towards Furuta's lower body, however—
Furuta : "Hiyaaa! Thumb Attack!"
The great sword's steel edge collided with Furuta's body, but it went right through him. As if he was a ghost, the trajectory of my sword didn't hit him what so ever. Right after, he raised his thumb, and aimed it for my eyes. His thumb accelerated at an extraordinary speed, before I noticed it, his thumb was already one inch away from my eye. If I wouldn't move, I would be blind for sure. But—
Furuta : "Ruaagh!"
Qrow : "Hmpf!"
Like a flash, Qrow Branwen appeared right beside me, and swung his great sword, successfully cutting Furuta's arm off his body. Like a fountain, crimson paint was raining from above.
Furuta : "Oh, is this it? Pathetic! Philia Lirium!"
From the tip of his finger, a beam of magical produced light was fired towards my direction. Immediately, I grabbed Qrow's shoulder and threw my great sword towards the Sanctuary Temple, and teleported with him. Right after, that magical produced light exploded and was fired in multiple directions.
Emilia : "Huma!"
Pointing the palms of her hands towards the scattering light sparks what were approaching us, Emilia empathized her chest, and created a shining barrier made of Ice.
—The light's fury and the Ice's chilling collided with each other, causing scattering sparks of Mana in the atmosphere. After a split second, both the light and the ice diminished. Cerulean light flooded the sky as the ice lifted the disenchant of magic.
Tattletale : "Fuck. This won't work. We need greater power. I— Aha!"
As if a flash enlightened the Thinker's mind, Tattletale widened her eyes and clicked her fingers. Immediately, she ran towards Legend, who was still laying down on the ground while struggling with recovering his breath.
She placed her hand on his thighs, and moved her hand towards his pocket. She pulled a device out of his pocket, a light blue sphere.
Tattletale : "Just watch and learn, haha."
Furuta : "Nonononononono!"
Immediately, the crazy man dashed towards the girl which pulled out a device unknown. As the man approached the girl, a wall of thick earth lifted from the surface of the ground, causing the man to stop and look around who used such magic.
—I myself, was confused as well. None of us were Earth Magic users. Could it mean,
??? : "Yer fuckin' with me, ain't cha?"
??? : "Don't forget about us, you psycho!"
From the roof of a building, two young man jumped down. As they landed on the ground, the earthen wall collapsed.
—Otto Suwen and Garfiel Tinsel appeared in my sight.
Never had I thought I would be that happy to finally see them. I was relieved that they were alive, but I was relieved that they were here as well.
Otto : "Now! Al Dona!"
An enormous blast of violent earth mana was fired right towards Furuta. Then, as the beam of yellow mana collided with his skin, he was shredded and the ground surrounding him lifted.
Qrow : "Nice one kid'."
Dashing towards Furuta, who was laying down on the ground while blood was streaming out of his body, the man who complimented Otto swung his great sword, and impaled Furuta with the ground. Qrow's blade was struck right through Furuta's body.
Furuta : "Oaagh!"
—This was going great so far. The fact that both Otto and Garfiel made it back alive was a relief, but the fact that we were actually doing damage against Furuta was even better.
Taking my chance, I threw my great sword away as he vanished in light, and summoned my spear once more. Like that, in an instant, I tossed my spear right through Furuta's head, and teleported right beside him. Then, I kicked his face as hard as I could, hoping to crush his skull.
Tattletale : "Keep going! Fuck him up!"
Like a tiger hunting his prey, Garfiel Tinsel approached the nearly-dead man like an animal. His nails rose from his fingers, and became claws. From his chin, hair started to grow. And his eyes, became cat-like.
Garfiel : "Fuckin' die ya piece of shit, ain't cha!"
Pushing me aside, Garfiel stomped Furuta's back. A loud, piercing noise of crackling bones echoed through the square. Then, the young man grabbed Furuta's head, and kicked its face. Teeth fell out of his mouth like the blood that was streaming out of his nose and eyes.
Garfiel : "Fuckin' pussy!"
Furuta : "Al Akra!"
As Garfiel's punch was approaching Furuta's face, the man raised his arm and casted some kind of magic. However, the outcome was more than I had anticipated for. As he spoke out the incarnation right before Garfiel was able to make the finishing blow, the entire square became as bright as the sun, and we were all engulfed by light.
— The light, as I watched, my eyes were burning. I had to conceal my eyes, hide them away from the light which was piercing my pupils.
Slowly but surely, the light diminished. I turned my gaze at where Furuta was laying down on the ground, but he was standing instead a few meters in front of us all.
Without a single scratch on his body, or a single wound, he gazed upon us with a disgusting smile of a smug.
Jens : "Garfiel! You should—— Huagh!?"
As I turned my gaze towards where Garfiel was standing, I saw a beast.
—Its body cloaked in golden-blond fur, I saw an enormous tiger. Its posture stooped low, the great, gold tiger glowers over the surroundings.
A giant tiger perhaps four meters in length. Viewing it as a four-legged beast, it boasted a body over twice the mass of the lions and tigers I knew.
Was this really, Garfiel Tinsel? I knew he was a Demi-Human, but I didn't know that they're able to transform into an actual beast, thus I was amazed.
Aura was burning and left his body as if he had too much of it. A bright gold like Aura was floating around his gold-like fur.
The giant tiger pressed its feet against the ground, as if ready to dash forward and turn the malicious man in front of him to shreds.
Furuta : "Isn't this lovely? Never had I expected that such losers would survive the Damsel of Distress."
Otto : "Isn't that enough talking for today? Garfiel! Go get him!"
As if he gave orders to the massive beast, Otto extended his right arm towards the direction of Furuta. To such instructions, the beast simply turned towards the man.
The giant tiger and the malicious man stood face to face with each other that instant. Their gazes collided with each other, it allowed them to savor the atmosphere, while we as spectators admired the aura they gave off with levity. In their clashing gazes, grew sparking flames of wrath and fury.
Furuta : "Is this how it is gonna be? Alright then! Don't mind me, but I'll slaughter every single fucking one of you like animals!"
To such words, Furuta escaped from my vision in an instant
Otto : "Ul Dona!"
Raising the defenses, Otto extended his other arm and an earthen wall rose from the soil. However, this wall was different from before. The wall was formed in a dome shape and surrounded Emilia and Legend, allowing her to continue healing Legend. Without him, we would all failure.
Standing at the rear, Tattletale gazed upon the scene at hand. Garfiel who was already transformed was furiously searching for his prey, while Otto Suwen simply looked around him to protect others. Then, with a single nod, she realized something.
Tattletale : "Oh my… Fuck! Jens, take the trials right now!"
My feet that wanted to run were caught by the unexpected words of Tattletale. I slightly tilted my head, and looked at her. Her eyes expressed nothing but stress, she was worried about what would happen next. However, once again a silly doubt crossed my mind as I looked at her.
Why do people like Tattletale… Like Legend care about me? They give everything what they have to fight for me. The Jens that they remembered, he's gone forevermore. A heroic return of such amazing person like the former me is basically impossible… So, why are they doing this? Why does she care so much about me?
Jens : "Huh…? What are you talking about? I'm not going to leave you all behind."
Tattletale : "No! He's trying to divide us. He's trying to cause even more chaos so he can take the trials carelessly. You must finish the trials before he can take them!"
As she spoke out such words, why were there still doubts carved on my mind? The words of Tattletale are mostly facts, thus I couldn't simply ignore them. But it doesn't feel right. Leaving my friends, everything what I have left behind to fight this man of malice, it is wrong.
I was paralyzed. Not because of Furuta, or anyone, but because of the meaning of her words. Her semblance could not be wrong based on her speculation, thus I had to follow her words. But I couldn't.
Why must I leave my friends behind to fight a man like Furuta, the one who is nobody's enemy but mine?
If I had the power, if I had the knowledge, if I had the strength… If I had my memories, I would've saved them all, and would've slaughtered Furuta.
Yes, that's how it is. If I was worthy of this position, I would've saved them all and slaughtered whoever comes between me and them. They're all that I have left, and abandoning them now, would leave a scar on my heart.
All of them. I love them. Thus, there is this itching ache deep within my heart that makes me want to move. An irritating pain that makes me want to scream their names out loud. It is something that I had from the beginning of all this.
Is this affection? Am I bonding with them? Are we growing feelings for each other? Is… This actual love?
—Emilia, the girl who I fell in love with. Whenever I'm close with her, I feel a spark of hope igniting within me. She levitates me from the depths of my despair. She is the reason why I want to believe in myself. The reason why I want to press forward and save everyone, is Emilia.
—Nathan Harmonia, a friend that nobody deserves, and a friend that nobody can imagine. I am glad to have him as a friend. Deep within me, I am still alone, but when I am with him, I feel happy. I have the feeling that I can share whatever with him. Nathan… Is a good friend.
—Otto Suwen, a merchant with a heart of gold. He may not be powerful, but his dedication to aim for victory is something that one only can admire. Having spend weeks with him, and even training with him, I know that I can trust him. Because… Otto, is my friend.
—Ram and Rem, the shattered sisters. Because of Gluttony, my relationship with Ram has stained drastically. The fact that nobody but myself can remember Rem, makes it unbearable. However, the only one who can understand Ram is I, the one who cannot remember anyone anymore. Still, despite being yelled at or making fun of, I still care about them… Because they, are precious to me.
—Angel, a hero to-be. If it wasn't for her, I would have never met Emilia, nor any of these friends. If only I could repay that debt, the debt of giving me a life in this wonderful, yet dark world… only then would I be satisfied. Still… Even though I don't have anything to repay her with, she still wants to stay at my side. That's because Angel… Is irreplaceable for me.
—Weiss Schnee, the Ice Queen. From the days at the Royal capital of Lugnica, it was she who caught my attention. Through fighting, through protecting, through various things, we still made it and with each obstacle, we have bonded more and more. It was she who defeated Capella Emerada Lugnica at the Royal Castle of Lugnica. I would have never allowed her to fight Capella, but her tears made me change my mind. Within her smile, and within her sorrow, I realized that she cares about me. That… is the reason why I must protect her. That's because she, Weiss Schnee, is important to me.
There were too many people that I had already met, friends who I am not even good friends with, but there were also people that I want to meet. There are many people that I have heard various stories about. I want to meet them all, so I can protect them… Because they… helped me.
Jens : "Ruaagh!"
I opened the palm of my hand, and light materialized. The radiance of the sun formed a physical appearance of a polearm. Immediately, I tossed it forward towards Furuta.
The spear of the polearm pierced right through his right shoulder. The power of that attack made Furuta lose balance, and tripped. Using the momentum, I dashed forward once again, and raised the polearm, completely ripping his shoulder open.
A fountain of crimson blood was spraying at the square. Blood drops fell down from the sky as if it was raining blood.
Otto : "Now!"
With a sinuous gesture, Otto Suwen swung his arms and created circle made of stone. Then, he jumped in the air and landed on the board. Right after, he swung his arms backwards, causing the earth to unravel from underneath him. The pebbles that were shaken by Otto's earthen powers caused him to strive forward towards Furuta.
Riding the circle stone, he approached Furuta at an ridiculous pace. Then, with a single swoosh of his hand, he tossed four rocks towards his face. Three of the four pebbles landed on his face, causing a few teeth to fly out of his mouth.
Furuta : "Ylerin!"
Pointing the palm of his hand towards Otto and the others, he released a shockwave of radiance. The bright light that immersed from his skin dispelled every kind of magic. However, it wasn't just magic. My sword, it vanished. The steel edge of my blade turned to light, as if glass scattered.
In addition to that, the giant golden tiger returned to its original form. The golden fur grew back into his skin, and the animalistic characteristics of a tiger were beyond noticeable.
Garfiel : "Ach!?"
The boy returned to his human form. Standing in the middle of the square, Garfiel Tinsel gazed at the square, as if reassuring that his consciousness wasn't malfunctioning.
Skin which was painted crimson soon healed. The formal uniform of the malicious man returned to its former state. There wasn't a single wound to be found on Furuta's body. Even his teeth, they grew back.
There is something about this dude which makes it impossible to actually kill him. Even decapitating him wouldn't be enough. How are we going to kill Furuta, or at least stop him without all our powers?
This must be the power of his Semblance. A divine protection is unable to prevent someone from dying this many times. What could it be though?
Just a minute ago, his physical body turned to gas. When I swung my sword, it went right through him. Now, when I do hit him, he is somehow able to regenerate everything. Such power, how are we going to defeat that…?
??? : "Fuck it!"
I heard a voice of a girl that I am worried about. Especially after that scream, did I feel anxiety regarding her ideals. From behind me, I felt someone grabbing my clothes. Her arm strength was something which I was confused about for a second. She wasn't supposed to be that strong physically, but
Jens : "Huah?! Tattletale, what are…"
Tattletale : "Come fuckin' on!"
A masterful companion, ranked at the power level of Thinker 7, Tattletale Lisa Wilbourn. Her ideals, willing to help me because I was one of her friends in the past. Isn't that story too good to be true? From what I remember, her power allowed her to guess really closely to the answer. Thus, why hasn't she given better instructions? Why hasn't she revealed any of my or Furuta's hidden powers? Why Why Why….
Furuta : "Not so fast!"
Extending his arm to the left, the palm of his hand was aiming towards us two. Tattletale who was dragging me started to rush forward towards the entrance of the Sanctuary Temple. From his fingertips, multiple rays of burning light were flaming and radiating towards us.
As the radiating light approached us, my vision became more blurry with each second that I stared at it. Tattletale who was dragging me crouched instantly, causing me to fall on the ground. However, as we ducked, the result was that the magical light flew right past us.
Qrow : "Don't forget 'bout me, yer psycho!"
Swinging his sword, Qrow Branwen inflicted multiple wounds on Furuta's chest. However, as he did so, Furuta opened his eyes.
Furuta : "Huh!"
But that right instant, an even brighter light immersed and swallowed the entire square… No, the entire village was under the radiance of such light.
Emilia : "Jens!"
As I gazed to my side, I saw Emilia.
Her beautiful amethyst eyes. Her silky, yet long silver hair. Her cute, pointy ears. Her funny personality. My heart… It trembled wonderfully while I saw her in my final thoughts.
The light… It was beautiful.
Where did the light come from? Was it a power of Furuta? No, that can't be. Just a second ago, Furuta was just as shocked as I was when the light had risen.
What was the meaning behind the light? I couldn't understand.
My entire body, it was burning. It felt like I turned to ashes and was swept away by the wind.
Was I standing? Was I laying on the ground? Was I even moving?
Was I breathing? Am I still alive? Do I even exist as of right now?
Many questioned flowed through my mind, but there were no answers for such questions. Before I could realize, I lost my consciousness.
※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※
Meanwhile somewhere else, a group of both combatants and non-combatants made their way towards the mansion of margrave lord Roswaal L. Mathers.
Pressing their feet against the surface of earth, they ran as fast as they could towards their destination, not knowing what lied ahead.
The maid with pink hair and an furious expression lead the group onwards. Behind her, Melissa and Frederica were holding an unconscious boy in their arms. They supported the boy's body by dragging his arms around their shoulder. At least one hour had passed, and Nathan Harmonia was still unconscious.
Behind them, Angel, Weiss Schnee, Blake Belladonna and Yang Xiao Long were following the others.
They were already within Roswaal's territory, yet their destination remained unseen. Thinking about this, Ram grows more doubts. What if something bad happened at the Mansion? What if Beatrice wasn't able to protect the Mansion, or perhaps the Library against intruders?
Frederica : "We're here!"
Luckily, such doubts scattered the moment Frederica Baumann spoke out. Never had Ram been that happy because of her voice.
In the distance, they noticed the obsidian gate, with floral decorations colored gold. Immediately, Ram noticed that this had to be the gate to the Mansion of Roswaal. However, for some reason… It was open.
The pink-haired maid gazed at the lock of the gate, but before she was able to notice anything. Yang spoke out in reassurance.
Yang : "Don't worry. The villagers probably broke it to enter the terrain."
Ram : "…"
Not reacting to the words of the gold-haired girl, Ram pushed the gates further open, and dashed towards the entrance of the Mansion.
However, as they came closer and closer with the mansion, Ram widened her eyes in shock. Immediately, she let out a powerful shout.
Ram : "Stop right there!"
Extending her arm towards the rear, both Frederica and Melissa placed Nathan's unconscious body on the solid surface of the soil. Immediately, Melissa placed both her hands on his muscular abs, and started healing his internal organs.
Frederica raised her body, and gazed at Ram who was staring at the mansion. The group of both combatants and non-combatants had finally arrived at the Mansion of Roswaal.
Drops of sweat fell from everyone's forehead. They started breathing as fast as they could, to recover their normal breathing.
Ram : "There seems to be some sort of unrest while we were gone. If we don't take care of it, we'll certainly regret it."
Blake : "What kind of unrest are you referring to? I'm not sensing anything what so ever."
Ram : "I was told that the villagers of the Sanctuary evacuated to the mansion, yet there seems to be nobody what so ever. What kind of malicious prank may this be?"
To such question, Ram responded painfully cold. But, what she said was the truth. It was suspicious at first sight. Within the gates, the citizens of the Sanctuary would be safe, so why would they enter the Mansion without an enemy threating them?
Weiss : "She is right. There's no soul to be seen."
Frederica : "Ram-sama… Could you use your clairvoyance?"
The leopard-human threw a suggestion into the strategic game of "Guessing What's Up". However, such suggestion was shot down instantly.
Ram : "If I hadn't run this fast, I would've been able to do so. However, it seems that both my physical and mental capabilities are unable to do anything what so ever. I need to recover from that run."
Yang : "On it. We must divide the groups, equally. Both combatants and non-combatants should be mixed."
Then, as she raised a finger and pointed it towards the sky, Weiss spoke out pridefully.
Weiss : "That sounds right. Nathan is still unconscious, though he shall return to his senses as soon as Melissa finished healing him. Thus, Melissa, Nathan, Ram and Yang shall stay here. Does that sound fine with you all?"
Ram : "I don't care as long you all can protect the civilians of the Sanctuary. After that, it will be I who will crush that clown's skull."
Cruel words, but once again, they were true. The meaning behind her words was literal, there was nothing else behind it. Her true intentions, her feelings, he expressed them in words which were easy to understand.
With a single nod of Blake, Weiss moved her gaze from Blake towards the sky. Then, pridefully, she spoke out.
Weiss : "Before I'll leave, I shall grant assistance even in my absence."
Grabbing her Myrtenaster, she pointed her rapier towards the sky, and spoke out an incantation unfamiliar to anyone.
Weiss : "Allow me to savor the atmosphere whilst I bless these lands like falling petals in front of Heaven's gate."
As she spoke out the final word, the tip of her rapier Myrtenaster started to glow. Bright sparks like the color of meadows started to collide with each other, causing them to explode in various directions. Multiple beams had interacted with various organisms, like for example the group she was with. As a result, former wounds started to mend.
The wound on Ram's back which was inflicted by Elsa Granhiert, it vanished.
The massive scar on Nathan's face which was caused by Ash, the Damsel of Distress, it simply faded.
The stains of blood on Frederica's clothes, they diminished.
Weiss : "Don't misunderstand, this isn't the power of my magical capabilities. The power you witnessed just now lies within the power of Mana. I used the Mana which was stored up in my weapon. Myself has no magical capabilities what so ever. Thus, you shouldn't expect more assistance in the future, unless I somehow get my hands on even more mana."
Frederica : "Don't worry Weiss-sama! That was amazing, thank you very much for your consideration on using that on us!"
The girl with white hair turned towards Frederica who praised her. With a single wink and a smile, she as well smiled.
Weiss : "Why of course."
However, such sympathetic situation wasn't supposed to be held now. Thus, Ram interrupted them.
Ram : "Enough, go inside and search for any other people. Meanwhile, we'll search here. If you'll find Beatrice-sama, escort her directly towards the exit!"
Blake : "We're on it!"
With such words, Blake Belladonna dashed forward towards the big entrance of the Mansion. Right after her, Weiss Schnee followed and behind her, Frederica and Angel. Within only a few seconds, they disappeared from everyone's sight.
Once again, Melissa moved her gaze from the other group towards the shirtless Nathan. There was one massive wound on the middle of his stomach. However, slowly but surely, it was mending. It wasn't just Melissa's magic which was treating the wound, but the unique and magical incantation of Weiss Schnee surely assisted the process.
Melissa : "I hope they'll be alright…"
Then, she spoke out. Her voice, it sounded so shy and nervous. Her shoulder-length dark green hair was wavering by the wind.
As she spoke out what was on her mind as of that moment, Ram did so as well.
Ram : "The only thing I hope for… is if today will ever end."
Melissa : "What do you mean?"
She asked what she meant, but all the only response she received was something she did not expect.
Ram : "Nothing, the meaning is literal. Something inconsequential to this degree you should be able to see through. Or is your intent truly to question? In that case, it's laughable to the point of hurting one's sides."
The voice of the pink-haired maid was contaminated by malice and wrath. Her facial expression, it expressed only fury and anger. The young Ram was furious by something unknown.
Yang : "Wow, chill down Ram."
Immediately, Yang turned around towards the others and spoke out.
Melissa : "Uhm… You don't have to be mean to everyone. You understand that, right?"
Sharing what she was thinking, Ram clicked her tongue in annoyance. She narrowed her eyes slightly and turned towards the mansion, turning her back towards the others.
Ram : "Tch… Whatever. I just want today to end. All of this, it's crazy."
Yang : "Are you talking about… That blue-haired girl?"
Mentioning those words, it brought both sorrow and even more fury to the young maid.
Ram : "It's impossible to deny that she looks a lot like myself. If the capabilities of Gluttony are as Jens said, then that indeed is my sister."
Melissa : "He isn't lying. Please, trust me."
Then, right when she said that, Ram turned around towards the group again. Her eyes, they were burning in anger while overflowing tears streamed down to her chin and fell onto the ground.
Seeing Ram like this, both Yang and Melissa were shocked. They didn't quite know what was going on with her, as she hadn't expressed much since the beginning of all this.
Ram : "How can one trust someone who isn't even on our side? I'm not intending to be rude, but in all seriousness, do you truly expect equal treatment from myself? It's not that suspicious, foolish idiot Jens… But you as well. We were the first ones to hear the news… The Leader of the Witch Cult's identity is revealed, is what Roswaal told me."
Yang : "Hey calm down Ram, I was there as well… and…"
Before Yang was able to finish her sentence, the troubled demon girl swung her hand towards the rear in anger.
Ram : "And what?! You claim that you do not remember anything from what happened at the Capital City, is that right? Then, you appeared here, whoever may had brought you."
Yang : "So what? I don't know who brought me here. Is that a problem?"
Ram : "My problem is today. Once again, you lost your consciousness during the battle against Adam Taurus. Right? Because the former is exactly as stated by you and Blake."
To such words, Yang widened her eyes in shock. Completely… Ram completely lost her mind. She was spouting out various kind of stuff.
Ram : "You know what… Who are you to be trusted? The great Yang Xiao Long, former member of Team RWBY, seemingly lost her consciousness during two battles, and can't remember shit. What a fuckin' hero."
The lilac colored eyes of Yang quickly turned that of crimson red.
Anger grew more anger.
Infuriating statements made more people furious.
Wrath was greater with more wrath.
Yang : "You don't know what you're talking about. You have no idea what I had to do face."
That was right. Ram had no idea what she had to face, because each time, she was defeated. The first time she met her mother… Even that was erased from her memories. Now that she lost her battle against Adam Taurus, it was her mother who saved her. But once again, there was no opportunity for her to actually meet her.
Ram : "Then who the fuck are you to tell me that I should calm down? You haven't lost shit! You don't know the first thing about losing! I lost my parents, my horn… and even my sister!"
With those words leaving her mouth, there was a sudden, and unexpected hug.
Ram : "…Huh."
Yang : "…"
Unexpected it was indeed. Yang Xiao Long embraced Ram's slender body. With all her strength, she didn't let go of Ram.
Ram didn't understand what was going on, but there was something which didn't made her push Yang away. For some reason, this hug… It felt warm.
Warmth of sympathy embraced her body as the gold-haired girl spoke out.
Yang : "I know how it feels… Believe me, I went through the same. I lost both of my mothers, I lost my sister, I lost my will to fight."
It was true. Every single bit of it was true.
Many years ago, back when Yang still lived in Eldia, she was born in a happy family. Taiyang Xiao Long was her father, and Raven Branwen was her mother. However, as soon as she turned the age of four, her parents went through a divorce. Yet, she was still happy. She didn't mind it at all, nor did her parents. They were still good friends.
Then, Yang started to live with her father and his new wife, Summer Rose. That was when she met her half-sister, Ruby Rose. She was the best sister Yang could dream for. But every fantasy came to its own, pitiful conclusion.
Yang : "My mother… She didn't want to be associated with my family. Thus, she left with me with my father. Though, I still saw her occasionally."
Ram : "…"
There was no response to such words.
Yang : "Then… I lost my step-mother. Summer Rose, that was her name. She was the strongest of the strongest. The best warrior ever existing. She was the best mother one could wish for…"
Ram : "…"
Once again, Ram did not respond to Yang's emotional words.
Yang : "I only lived with her for a few years. Because that was when I heard the news… Uncle Qrow, my father and my real mother all came back home, but Summer Rose was missing. That was because… She died."
Ram : "…"
Yang : "Both me and Ruby were devastated by the news. Yet, Ruby still wanted to become a warrior. So, she joined the warriors, and created team RWBY."
Ram : "…"
Yang : "But one day… She went missing. She's alive, I know she is. But still…"
Ram : "…"
Yang : "And when I tried to find my own, real mother back… She kept running away. Multiple times had she moved from Kingdom to Kingdom. I still want to know why left me, I really do. There are countless things I want to ask her, but until I meet her, I won't allow anger to overwhelm myself. And I… I… I'm just here, not knowing what to do, because I…"
Suddenly, the one who Yang embraced, unexpectedly hugged Yang too. Arms that intended to kill were now contaminated by sympathy and emotions.
Looking down at Ram, Yang saw watery eyes. Tears streamed all the way down from her cheeks to her chin, and the tears fell down on her boots. Noticing this, Yang smiles.
Ram : "I… I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. Please, forgive me. I should have said such obnoxious things to you! The only one to blame is myself! It's my fault that my sister is in that sorry-state! It's because I was too weak to go to the election ceremony! It was because I was too weak to protect myself from the Witch Cult that one night! I'm so sorry!"
The pink-haired maiden who was consumed by hate a minute ago, was now being embraced by a companion. Only now does Ram understand the meaning behind Yang's life.
Yang : "It's okay. It really is. But Ram…"
To such words, Ram raised her face towards Yang who spoke out her name. Her crimson eyes faded back to lilac, and her smile of genuine happiness turned to a sorrowful expression. Then, two of them let go of each other. Noticing this, Ram quickly brushed away her tears and turned her gaze back at Yang.
Yang : "Please understand… I still want to know what happened to my mother and why she left me, but I will never let that search control me. I want you to do the same. I want you to grow stronger until you'll beat the fuck out of the Witch Cult, but don't turn yourself into a monster… just for power."
With a single nod of confirmation, for the first time, a smile blossomed on the pink-haired maid's face.
Melissa : "G… Guys!"
Somewhat forgetting about Melissa, they turned their gazes instantly towards her, who was holding Nathan in her arms. Slowly, it seemed that he was regaining his consciousness, as his eyes were trying to open.
Nathan : "Hu…"
Both Ram and Yang bend down towards Nathan, and tried to raise his body by helping him stand up. Then, by moving his arms around their shoulders, the light-green haired boy was back on his feet.
Reassuring that he was conscious of his surroundings, he looked around and tried to understand where he was. The moment he turned around completely, he noticed the mansion, and blinked a few times.
Then, he spoke his current thoughts out loudly.
Nathan : "It seems I took quite a heavy hit, didn't I?"
Melissa : "You're alive. Isn't that all that matters?"
Immediately, the two of them smiled at each other. It was a peaceful sight, and somewhat tragic at once. She handed over his shirt, which was initially white, but now painted crimson red.
However, without any hesitations, he put his shirt on and looked like the normal Nathan from before. But, as soon as he started thinking about what happened, it brought both joy and sorrow.
Yes, Nathan survived, but he had been defeated by the one who killed his master.
Nathan : "She got away, didn't she?"
Melissa : "Nathan, please don't worry about that. I'll make sure that she'll die."
Nathan : "But even then… It's just as she said… I really am a loser huh…"
Those were his final thoughts before he had been defeated by the Damsel in Distress. Just as she said, Nathan was a loser. There was no other way around it, thus he didn't deny it himself.
Yang : "Mate, don't think 'bout it like that. You took a heavy hit, fuck yeah. Did you lose, hell yeah. But does that mean you can't beat her next time? We're all born to grow… and as we grow, we become stronger."
Nathan : "Whatever."
He didn't agree with the mindset of Yang Xiao Long at all, yet he didn't share his thoughts.
To him, he was indeed a loser. He swore to his master that he would protect those he cares about, but he failed. He lost everything which was dear to him, and wasn't able to guard any of them.
Felt was now participating in the royal election, which was a life threating position.
Melissa was taken in custody of the Witch Cult and became one of their people.
And then… His master self. She was a beautiful woman, but she as well… was lost.
All of them, slowly they were taken away from Nathan.
Why did he need to suffer such despair and sorrows? Did god decide that everything which is dear to him, has to be taken away from him, or is he simply an unlucky person? Either way, Nathan is devasted.
??? : "I~t seems that everything is going a~aaaalright?"
A voice unfamiliar echoed through everyone's mind. That voice came from behind them. It was a voice of a young woman, or perhaps a little girl.
Ram : "That… Voice…"
Nathan : "What…"
Seemingly, only Nathan and Ram recognized the voice. It was that of an old companion, or perhaps now a "former" companion.
Immediately as they spoke out in shock, they turned around and moved their gazes at the young girl which was in front of them.
Her olive green eyes glistened in the sunlight, while her purple hair which was braided wavering in the wind, she gazed at the group with nothing but excitement. It wasn't the owner's voice which made shocked them, but it was the fact that the owner of the voice was still alive.
Ram : "Meili? Where did you come from?"
Meili : "O~ooh don't worry! I simply came here toooo~ have some fun!"
It was Meili Portroute who made a glorious reappearance just now. Compared to the last time that they had seen her, she was wearing different clothes. Initially, she was wearing a single purple dress. Now, she was seen wearing a black dress with a black and orange cape. The outlines of her cape were colored dark purple.
Nathan : "What the fuck…"
Right beside Meili, there was a massive beast. It was a Demon Beast, a creature created by the Witch.
—To everyone, the beast beside the little girl was an even bigger shock.
A lion-esque feline head, with the skinny body of a horse or a goat. Its long tail whips about like a snake. It was massive enough to block the mansion's hallway.
Everyone gazed at the beast in shock. It was uncommon for "The Jet Black King of The Forest" Guiltylowe to appear this far away from the forest. Why was a Demon Beast this dangerous so close to the mansion?
Nathan : "Meili… What…Huah!"
—Now Nathan understands what's going on. Everything falls into its place.
From the first time Nathan had entered the "Forest of Never Returning", he had been reunited with Elsa Granhiert there. But it wasn't just that, there was the Guiltylowe as well. There was a small girl tied up to the Guiltylowe that time… That little girl, it was Meili Portroute.
Roswaal L Mathers was affiliated with that affair, along with Elsa Granhiert in the Capital City most likely. Along with that, he was also behind this incident at the Sanctuary. Now, with Meili Portroute here, and a Demon Beast beside her who has no desires of slaughtering her, Nathan gulps in fear as he realizes the truth.
Thus, this means…
Nathan : "Meili… What, are you?"
Meili : "Did I forget to tell you all? Meee~ and bad animals are really good friends!"
※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※
My consciousness was shaken greatly by the beam of radiating light.
I tried to open my eyes, but as I did, I saw nothing but a dark place.
It was a narrow tunnel, completely made of mossy stone bricks and normal stone bricks. Some of them were partly broken, with multiple cracks going through them.
I heard some insects gnawing on something, and making frustrating noises. Wait…
Where am I? Wasn't I at the square just a second ago?
Reassuring of my safety, I raised my higher body and gazed aside. Beside me, I saw an unconscious Emilia and an unconscious Tattletale. Both of them were unharmed. Thus, I exhaled out of relief.
I got back on my feet and looked around. Immediately, I realized where we were. This were, the Sanctuary Trial grounds. The stone bricks were so familiar to myself, thus drawing the conclusion wasn't too hard.
However, there was nobody else to be seen. Even Furuta wasn't here. Otto Suwen, Garfiel Tinsel, Qrow Branwen and Legend were missing.
As I got back on my feet, I decided to wake the others up. I gently brushed Emilia's hair, causing her eyes to blink a few times. Her glistening purple eyes gazed at me, and a smile of a beautiful girl blossomed.
Emilia : "Jens… Is everything alright? What happened?"
That sacred like smile soon turned to lips that expressed nothing but concern.
To such words I breathed out once again. I wasn't sure what happened either. From what I remembered, Furuta released a great amount of radiating light which swallowed all of us. After that, my consciousness turned dark.
Jens : "I don't know. After Furuta released that incredible amount of light, we probably lost our consciousness. Though, someone must have brought us here. Probably Tattletale, thank god you're safe. Though… It seems others are missing."
Hearing that, Emilia raised her body and stood up. Then, she turned her face towards mine. My sky colored eyes met the gaze of her beautiful amethyst ones.
Emilia : "So that's the case. I shall find the others who are still within the village. You must focus on the trials."
Jens : "Alright. But first, let's inform Tattletale."
She responded with a single nod of confirmation.
The two of us took a few steps towards the unconscious Tattletale. Gently, Emilia blushed her cheek, causing her to wake up as well. She blinked multiple times, to assure that she was awake. She swept away her own watery eyes as she sighed and stood up.
Tattletale : "What happened… Actually, it appears that Furuta used that ability to stop the fight, I would assume."
Immediately when she was back on her feet, she started to share her analysis of the current circumstances. As a response, Emilia opened up her arms and spoke out.
Emilia : "Tattletale, do you know how we can find the others?"
She placed her hand on her cheek and formed a thoughtful expression. She gazed down at the ground while thinking about the thousands of answers which Tattletale could respond with.
Tattletale : "If Furuta took them, then they're probably with the enemy as of now. However, I am not quite sure what kind of power that was. It could have been something which he can only use when at the brink of death. So, if I would have to give it a guess, they're probably somewhere else within this temple."
Jens : "Wait… It wasn't you who brought us here?"
Tattletale : "A rather stupid question. There was no way that I would be unaffected of such power. Just like you, I lost my consciousness. If one person brought us here, it had to be someone of the other group."
She was right. It couldn't be her, nor Emilia. Someone must have found us unconscious laying on the ground and brought us here.
Emilia : "Maybe it is better if we keep moving. We must search for survivors and find the entrance of the Trial grounds."
To her words, both me and Tattletale nodded in confirmation.
There were two paths we could go. Either left, or right.
Emilia pointed with her finger towards the left, which meant if we wanted to go this way or not.
Tattletale : "You must have forgotten the true potential of my power. Remember, I am really good at guessing."
She pointed towards the left path. There were more cracks within the stone bricks in comparison with the right path.
Tattletale : "This is the exit. The cracked bricks were caused because of intruders. In addition to that, the inner part of the temple is protected by special kind of miasma, which causes intruders to lose their consciousness. There is zero chance that a cracked brick can be found there. Thus, it is most likely that right is the path towards the sanctuary's inner area."
To that explanation, both me and Emilia gazed at Tattletale in excitement. She was right, once again. Her semblance, it isn't mistaken what so ever. It's powerful, perhaps just as powerful as magical skills.
It was great to have Tattletale on our side. She truly was a perfect thinker. Her semblance allowed us to know the path towards out destination. To such information, Emilia was the first one to walk forward. Me and Tattletale followed soon after.
We took only a few steps towards the right where the inner part of the Sanctuary was located, until I noticed something which I had never seen before.
Both Emilia and Tattletale stopped walking as they gazed at my confused self.
There were three doors located within hallway. Two of which were made of wood and were at the left side of the path, while one black door was at the right side.
Jens : "These doors… They were never here. Why are they here now…?"
I took a few steps towards the black door. There were characters carved within the black material, but it was beyond readable. Thus, I looked at Emilia, who soon after realized what I was trying to do.
As she stood right beside me, she narrowed her eyes slightly. However, just like me, Emilia seemed to be unable to recognize any of it.
Emilia : "Tattletale, do you know what this says?"
Approaching the black door, Tattletale gazed at the weird characters which were carved on the door. There were five characters in total. It reminded me of Japanese katakana characters, but they were way more complex, with multiple strokes and multiple dots. The second character looked a lot like omega, but was somewhat different. It had three dots in the middle, and had a single line on top.
Tattletale : "Dona, is what these characters mean. It is written with the language of Eldia… Weird, there shouldn't be any traces of Eldia on the surface of Lugnica. One day, Vincent ordered us to erase all traces… But if there are characters like this here… Then there must be more."
Emilia : "Dona?"
As I heard that name, I gulped.
Jens : "That's probably the nickname of the Witch of Greed."
Yes, he remembers now. It was Minerva, the Witch of Wrath who called Echidna by that nickname.
Tattletale : "Does Echidna call herself Dona? Isn't that weird."
Jens : "Well, not really actually. It was Minerva who called her like that."
Blinking two times, Emilia moved her gaze towards mine. As our gazes met, she stared at me in full seriousness. I hadn't seen her this serious since the ceremony of the royal election.
Jens : "What is it Emilia?"
The pupils of her eyes were trembling in concern. Still, our gazes had not faced somewhere else. For a few seconds, she stared at me as if she had lost her tongue.
Putting her hands together, she raised her face slightly, and spoke out.
Emilia : "Minerva… That name makes me think of something… Something I do not recall."
Tattletale : "Roswaal must have mentioned that name one time. Putting that aside, what shall we do?"
To be honest, I had no idea what to do. Until now, everything had been chaotic. Too much stuff was going on at the same time. While the mansion was falling, we were trying to prevail within the trials. Thus, we must continue. Our first priority would be taking my first trial before Furuta can.
Jens : "What do the other two doors say?"
Turning her gaze at the two other doors, Tattletale grinned.
Tattletale : "Betty and Lewes."
As soon as I heard the first name, I turned my eyes towards Emilia's face. Her entire face, it turned to that which expressed concern. Her eyes widened in shock as they moved towards me.
Jens : "Wait… B-Beatrice…?!"
Emilia : "Does that mean… Beatrice-sama is somehow affiliated with the Sanctuary?"
It finally made sense now. Just now, something clicked within my mind.
The cups that Beatrice and Echidna had, the cups of tea… The respective colors represented people that were affiliated with each other. Gray had to be Echidna. Cream would be Beatrice and blue had to be Roswaal.
As I realized such truth, the wooden door with the name "Lewes" opened.
A single, petite girl had revealed herself. She stepped forward and stood right in front the three of us. She had long, fluffy pale pink hair that curved outwards at the end. She wore a large black robe that dragged along the ground and was too big for her hands to show completely through the sleeves.
??? : "You must be here for the trials."
Her squeaker like voice echoed through the tunnel. She looked around the age of eleven, or perhaps twelve. As she spoke out, I responded.
A chill-like feeling streamed through my spine as I confirmed her presence with my senses. As I gazed at her petite body, I questioned her position and name.
Jens : "Who are you?"
Alpha : "My name is Lewes Alpha. One of many Lewes'."
Such words left me speechless. I had no idea what that could mean. In confusion, I turned towards Emilia and Tattletale, who had the same facial expression as myself.
Jens : "Why does this sign say Betty? Is it Beatrice's?"
Alpha : "Perhaps it would be better if you would follow me. Mother ordered me to treat guests right, after all."
Without being able to accept such offer, Lewes Alpha had already turned around towards the door which she came from. Opening it, she entered it and we followed.
A massive open room with a single, massive cerulean colored crystal in the center. Around that crystal were multiple bookshelves and tables. It looked like some kind of laboratory, or something around those lines.
But there was something even more crazy…
Within the crystal which was in the middle of the room, was the same girl that called herself Lewes Alpha. She wore nothing but a single piece of cloth.
Alpha : "This is Lewes Meyer. One of Mother's apprentices."
Then, right as she spoke out such words, another Lewes had entered the room. As of right now, there were three Lewes' in my vision. Lewes Alpha, Lewes Meyer, and another Lewes.
Beta : "My name is Beta Meyer. The words of Lewes Alpha are literal, no other meaning behind it. It was Lewes Meyer who saved the Sanctuary."
I didn't quite understand what the identical little girls were talking about, thus I turned my eyes towards Emilia and Tattletale, who were just as confused as I was.
Alpha : "Beta, go take care of the Barrier's light matrix, you may turn it off already. We have already dealt with the threat."
Her little body expressed nothing but seriousness. It was as if she knew what task must be dealt with. As if orders were life goals, she would take care of them easily.
Then, the girl with a skin-tight suit, with a color scheme of lavender stepped forward. She pointed one finger towards the stone ceiling, and spoke out.
Tattletale : "The Barrier's Light Matrix? Are you referring to the light we just witnessed?"
In confirmation, the little girl nodded and verbally confirmed.
Alpha : "That is correct."
In addition to Tattletale's question, Emilia too expressed her confusion to the little girl Alpha .
Emilia : "Then it was you who saved us, right?"
To such innocent words the girl in front of us simply tilted her head, slightly. Then, with a single blink of an eye, she raised her face once again, and spoke out.
Alpha : "That's almost correct. It was me, Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Sigma and Theta."
While I was silent, the two girls beside me drew information from the "Meyers" as if they were our only source of information. It wasn't because I didn't have questions, it was mostly because I was nervous of what came next.
Emilia : "Our other friends… where are they? Garfiel-san, Otto-san, Legend and Qrow-san. Did you save them as well?"
With a single blink, Lewes Alpha grabbed a staff from the table and gazed at us with a serious facial expression. Her blue eyes were sharp, and her gaze was even sharper.
Alpha : "Worry not young lady. They're all safe."
Pressing the palm of her hand against her cheek, Emilia formed a troubled facial expression as she was staring at the eyes of Lewes Alpha. Within their gazes grew scattering sparks of temptation. Their conversation started to heat up. While Emilia threw a question at the little girl, Lewes was ready to answer.
Emilia : "Huh… If I may ask, why did you save us? Aren't you supposed to be the guardian of the Sanctuary Temple?"
Alpha : "Aren't we doing that what was ordered? We are protecting the Sanctuary from those who we do not desire to enter. One of them, was Furuta Washuu. Mother would have no desires to have a tea party with him, thus we activated the Barrier's Light Matrix. Unfortunately, like Furuta, it affected you all as well, which wasn't our doing."
Emilia : "It wasn't? Then who's intention was it?"
Alpha : "It was the Sanctuary's. The Sanctuary… It has its own will. The Will of the Sanctuary rises with each day."
It sounded crazy, but was it really?
In this world, there were countless things which I had no clue about. Thus, it wouldn't be that crazy if a magical barrier had its own will.
Jens : "This… Barrier of the Sanctuary, did Echidna create it?"
Alpha : "Perhaps. That is not something we're supposed to tell you… Not yet at least."
Then, with one more step forward, Tattletale spoke out a question right after another.
Tattletale : "Pardon my sudden question, but if I may ask… What are you all?"
Alpha : "We are the clones of Lewes Meyer. Our mother created us to protect the Sanctuary. Don't grow misconceptions of mother please, it was Lewes Meyer who sacrificed herself."
Jens : "Your… Mother?"
I slightly tilted my head. I already knew who her mother was, as it wasn't too hard to guess. Yet, I still wanted her to confirm my question.
Perhaps it was somewhat cruel to ask the name of the deceased mother, but I didn't mind at all in fact. Probably because I don't even know who my own mother may be.
Alpha : "Echidna. The Witch of Greed is our mother. She created us… But not just us."
As if a light bulb started to shine above Emilia's head, inspiration streamed through her mind and an idea flashed through her consciousness. Immediately, she raised one finger and turned her gaze at me instantly.
Emilia : "Anastasia-sama! Do you remember!?"
In my mind, it took a few minutes to understand what the cute Emilia was referring to. However, it only took a single second in reality.
Jens : "Do you mean…?"
I stuttered, as I was still somewhat confused about all that we had stumbled in to.
Emilia : "It has to be! Alpha-san!"
To the eccentric voice of Emilia, the little girl tilted her head and asked.
Alpha : "What is it Half-Elf?"
Emilia : "At the royal election ceremony, there was a candidate which went by the name of Anastasia Hoshin. She… had a rather unnatural companion with her. It was an artificial spirit, which went by the name of Echidna."
Alpha : "Aha yes. That thing, just as all of, were created by Mother. Though, that thing was somewhat special. Mother even named that thing after herself. Isn't that poetic?"
Personally, I found that somewhat sketchy. The way she referred to Anastasia's companion… why was I that troubled by it? The moment she started referring to that thing, she pressed her tongue against her teeth, which made the word thing sound different. Honestly, somewhat weird, wasn't it?
Anyhow, I simply shrugged that off my mind and stepped forward, as I was about to ask something. However, Emilia was faster. She extended her arm and spoke out in desperation.
Emilia : "I see. So I was right huh. Alpha-san… Can you tell me everything about what happened to the Sanctuary, to Echidna… To Beastrice-sama and you?"
Alpha : "That would be against the rules. We can only provide such information to 'That Person'. If 'That Person' isn't here, then we are not capable of providing such information. It's simply against the rules."
Jens : "That… Person?"
Alpha : "Also that, we are not allowed to tell you. However, it does appear that you have the necessary qualities to take the first trial. Young man, why don't you follow me, as I'll lead you towards the Trial grounds. If you would succeed the first trial, we… All of the remaining Lewes Meyer copies shall provide information. We shall tell you whatever your heart desires, as long we're capable of answering."
Emilia : "This really seems to be a dead-end huh. It seems that there is no way to go but… For Jens to take the Trials."
Alpha : "Talk to me whenever you're ready for the Trials. I'll be here, waiting."
As she spoke out, she turned around and walked towards the crystal in the middle of the room. She placed her staff on the table and started writing on a piece of paper while still gazing at the crystal. It was a weird sight, but I didn't pay much attention to it at all.
Right now, all that I could think about were the trials. This was the moment I had to start taking the Trials, I was the only one who could take them.
Is it weird that I was afraid? I had no idea what I could expect from my past, thus my back, along with the palms of my hands started to sweat. I was so nervous, I probably looked like an idiot. What kind of face was I even making…?
Tattletale : "Hmm… Jens."
As I turned my eyes towards the one who spoke out my name, Tattletale jumped in my arms and embraced me. Tightly, she didn't let go at all. The warmth that formed between the two of us, it was friendly, nothing more.
I nervously gazed with one eye at Emilia, who was looking at me worriedly, but she wasn't troubled by this friendly hug at all. Thus, I embraced Tattletale as well.
Tattletale : "I… I'm so sorry."
As I heard a sincere apology, I frowned my eyebrows. I didn't expect to hear such words while I was being embraced by her. Slowly but surely, I pushed her shoulders gently away from mine. Then, I gazed seriously in her eyes while looking at her.
Tattletale : "The First Trial… It's a psychological phenomenon where you'll witness your past. You will have to accept it, and succeed…. Or deny it, and fail."
Jens : "Tattletale… Why did you apologize?"
Tattletale : "You'll… You'll see everything what happened… Even now, I still want to be your friend. Even after all the things I said to you, I still want to be by your side…"
Jens : "Tattletale…. Without you, we would have never made it this far. Remember? No matter what I'll see, you'll forever be with me if you desire do so."
Tattletale : "You are underestimating what I'm intending to say. I expect the worst from the Witch of Greed, thus I'm pretty sure she'll… Show our last fight we had."
―Our last fight… Those words echoed in my mind as I kept staring her watery eyes. I only knew Tattletale for a day, and already was I scarred that that friendship would break. Though, how bad could a fight be? She's still alive, and I'm still alive, doesn't that mean that everything ended good?
Jens : "Tattletale… You're scaring me."
Tattletale : "I… I am a liar. I know way more than that I told you two… It's not just the fight. There's much more…"
Emilia : "What are you talking about?
Slowly, tears started to stream down Tattletale's face. I had never seen such a sorrowful look on her face.
Tattletale did not respond to Emilia's question what so ever. Instead, she turned her gaze towards the ground, and refused to answer.
Tattletale : "Huh…"
Emilia's young, smooth, maiden-like fingers touched Tattletale's hands. Her fingers were entangled in hers, and the beautiful amethyst colored eyes gazed in those of Tattletale.
Beautiful woman's gaze and a beautiful woman's gaze meet. Thus, a spectacular sight was created. In their gazes grew a million emotions. But before any of those were able to be expressed, Emilia spoke out once again.
Emilia : "Tattletale…. Don't worry. No matter what, we forgive you. After all… you're our friend, remember?"
By slightly petting the skin of Tattletale's hands, Emilia calmed Tattletale down quite a bit. It was amazing to see Emilia interacting like that with her. I did not expect something like that to happen.
Tattletale : "I wish it was that easy. But I lied about other things… I know way more than that you want to know…"
Jens : "Tattletale… What are you even talking about? Tell me, please. Aren't we friends?"
Tattletale : "…It's about you Jens."
I gulped.
Why was there a feeling of despair coming up?
Why did I feel like throwing up?
My heart, why did it hurt so much?
My limbs, why weren't any of them moving?
My throat, why didn't any words come out?
Emilia : "It's alright."
Suddenly, a familiar warmth embraced my entire body. As Emilia spoke out, I felt her fingers entangle mine. Our hands melted together as if she was supporting me both physically and mentally. As I turned my gaze towards her, I felt like crying.
Beside me, there was a girl I loved. Realizing this, I reassured that I was still breathing and nodded. Then, I turned my gaze towards Tattletale, and spoke out with pride.
Jens : "What is it."
Tattletale : "My Semblance… It told me that you're destined to fail the Trials."
※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone