“The bombs hath landed far, but the sound doth echoes. Be silent, for there is seldom to draw thou bellows.” Theodore lied in an attempt to quench the moans of panic from a patient in treatment. The poor soul had taken heavy fire in the neighboring battleground, but was fortunate enough to have lost only a portion of his leg.

The bombs weren’t remote, they were very near, lingering over the ridge of a mountain. Theodore had heard their blasts too frequently to mistake the rumbles, nor claps of light in the distant glooms of clouds, for thunder. It was a good day, so far. The many cries of pain, not just from the soldier being operated on but from a few other body bags waiting their turn, were light this time.

But amongst this decrepit tent that acted as a hospital, a saving grace had arrived, and the good doctor was in for a pleasant surprise.

“H-Hello? Oh, thanks the gods there’s someone here!” Herald slithered through the drapes.

“General! Herald, I presume? At least, the books by thou name suggest doth armor such an heirloom.” Theodore rambled, excited to see markings of an ally on Herald’s uniform.

“That’s right… Eck! Excuse my- Gah!” He convulsed at the sight of Theodore’s subject. “...My weak constitution. I’m pleased to see there’s someone in the backlines willing to leave a helping hand. Partly because I’m not the only one! It’s a bloodbath out there! They won’t find us here, though.”

“That’s why I hath chose such an alcove. In this spot, there is nigh for Servus Portum to loath.”

“…Right. Can you stop talking like that?” Herald choked on the stench of death.

“Ahem. Pardon me. It’s a tongue few live by. But I’ve been forced to learn your dialect too, primitive as it is. It’s about as unfamiliar and dangerous as Summit’s Blight, and the bloodshed we’ve waged within. But now that you’re here, we may finally turn the tide of battle in our favor. What is the plan, General?” Theodore, to Herald’s disgust, removed his bloody gloves after their ally’s grotesque stump was sealed with bandages.

“My plan? Retreat, and you’d be a fool not to follow! When my Lord sent me here, he didn’t tell me I’d be tossed into the trenches to get smothered to death for days on end! Just getting here was a trial! I’m leaving before more of those droids arrive!”

Theodore’s confidence plummeted at seeing his commander fold like paper. “D-Droids!? How equipped could this Servus Portum be!?”

Aamon, or rather another incessant clone of him, crawled onto the scene, having apparently followed Herald all the way here. The bottom half of his engineering had been incinerated by unknown means, but that did nothing to stem the ensuing chaos. “Firing upon a Servus Official is punishable by death! You are a detractor!”

“Gah! Kill it! Kill it!” Herald flipped around the teepee in a frenzy while a number of bedridden Fang Cadets skidded onto the floor, completely hysterical at the presence of a steadfast, albeit disabled Aamon. Through all this, Theodore scrambled to find a worthy weapon fit to crush the squirming automaton. A medical mallet was the smart choice, as a couple whacks and the head of Aamon was spread across the floor into a mess of electronics.

“It’s done! Calm yourselves. So, this machine is what’s terrorizing us out on the field? I’m rather impressed we’ve lasted as long as we have then, all things considered.”

Herald coughed, and tried to mask his fear. “As am I. But this battle is just the first what is likely to become a long war. The ruler of Servus Portum, I believe his name is Caligula, was hasty to send in armies of this robot! But we have the home court advantage. Knowledge of Summit’s Blight has allowed the Old Fang to resist any advance.”

“So, the ‘highly trained’ brigade from up north has failed to make any progress in breaching the Old Fang’s defenses. That means us.”

“Yes! B-But, there’s a wild card! Our enemy is learning. From our observations, he isn’t making the same navigational mistakes twice! We can hardly hold out as it is, but soon we’ll lose our only blessing! Argh!”

“What of our Lord? What is his command? Maybe, with some luck, he’ll arrive soon. He can change things for the better, right?”

“O-Of course! He can do anything. As soon as he wakes up, he’ll be back, I’m sure of it!” Herald glimpsed outside to ensure a lack of stragglers. “A-And if that fails, there’s always Naros to fall back on!”

“Naros? Elaborate. He’s one of us?”

“Aha. That, he is. But take heed, Theodore- the assassin is deadly, and unpredictable. I don’t even know where he is, truth be told. He wasn’t at the trenches. If I had to guess, and keep this between us, he’s probably on the outskirts of Summit’s Blight, picking off minions of Caligula and making them suffer! He’s evil, I tell you! Th-There’s an incoming Old Fang rally soon, he’ll be there for sure! If you wish to make his acquaintance, I suggest taking advantage of that.”

“And then what?” Theodore wiped off his hammer, and began checking the temperature of a fallen comrade. “We’re low on troops and resources. It’ll take more than a twisted rogue to stop Servus Portum. What else have we got?”

Herald searched for the answer. A coy smile, befitting of the Estranged General, signaled to Theodore that there was one last saving grace. “Well, we can’t dismiss the fresh friends from Beacon Academy. They evaded the wrath of the Fang many times, and brought an end to that monstrosity, Galathyn.”

“You really think some students run amok from a combat school can make a difference?” Theodore wiped his forehead, and moved onto the next ruined victim that needed the miracle of medicine.

“Team Lance seems to have captured the attention of my Lord, and the Arbiter, Kyradin Bael. I have a good feeling in regards to them, doctor. Problem is, they’ve been absent since our last rendezvous. For their sake, I hope they’re spared from this madness. But as it turns out, many may depend on their intervention. Could they really have wizened up and left Remnant’s affairs alone?”

Their conversation brought theories of where the five warriors- Lucifer, Alecto, Nadia, Selene, and Merlin; were occupied. Neither Theodore nor Herald guessed right, as at this time, Beacon’s apprentices were relaxing amidst a recently discovered paradise.

“You ever get the feeling, that there’s more out there? Something beyond our home to explore?”

“Affirmative, in the most basic sense. But Remnant is vast, Alecto. They’ll always be something unchecked. Another day, another bout of work from Huntsmen and Huntresses- lost to time. I wouldn’t worry about Remnant, though. Let’s focus on Sanus, first. It’s at least partially manageable.” Lucifer dangled his legs off the cliffs of Terra Insanire.

“I get it. But, staying up here, it all feels so much bigger. Look at how far away everything looks. I’m sure somewhere there’s something exciting, just waiting to be found. A new adventure! I sometimes grow tiresome of killing the same Grimm day after day. Bo-ring!” Alecto yawned, captivated by the view.

“How about this, then!” Nadia, having materialized out of nowhere, put both her hands on Alecto’s shoulders and pretended to push her. Below was a drop even she could not hope to survive. Within the new flood of caverns and cliff sides, this area was one of Lance’s favorites. The Meridian, they named the spot. It was the only resting ground open to Remnant, high above Beacon Academy. Even Summit’s Blight, in all its drenching glory, could be glimpsed on the horizon.

“Hey! Not funny!”

Lucifer chuckled at his partner’s mishaps. “I thought hunting Grimm was your favorite pastime. You haven’t gone soft on me, have you?”

“Of course not! It’s just, I-”

“If so, I’d need a new punching bag.”

“Grr!” Alecto tried strangling him to the tune of Nadia’s laughter, who herself left the rivals to their business. Away from the outlook, there remained a bazaar built into a nearby wall. For no matter how upraised Terra Insanire climbed, there was always something higher to find. Supernatural, it had seemed. That was among the few methods to describe how far the shady stone cavities sprawled.

“Made a choice yet, my loyal, paying customers!?” A vendor of the shop asked. His assortment of random antiques and trinkets seemed appropriate given his maniacal clothes. Dressed for the desert, and sporting hypnotic eye-wear, this merchant bordered the edge between fashionable and sinister. “Be prepared, the Grimm have many allies! Just a couple days ago, I was attacked by the Wraith! A heinous humanoid clawed amalgamation. I think he might have been a friend of mine, actually. Eh, I can’t remember. Just be careful, the Grimm have many allies!”

“Um, Troy? You already said that.” Nadia looked around, fraught with unease.

“Did I? Point is, the Grimm have many allies! In fact, I think there’s a couple dozen of them right down below. Just a couple days ago, I was attacked by the Wraith!”

Selene and Merlin mirrored each other’s movements, tilting their heads in confusion. “I think he might be broken.”

“Ey! You break it, you buy it! How about this, Nadia? This is a sort of dust not many customers have ever know! Maybe that’s because you’re the only ones I have, heh heh… A-Anyway!” Troy displayed a crystal, of which several sat on a shelf inside his rocky hut. “How about this, Nadia? This is a sort of dust few-”

“Gotcha! I’ve seen it!” A complete stranger barged onto the scene, holding the same type of dust Troy claimed was so valuable. Nadia, Selene, and Troy stared in bewilderment at a large specimen, cloaked from head to toe in flashy armor, and presenting a number of items for sale. Another salesman. As it seemed, there was more than one broker dwelling within Terra Insanire, and the new swindler wasn’t a stranger to the game of economics.

“Who are you?” Selene instinctively hid behind Nadia.

“Name’s Nero- greatest travelling merchant east of Sanus! And I have each and every commodity, ware, or weapon a warrior could indulge in! Two gorgeous ladies of your apparel and looks must have deep pockets. Name your price!”

“For what?” Nadia asked. Troy sat within his booth, smirking. While Nero stalled with a number of overpriced dust fragments, collectables, and armor pieces, the rest caught up. Lucifer stood in between them.

“Name. Occupation. Allegiance.” He was expedient in his questioning.

“Nero, they call me! I was just gearing up your friends for a fight- it seems like they could need it, no offense.”

“The armor doesn’t fit. And it costs far too much lien. Try somewhere else, Nero, or this so-called fight will be your downfall.”

“How about this. If you can hold my flail, I’ll show you something truly special.” Nero held his weapon outward. Lucifer looked back, sighed, and then did as told. “Gotcha!” Nero didn’t let go, but rather pulled, throwing Lucifer overhead through a boulder.

“Well. Who didn’t see that coming?” Troy scoffed.

“Nero! What are you doing!?” Alecto shouted.

“Chill, chill! I’m not here to fight you. That was just a jest! Surely you can take a joke, yes? Or, if you insist on a fight, let’s make it a friendly one! I could always use some sparring!”

“Sparring? You don’t mean to tell us you’re from Beacon?”

From the entrance into the grotto, large footsteps and an eerily articulate voice brought good news. Boreas stepped onto the scene, an open book in his hands. “He is from Beacon. You lads never could spot the difference between friend and foe. Nero may be a wise-cracking fool, but he’s still my teammate. And if he intends to fight, it’ll all be in good faith, I can assure you.”

“T-Teammate? He’s on Team Burnt?” Alecto thought herself inept not to have recognized him earlier.

Selene counted each Burnt member on her fingers. “Oh, I get it! It’s Boreas, Nero, and Terrance! But I’m forgetting the last one.”

“Romulus, his first name is. You… may have ran into once or twice. Perhaps those memories are best left forgotten, though.”

“Huh? I’ve never met anyone by that name. What does he look like- Ah!” Lucifer shot past Selene, right at Nero’s throat. One gymnastic body slam later, and Lucifer was back in perfect condition- meanwhile his target was dragging himself out of hellish stone heap.

“Ooh! You’re pretty good, but let’s see if I can haggle you down! Just like in Stam’s class, eh? Come at me, for skill’s sake.” Nero raised his weapon so all could fetch a fine look. But soon, that decision would be regretted. They witnessed a fine mace with expert craftsmanship, holding the capacity to cause immense pain due to its jagged structure whilst the end contained three gnarly spiked balls, bolted to the baton with baleful chains. Everyone shivered.

Boreas lined up next to his partner. They stood bulky, as the tanks of their team, far taller than any member of Team Lance save for Lucifer. “You’re no match for these warriors alone, Nero. No, if you wish to challenge all four at once, you will need my assistance. Fortunately for you, my schedule’s clear. Have at them!”

Everyone but Selene playfully clashed. The Atlesian Empress flinched as chunks of ore flew past, acting as a peripheral to the cataclysmic confrontation.

Troy clapped, capturing Selene’s focus. “Ah, how nice it is to see old friends duking it out to better themselves, taking solace in testing each other’s skill! Reminds me of the time I’d helped a band of sisters pull through hardship amongst themselves. They were champions, I tell you! Their names were… Huh, I can’t remember. Must have been a dream. Anyway!”

“You’re pretty adventurous, huh? I’m always hearing about all those old stories. You made up some new ones last time we were here. And the time before that. Maybe someday, we can jog your memory. I’d love to hear the end of them.” She smiled.

“Ah, I’m sure it’ll come back to me. Reminds me of the time I’d helped a band of sisters pull through-”

“N-Nevermind that!” Selene struggled to keep Troy on track. “It couldn’t have been so long ago that you can’t remember anything. How old are you, if you don’t mind my asking?”

“My age? Why, I’m… in my twenties? Or thirties? I think I might be in my hundreds, actually. Huh. I can’t remember.”

“Hundreds? I don’t think that’s right. Ah!” Selene wasn’t prepared to dodge Lucifer, who swooped past her into the wall. One of Troy’s urns from the display shelf almost fell from the impact-induced rumble. “Are you okay?”

“Don’t worry! I made sure to dodge you. Alright, Team Burnt is, rather, pretty good. I’ll admit it. Where’s Merlin?” He climbed out of the crater and stretched his neck to reunite with the loyal bunny. “Damn! All out of dust!”

“Here, consider this one on the house!” Troy winked and handed Lucifer a dust crystal. He accepted, and charged back into the fray with his pet, leaving a cloud behind. “Hey, wait! That costs lien!”

Nero’s fighting style appeared to be a modified expansion of what Boreas offered on first glance. He soaked up any and all incoming bullets, sword strikes, or needle jabs- it mattered little to him. Whatever display of displeasure was hidden, and Team Lance began to think Nero enjoyed it. Paired with the equally colossal Boreas, who would crush enemies with his fists rather than a brutal scourge, and Team Burnt was a force to be feared despite being short on members.

The skirmish was an impressive exhibition of teamwork from both sides, but they had limitations. This was intended to be practice, between close allies.

Lucifer toned down the ferocity, Alecto limited herself to defensive maneuvers, Nadia never took full advantage of her ambushes, Merlin opted only to perfect paw combat, and neither Boreas nor Nero felt it necessary to push themselves to the maximum brink of strength. The stalemate continued until a cursory flair of bombastic bloodshed brought boredom.

“Nice piece, Ally!” Nero snickered, grappling for the knight’s sword. “How much would you say it’s worth at an auction? I’d certainly like to take a pawn off!”

“This is older than you, chump. It’s worth more than everything you’ve got stashed in that cloak. Forget it!”

“Consider it sold!” He continued wrestling with one hand, and began veering his flail with the other. But Lucifer caught the swinging death-pendulums, trying to pin his enemy down. This led to a chain reaction, wherein everyone piled upon the focal point: Nero. He could take a fair bit of abuse, but he couldn’t quite hold on long enough to resist falling through the floor and breaking his Aura. Every time, that proved to be the respected sign that the fight was over.

“Ugh.” Nero blinked a few times, waiting for Lucifer to roll off of him.

“Oh dear! You’re okay, right?” Selene stood over the brute, waving her hand in front of his face.

“Whew. I think that’s enough for me.” He sat up, and found he was laying on top of both Nadia’s gauntlet and Merlin, who joyfully skipped into Selene’s arms. “Hey, check out this view. Pretty sweet, eh?”

Nadia retrieved her arms. “Yep. This is where we like to wind down after classes, now. We call it the Meridian. You can see everything, even Beacon Academy.”

“And our dorms, where I’d like to take a nap.” Alecto fixed her cape. “You two were a tough match. Hate to go up against you for real. Hate it even more to face my own team. Can you imagine that? Us, fighting each other again over something stupid?”

Selene’s cheeks puffed out, as she only found comfort in Merlin’s valiant affection. “Don’t be ridiculous! We already agreed, nothing’ll ever come between us again! Right, Nadia?”

“Yes. It’s going to be alright.”

“You don’t have to tell me, twice.” Lucifer smirked, folding his arms and enjoying the landscape for once.

Alecto sat next to the youngest representative of her team, cross-legged. “That’s what being a team is. It’s trust. It’s sticking with each other no matter how bad things gets. And that’s what we’re going to do!”

Boreas and Nero looked at each other, before smiling and giving a subtle nod. Burnt’s Leader spoke up. “There is a dance in a couple morrows, not to mention the Vytal Festival’s coming. What better time for colleagues to celebrate, hand in hand?”

“Oh, he’s right! Too bad we’re stuck with the aftermath. That stupid Team ‘Ruby’ got the chance to decorate, while we’re assigned cleanup duty!”

“It matters not.” Lucifer latched his mask away, preferring for once to gaze upon nature without the effects of Atlesian tech. “As long as we’re together doing it, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Too bad none of us have anyone to actually ask to the dance.”

“Well…” Selene giggled. “You two could always-”

“Th-That’s enough!” Lucifer’s voice retained its technical but cold ring, and his helmet shifted back into place. Nadia laughed with everyone else, while Alecto hoped nobody could notice how red she’d become under her armor.

There was a moment of sublime reflection, where only the chirping of birds and the rays of the sun threatened to interrupt the peace. Everyone watched Beacon in the distance, noting the flow and beauty of their home.

“I love this place.” Selene sighed. This Meridian had become the most relaxing getaway in Vale since its discovery.

“I think I can see the library from here. That reminds me. Isn’t there an assessment due tomorrow, assigned by Professor Penelope?” Boreas flipped through a textbook hidden under his leather layers. “Aha! Indeed there is. Perhaps now would be a good time to get started, as before long the sun will take its leave.”

“Time is money!” Nero coiled up his flail. “And we don’t want to waste money now, do we?”

Lucifer was already ushering Selene along. “Then let us show you the way. This is the first time you’ve been here, so enjoy the tour. On the left, you’ll see rocks. And on the right, you’ll enjoy stones. Ahead, indulge in some pebbles.”

“As long as it’s free, I’m in.”

The group’s banter distracted them to just how quick they were moving. Leading to the exit awaited a narrow cave, mined deep into the core of the mostly forbidden terrain. And at the very end, a postern locked them inside. Although carved gates weren’t usually imbued with ancient symbols, or a foreign force that kept them shut, this was one exception to the strict rule.

All were startled to hear Troy behind them, where moments prior his absence was absolute. “Don’t bother, it’s locked. Completely impenetrable. Not even the gods’ might could do away with such a barrier. But, with a Beryl Rhinestone, it becomes second nature.”

In the cave walls, his versant shop rebuilt itself since the last glimpse. Alecto coughed. “Let me just clarify. You can move your market around, and place it inside rocks? How are you moving around so fast to even do it? Don’t tell me it’s from your semblance.”

Troy laughed, looking proud. “Secrets of my trade, as it would seem. These cliffs have many puzzles. Know where to look, and how to solve them, and you can do anything. Take for example this door! Don’t bother, it’s locked. Completely impenetrable. Not even the gods’ might could do away with such a barrier. But, with a Beryl Rhinestone, it becomes second nature.”

“W-We know. That’s why we brought one.” Alecto held out the Rhinestone. “How are you this familiar with Terra Insanire? You must’ve been studying the land for decades, considering how much you talk about it. Even my Kingdom Lore books don’t care to elaborate on this place. We found it by pure luck.”

“Experience yields results. Take it from me. Even though I only just set up shop here a couple days ago, I’ve become extraordinarily accustomed with the order of things. I’m a fast learner, you see. Travelers aren’t very common- you’re practically all I have as returning customers. Why do you and the denizens of Beacon keep snooping around here?”

“There’s been an explosion of Grimm activity within Forever Fall. Thus the combat halls, which were already fairly occupied to begin with, have become crowded as of late. Honestly, it’s all thanks to you.” Lucifer hit Boreas in the stomach, receiving no reaction. “He found the door, and the Rhinestone. Least, that’s what I’ve deduced.”

Boreas took the reins. “Oh, yes. A tall fellow in red gave it to me, actually. Can’t say I know who he was, disregarding my hunger for knowledge, but who knows. Certainly not me. Maybe he’ll show himself again, if we’re lucky.”

“Ahaha! It all comes down to luck, does it not? A roll of the dice? That’s why I’ve got me some charms!” Troy rolled dice onto the floor, revealing the ornaments to be unique in purpose. Rather than dots, they held small engravings only the owner could decipher. “Ahuh. A bad omen. Bad, for sure! Oh, you better be careful out there. This does not bode well.”

“Why? What’s it mean?” Selene tilted her head curiously.

“The four of you will-”

“Ahem!” Boreas cut the complimentary reading short, pointing at a golden watch he had swiped off Nero, who didn’t mind considering he was wearing several more along his arm. “Science and magic are very different. We’ll do things by the book.”

“Sorry, Troy! Gotta go. See you next time!” Selene waved goodbye, and followed everyone back to Vale. He shook his head, smiled, and returned the favor. Now thoroughly separated from the sanctioned peaks, Team Lance found themselves above ground, back in familiar territory without a moment’s notice. Green shrubbery and wildlife replaced the previously abundant drear and heat of Terra Insanire.

“Guys? That’s bad, right?” Selene pulled on Lucifer’s cape. The object of her concern remained a pillar of smoke rising from a scarlet forest. Its distance was terrible, but this anomaly suggested foul play.

“Must be a village under attack.” Lucifer squinted.

“A Grimm invasion!” Alecto was already running to the rescue.

“Stop. It’s in Forever Fall. That means it’s off limits to us ‘first years.’ But then again, it doesn’t look like there’s any chance of reinforcements considering the lack of Bullheads.”

“Exactly! C’mon, it’s our duty to help those who cannot defend themselves! That’s what it means to be a Keraseer. If I have to go alone, I will.”

“…That’ll do it.” Lucifer sighed, pacing after her. Nadia and Selene automatically followed the command of their leader. The four disappeared into the Forever Fall forest, leaving a mess of heavy footprints.

“If it’s consensual, it’s not a scam.” Nero explained, drifting to the impasse where Team Lance had recently deliberated their next move.

“Flawless logic as always, Mister Avarice. This is why I distance myself from you.” Boreas checked the area. “Huh. Team Lance seems to have run off. Allow me the indulgence of testing your analytical skills. Did they go down the road clear of any activity, or the trampled path marked by five, one of them wearing heels and another walking on all fours, towards that plume of smoke?”

“…” He paused, trying to play dumb.

“I bet the villagers will pay well if we save them.” Boreas bluffed. Nero blasted away to aid his new consorts, leaving his boss to cackle in amusement.

A perilous gorge was cut in the woods, a natural moat isolating the scarred town. Alecto made it to the connecting bridge first, testing the wood planks to make sure advance was possible. In that time, she was joined by Lucifer, Nadia, and Selene- not mention the final shred of ensured victory: Merlin. In constant fear of breaking the structurally unsound overpass, they tiptoed slowly. Lucifer, taking extra measures, carried Selene across with both hands.

But nearly halfway across, a sole survivor of the raided crossroads strolled by with uncaring strides. Upon passing, the sheen of Alecto’s blade caused him to stop dead in his tracks.

“That sword… You are strong.” He laughed.

Lucifer turned to see a tall warrior, lurking underneath a unique coat and brandishing to the side his own sword. He mistook the direction of the stranger’s words, thinking him enamored with a simple field-knife. “Is that supposed to be some sort of joke?”

“He’s not talking to you.” Alecto raised her brand.

Their new enemy turned to face them completely. He was shrouded in black, the sun shining bright from behind. “Oh, color me surprised. The Keraseer is bright. The flames flaring within your heart will feel so satisfying to extinguish, like the flutter of petals showered away with the wind. That’s what I would say, but actually that’s not true yet. I need you four alive, for the time being.”

Selene tapped Lucifer on the shoulder. “We don’t have time for this! The village!”

“Don’t bother. I am all that remains, my dear.”

Lucifer aimed for his forehead. “No kidding, stupid. You’re the one who pillaged it.”

“I made their deaths swift as my blade. No one will remember them. But, perhaps, I am wrong. You four seem like a noble lot.”

Alecto took the opportunity to brag. “Only the best Vale has to offer!”

“Of course! As a Keraseer, you’re the fore bearer of sick justice and twisted gods. Your mere existence is an affront to prayer, a disgrace of the highest order.”

Nadia stepped forth. “H-Hey! Alecto’s the most fair and forgiving friend anyone could ever ask for!”

“Fair and forgiving? Those words. I like them. I like you, my dear. But you’ve failed to inspire confidence in me for these other two invalids. But then again, an Amaryllis never was one for wise judgement. Be honest. You’re the only one of us who practices meaningless slaughter- where you kill yourselves on mass. Yes, it makes my job easier, but it’s not as fun when I don’t have to try.”

“You would mock the Soulcess!” Nadia gasped. Alecto’s fury came into full effect.

“How would he even know of it!? He’s not an Amaryllis!”

Lucifer’s tolerance for this kind of child’s play was slim, and his temper began to crack. “Silence! He means only to provoke, so you may let your guard down and do something idiotic.”

“Yes!” The shadowy figure brushed the length of his jacket, his tone arrogant yet viciously calculated. “I want you at ship-shape performance, motivated by anger, so our battle may be the least bit entertaining for me.”

“What’s the big idea, huh?” Alecto’s inflection held a shaky timbre. “Do you have any idea who you’re talking to?”

“Indeed, I do.”

“Who, then?”

“…You.”

Alecto’s eyes narrowed. “To smear the name of a Keraseer, and then an Amaryllis! How dare you! Move up, and reveal yourself, coward!”

“I am Nobody, and I know enough, ‘Delphic Killer.’” The threat strutted forward, unveiling himself to be one of the Grimm conquerors Alecto detested so. Unbeknownst to Beacon’s heroes, this was the same swordsman the dreaded Dimitri had encountered earlier in their semester.

Lucifer let out an uncharacteristic stutter. “H-He’s a Delphic?”

Alecto didn’t let him finish before whipping forward, having full intent to stab Nobody through the chest and kill him before another word could be uttered. But he dodged.

“Woah-ho! Excited, are we?” Nobody flipped around, and began using his hands to knock away the incoming strikes. His sword seemed to be a last resort. After embarrassing her with how effortless it was to swipe her attacks away, he jabbed Alecto a couple times with curled firsts, slapping her away. But while his hand-to-hand skills were a match for Team Lance’s duelist, a test against the purveyor of fisticuffs was sure to come.

“Be careful!” Selene tiptoed away.

Lucifer fared better than his predecessor, likely because while Nobody didn’t lack tactics and speed, he wasn’t as light on his feet. His shoes went through one of the planks upholding everyone, thus he lost his balance. But from the stress of his chortles, he wasn’t too concerned about catching stray blows.

Meaning to tip the odds back in his favor, Nobody upgraded to the sword. But his use of it was very peculiar, mainly that it was still sheathed. In this form, the sword was useless. So ineffective was this routine that despite running circles around Lucifer with the upgraded weaponry, none of his pummels actually did anything.

“You’re trying to game me. And I’m not willing to play.” Mixing firearms and kick-based techniques, a blaze of bruising bullets and bashes put the Delphic on his back. What couldn’t be managed was a downward pike worthy of chopping someone’s Aura to ribbons. Nobody was willing to let most horrors slip past him, but he cut down advances of that caliber.

Among the chaos, Selene backed into something. What it was, she couldn’t see, until Nadia confessed her presence and consoled her best friend. “We’ll take care of him. It’s going to be alright. Go make sure the townspeople are safe, okay?”

“O-Okay! Be careful!” Selene nodded, then joined Merlin in running to cover. Within the houses, she couldn’t find anyone alive, or dead. Whatever Nobody had done, however horrible or generous, a ghost-town was the result.

“This is so weird. What did he do?” Selene crouched down, raising one of her brows at Merlin. Her guardian, and voice of reason, shrugged before glimpsing upward at the melody of discord upon the roof. Nobody crashed through, throttling Lucifer by the neck.

“Why do you hunt us!? What are you after?” He gasped, struggling to break free.

“I want you to stop wasting my time, and-”

Alecto tackled this fiend back, and willfully initiated a test of strength, wherein she tried her hardest with her golden claymore to overwhelm him, and his saber which rested encased even still. But first, she had some choice words simmering deep inside.

“Why are you handicapping yourself, monster? Pull out that katana, and face me blade to blade like a real warrior! Or are you too tender!?” She grit her teeth, furiously fumbling with her words.

“Hahaha! But you don’t really want that, my dear. My insistence against such a heinous crime is what’s allowed you to get this far! Trust me, if I wanted to finish you, I’d have you dead before you hit the ground.” To make his point, Nobody summersaulted backwards, clipping her jaw with his boot and knocking the knight flat on her back. “Keraseer? When you’re done eating dirt, show me what the title truly means. Don’t hold back, I want to see the deadly power focused with that blade- I want to witness what sort of indignant cruelty your pitiful Lord bestowed upon thee. Don’t keep me waiting! Ack!”

Merlin punted him by surprise, initiating a combo that worked for a two reasons. The animal was small, and hard to predict. His movements were far too precise in tandem with his size, meaning defense was an improbability, and damage an undisputed impossibility.

This all worked, but that’s only because it was apparent this dark gladiator wasn’t really trying. He was toying with Team Lance, crippling himself by using a sheathed blade, and Nadia could have sworn she spotted him yawn in between his effortless evasions. She finally found an opening after Nobody caught Merlin’s every move and swung him through the resident fireplace.

Nadia’s huge misplay was believing herself, the ultimate assassin applauded by Beacon Academy for her swift mobility and stealth, to be faster than the Grimm Tactician. He brushed off her aimed pierce with a parry, granted there was enough power for Nobody to slide back on locked legs so he could return to bullying Lucifer. Having barely gotten to his feet, he was less than pleased to get forced to the floor by his face. “Try playing dead.” Finally, Lucifer’s Aura gave out.

“You’ve been properly broken. But I cannot risk your death yet. Stay put.” Nobody had been smacked around quite a bit throughout the brawl, but things were looking increasingly up for him. Next to lose was Alecto, whose blind rage led her to do exactly what Lucifer had predicted. One backhand out the door, and her Aura was freshly depleted. Nobody followed her outside.

“Alright, the hard way.” He brushed off his shoulders, sighing and striding past her prone body towards Nadia. The panic at seeing her friends fall one by one was obvious. From her expression to her body language, she was dismayed.

“Um, Alecto? G-Get up! Get up, please.”

“Calm yourself, Descendant. I’m not here to kill you.” He rolled his eyes, looking at the skies for a moment. “Beautiful sunset, huh? Perfect backdrop for our first encounter… Where’d you go- Argh!”

Nadia impaled him from behind, pumping as much venom as possible before he broke away. Even with him missing attacks to ensure a few extra rakes of the lethal claws, she couldn’t snowball the small victory into anything substantial. “Don’t try it, Descendant! I know your tricks!” Not a second later, Nobody cornered her against another domicile, with an abyss no more than a few feet away.

“Lucifer! C’mon, Lucifer! You can’t be beaten!” Selene shook his limp body, threatening to cry. When her voice cracked, his hand twitched.

“S-Selene… You have to summon Royal Necrocyst.”

“As you wish.” She smiled, thankful with his return. Then, she crawled between Nobody and Nadia.

“You are brave, my dear. Braver than I. I wish I had courage like you. Must be a human thing.”

“Don’t come any further, I’m warning you.” Selene spoke in raspy whispers, preparing to conjure Royal Necrocyst.

“Yes, I’m sure you are.” Everyone turned to see the reinforcements of Burnt sprint onto the scene. “Nice! More fresh meat. At this point, you’re just target practice for me.”

“Show ‘em who’s boss, Boss! Unleash the stone!” Nero cracked his knuckles.

“Yes, I will.” Boreas held the Beryl Rhinestone up, building up its energy. “Let’s just hope it’s enough.”

Nobody froze, eyes widening and becoming innocent at the sight of the magenta gemstone. He didn’t bother doing anything to avoid the incoming shockwave. And although he had plenty of Aura to spare, he appeared beaten once the smoke cleared. Silence followed, the Grimm kneeling and panting.

“You found the Beryl Rhinestone, after all this time… Hahaha, I see. The Black Knights, indeed. You four were made for this game of betrayal, and war.” Nobody slowly returned to his feet, smiling with more than petty victory. It seemed as though a great weight had been pulled from his shoulders. “Last time I encountered a human here, they gave me nothing but lies and false promises. So I don’t expect anything less from you Lorekeepers. But never forget this. Our time together is far from over.”

He finally pulled his blade forth, inadvertently slicing a nearby tree in two. Everyone instinctively tensed in awe, drawing a final laugh from the owner. “Don’t worry. I wouldn’t waste my beloved on you. Not here, not yet.”

Sliding his sword back in its place, Nobody scratched out a gross metallic sound that was assumed to be horrendous even from Vale, with how much it echoed. This call drew out a Griffon, upon which Nobody saddled. His coasting through the clouds was the obvious next move. Not another soul objected, not even Boreas, who felt making sure the health of his allies remained prosperous was top priority.

“Alecto! Alecto!” He rattled the suit of armor around, then followed his gut feeling. Dousing her in the right potion had the desired effect. It was entirely likely, in fact, that he had gone too intense with the choice of concoction.

“Ah!” She jolted up, nearly knocking a weak and recently recovered Lucifer down. “Where’s the Delphic!?”

“He escaped. Rode off on another Grimm, as seems to be his character.”

“Damn it!” She punished the ground, breaking it under her fist before entering a screaming fit. “How could I, a Keraseer, let him go after everything that’s happened!? Am I stupid? By the gods, if I see him again, I won’t stop until there’s nothing left! And a Grimm will never shame me again!”

Lucifer tried to lay a hand on her shoulder. “It’s alright. We’ll get another chance.”

Alecto roared, swung her claymore back, and chucked it forward with everything she had. As opposed to Nobody’s one tree, ten found themselves facing dire consequences at the hands of the Keraseer.

“Enough. Why are you acting like this? Explain your hatred of Delphics. Everyone knows Grimm are a plague to be purged, and I don’t need to make a case for why I detest Nobody, but none of us have such fervent ire for Delphics like you do. Tell me the truth.”

Selene recovered from her hike to make sure Merlin was okay. He was now snuggled in her embrace, tired. “You can tell us, Alecto.”

“You don’t want the truth. Trust me. This is my curse to carry. No one else’s.” There was a detectable, shaky anguish paired with that statement. And with that, she was gone.

“This isn’t how this is supposed to go.” Nadia groaned. “I thought we agreed- no more secrets.”

Lucifer quelled her worries. “We did. But everyone has something they hold close to their chest, even in the most intimate of friendships.”

“Even you?”

Lucifer glanced back, but failed to meet Nadia’s eyes.

Entry No. 1 complete.

This entry may be finished, but the Archive is not.