The New Maiden (a Demon's Souls X RWBY story)

A Difference in Soul

Garl Vinland felt his composure leave him as he met the ground with overwhelming force and the big hunk of iron that could barely be called a sword chipped the last of his strength away. Feverish panic gave way to a somber acceptance as he could do nothing to stop the impending fate that would meet his dearest Astraea. He saw his opponent kneel before him out of respect. "My dearest Astraea, forgive me for I have failed you." His plea was all he could get out before he felt his body begin to fade. Before he was gone completely he looked up and to his shock he saw a tear rolling down the face of his killer. It then dawned on him that in this cursed land, they were all victims. That was his final thought as his body faded completely and his mind moved on, and soon after the legend of Saint Astraea would end in the heart of the Valley of Defilement.

Who was he? He felt something tug at.. him. He didn't know what it was but it felt familiar. So familiar in fact that when a bright light appeared he reached towards it almost instinctively. As he grazed the light with the back of his finger it glowed brighter as if welcoming the touch. A silent question passed between them. He answered without a second thought. Garl Vinland opened his eyes.

      The first thing Vinland noticed was the red that surrounded him. For a fleeting moment he feared he was back in the valley, however as his eyes adjusted he quickly realized the red was the leaves on the trees above. The second thing he noticed was that he was in his armour, and if the weight on his back was anything to go by, his Grant and shield were with him as well. The third thing was... merciful god was he dreaming? Sitting next to him facing the tree line with a protective hand on his chest, her face was taught with focus as she kept vigilant watch over his still prone form. He rushed to sit up and confirm it, and as soon as she felt him move she turned around so fast he swore her head could've popped off, but he didn't care at all because it was her. Her blonde hair remained spotless, he remembered the ritualistic care she kept it up with, her blue eyes sparkled as her hands covered her mouth as she attempted to hold back the coming tears. She reached her hand out to touch his helmet and as soon as her fingers touched the visor she retracted her hand and gasped. The second she knew he was real she tackled him to the ground in as much of a bone crushing hug as she could manage and he just fell backwards in favor of latching his arms around her as well while the dam finally broke. Astraea cried in Garl's arms for what felt like forever as he consoled her and quietly thanked whatever force had brought her to him again. Once she had calmed down considerably she pulled back and reached for the latches on his helmet as he tugged it off so she could look at his face. His short messy black hair and stubble met Astraea's blonde and clean visage as she touched her forehead to his. She spoke and her angelic tone met his ears "I feared I would never see you again, are you hurt?" He smiled slightly, even though he was her protecter she still put his well being above her own. "I appear to be unharmed, though I'm more concerned with your condition, the warrior I fought was too much for me and I failed my one purpose" he spoke as he held her tighter, "Dearest Astraea I am truly sorry for failing you." She looked at him with a hint of anger in her eyes. Then she took his face gently in her hands as her stern look morphed into a warm smile. "You have nothing to apologize for my valiant knight, you tried your best and I will not fault you for falling to the slayer." She let out a chuckle, "He came to me and apologized and explained his reasoning, I don't fault the poor soul for what he did, I merely wish we had met under better circumstances." She released him and stood from their position, "Now let us move, there's a cliff to the north, I'm not sure how but I'm able to perceive things farther then sight allows." He shot her a quizzical look as his helmet was on his head in seconds. He pulled his Grant and shield from his back as he took point in front of Astraea. She clasped her hands and whispered a silent prayer, and with that the duo moved towards the cliff unbeknownst to what awaits them deep in the woods.

First chap done. Next I'll begin the Bloodborne story so I can get feedback on what to work on first. Hope you enjoyed reading so far.

Umbasa,
Spookb0i