Chapter 11: FIRST IMPRESSIONS

LOCATION: WINDRISE

BOOM!* CRACK!*

It was the sound of the ground being impacted as well as the being pushed apart by something big.

The impact didn't stop, as it destroyed the base of a huge tree. Leaving it to fall to one side as it try to support it self with its roots.

SLPAAAASH!!*

It was the sound of something crashing into the body of water that lay near the now destroyed tree that barely supported it self, as a injure Dvalin lay near its base.

Dvalin tried to stand up from the impact, but fail as his two front legs gave up. At the same time it only did worse for him.

As blood started to freely run from his stab wounds, like a small fountain of water.

Blood spread all over the place, even to the body of water that was near the tree. Once blue but now turn into scarlet red.

Small but fast moving foot steps could be heard approaching the cite of the impact. As well as a hard labor breath.

It was Patli whom had run through the whole valley nonstop, even when rain had soak her wet.

It all started as when she saw stormterror destroyed the cliff were Ambrose was standing.

At first She thought that Ambrose had perish by stormterror's claw. That was until she saw something land on top of the dragons back.

And without a doubt she tried her best as to follow the dragon around by feet, even to the point that her soles started to bleed, just by her trying to keep up the pace.

She quickly run tours the cite of the crash almost tripping but regain her balance.

Patli pass around the fallen dragon, avoiding any close contact with it.

"AMBROSE!" She yell as she climb on top of a protruding rock that came off the ground.

She scan around the area searching for him.

"AMBROSE!" She yell again as she jump down the rock, now landing on the solid ground, causing her pain.

"Ouch" she let out a yelp as she almost fell face first to the ground. But still. she managed to quickly stand up.

"A-AMBROSE!" she yell as she slowly limped tours the, blood stain pond that was near the tree.

"AMBROSE!!" She call out, but this time she sounded desperate.

Blup* blup* blup*

Patli's quickly turn her head to the sound.

Bubbles of air pop up in the surface of the crimson lake.

She slowly approached it stopping only on the shore. Something was coming up to the surface.

"AARGH!"

Ambrose burst up from the scarlet red water.

"AMBROSE!!" She yell in relief, as she saw him slowly swim to the shore of the lake.

He came out of the scarlet water still holding it's knife shaped claymore on his right hand, he dragged it behind him as he slowly walk to the shore.

COUGH COUGH

Ambrose slumped forward As he cough out the red scarlet water

"Ambrose!" She move forward, but was stopped. As Ambrose held his left hand in front.

"Am *cough!* fine *Cough!*" he said with a hoarsely tone. "Am . . . . Fine."

"Good to hear that." She said with a soften expression on her face.

Ambrose lifted his claymore and move it to his back.

Clunk* clunk*

It was the sound of a metal bar, attaching it self on the claymore.

Ambrose let go of it as it freely hang there on it's back.

"Am surprised that thing works." Patli said as she pointed at the metal bar that had attached itself onto the claymore.

"Hmm" replied Ambrose as he starred at the fallen dragon.

Patli noticed Ambrose's gaze as she turn to look at the dragon.

"What is it?" She ask as she turn to look at him.

"Stay here" it was all that Ambrose said as he walk, heading to were the Dvalin was.

"Ugh cough!" Dvalin let out a struggle breath, the wounds that were inflicted upon him had made it difficult for him to breath.

Since every breath he took, pain accompany it. Making him take short bit fast breaths.

Thumb* thumb*

He heard footsteps approaching him. He slowly turn its head to the direction of the footsteps.

And there he saw him.

"Y-you." Spoke Dvalin with a tired tone. "W-what else *cough!* Have you . . come here . . T-to take . . . D-Daemon?"

Ambrose didn't responde as his left hand went to his right side.

*SHLINK!*

Ambrose pull off a knife. To be exact. The knife it self was an exaggeration of a normal knife.

(AUTHOR NOTE: it's basically a damn Bowie knife alright.)

The blade shine with a murderous glimmer. As Ambrose hold it in front of him.

"Heh!" Dvalin let out a small laugh

"So. . .it seems that you come to take my life." Said Dvalin at the same time he move his head up, revealing it's throat.

"Go ahead, am all yours."

Ambrose stared at the dragon with a serious expression as well as a suspicious one.

"Why? Giving up that easy?" He ask

"I rather *Cough!* die than to live in shame." Responded Dvalin.

Ambrose didn't respond, as he let out a sight. He walk tours dvalin's neck.

He moved his hand across dvalin's neck, searching for something.

And he found it.

Ambrose felt around the area. Feeling the vain and without wasting any time. He brought the knife up and positioned it over it.

Dvalin felt the blade being positioned, and in response he close it's eyes.

There was a silent ambiance around them. Nothing dare made a sound, not even Patli who was watching the whole scene without blinking.

Ambrose let out a heavy sight and was about to shove the blade in.

But

"STOP!!" Came a female yell.

Ambrose quickly turn his head to we're the yell had come from. A young short hair, blonde female with a long ponytail landed a few feet in front of him.

She whore a white dress, that had light blue lines that highlighted her skirt, as well as the scarf that she had on her neck

"Please stop" she said as she slowly approached Ambrose with her hands open. "Whatever that you were going to do . . . It is not worth it."

Ambrose move the knife away from the spot it was going to be shove in. Ambrose turn to look at her with a serious yet menacing expression.

"Thank you." She said.

Ambrose stood there, examining every feature of her.

He was examining her.

"Why?" He ask her in serious tone.

"He's already defeated, no longer a threat." She said. As she try to maintain eye contact with him. But couldn't as his gaze seem to be penetrating her soul.

Ambrose was about to say something but could as he heard calls.

TRAVELER!" Came a call that sounde almost like that of a child.

Ambrose shove the knife back into it's sheath. Making the young female to relax for bit.

"TRAVELER!" Came another the call but this time it was a man's voice

"HONORARY KNIGHT" call another but it was a female voice.

"Over here guys" call out lumine.

Ambrose stood there seeing four figures approaching.

"What's going on?" Ask Patli as she walk near Ambrose.

"Don't know " he simply responded.

The three figures stop a few meters away as they saw the fallen dragon. They were all left speechless. But even more so as they saw the one who was standing next to it.

"Hey it's the same guy from the cliff" said Paimon.

"Is that really him?" Said Jean "He doesn't even look like he's a grown up. He's still young."

". . . ." Diluc didn't responded as he starred at Ambrose.

Both of them stare at each other. One out of suspicion and doubt.

The other was a cold one and predatory, as if he was starring at it's next prey.

"Greetings and salutations!" Spoke Jean as she straightened up.

"As the Acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius! I ask of you traveler to come willingly! to the main quarters of the knights of Favonius!!"

"What do we do now?" Patli ask in a frightened tone.

"Hate to say this." Whispered Ambrose with an annoyed tone. "We have to follow them or else there will be unnecessary blood to spill for the day."

"Oki doki." Patli said as she stood behind Ambrose.

He let out a heavy sight as he walk forward, approaching the group of three.

"Thank you for you cooperation." Said Jean as she nodded.

Ambrose didn't say anything as he stopped right in front of her.

"Diluc will you help me escort him to the city, please. I'll take it from there. Ok?" Said Jean as she look at diluc.

"*Sigh* alright" he said as he moved forward.

"Don't make any funny moves." Threaten diluc as he moved his head to the side looking back at Ambrose. "You understand that?"

Ambrose only look at him with indifference as he began to walk following Jean behind.

—————————-{10-Hours later}—————————-

Ambrose stood in the center of a room with only his dark pants. Only leaving him with his upper body exposed, His equipment was stripped away from him leaving him defenseless and vulnerable to any attack.

Shackles that were connected by a chain all the way to the ground. Had as steady hold around both of his wrists, pulling his hands down, restraining any movement he could make as to escape.

His neck had a shackle as well but it was connected to the roof of the room. The shackle around his neck Restrain his breathing if he ever was to move forward or in any direction.

Leaving him to just stand there on the cold cracked stone floor.

But he wasn't alone as Knights stood around him with their spears at their side, ready to move if anything happens.

"By the archon's." Whispered a knight that was behind Ambrose. "In what kind of mess as this kid been?."

"Don't think of it to much." Spoke another who was at his side. "He probably did it to himself as to look intimidating. Too bad it didn't work for him." Mock that knight referring to the current state the young man was now.

"I've be careful if I were you." Spoke another knight who was in front of Ambrose.

"Hmm? why's that? Is not like he's going to do shit." Spoke the knight as he look to his other companion.

"Take a good look at those scars he has around his body." Said the knight.

"Why's th-"

"I said! take a look!". Yell the knight to his companion who seem to be surprised by the outburst of anger.

"Fine." Said the knight as move closer with his spear ready to attack if the captive decided to make a move.

And as he did get close to the captive. He noticed that the young man's back was fill with numerous scars that run all the way to his spine as well as his arms.

And the more closer he got the more he noticed how were the scars made.

Burns on some parts of the back. Stabs on the side of the waist. Slice skin, as if someone had tried to take a good chunk. Pierce flesh close to were the stomach was, as if spear or several Arrows had been there. Removal of the skin, near the shoulder blade as if someone try to have skin him. Blunt damage that look to have been severe as the skin seem to be split.

There was a number of scars made on the young man who stood the center.

Scars that only an adult could support.

They were battle as well as torture scars.

"By the archon's . . . ." said the knight as he took a step back, as he was bewildered by the sight.

"Now you see." Said the knight as ha was still looking at the young man who had his head down starring at the ground.

"Those are not scars that any kid at his age should have." Said the knight.

Everyone around him was now focused on the young man on the center. Paying close attention as to what the knight trying to say.

The young man remain silent, not speaking nor moving.

It was a dead eary silence that lasted a coup seconds as the knight that stood in front of the boy spoke.

"What the hell have you gotten yourself into boy?." The knight said, expecting the boy to speak.

". . . . . . ."

but he got no response whatsoever as he remain silent.

"Speak! When your spoken to." Demanded another knight.

No response.

"Why you?!" The knight was about to make a move, but instead froze on the spot, even before he could take a step.

A deadly chill went down his spine, the air around him felt cold as if he had step in a place were absolute zero was the temperature.

At the same time the boy had made eye contact with him.

And that was when he saw "IT"

There was no longer a kid standing there, but a figure with twisted features.

It was a being covered in darkness. The only things that were visible on the dark figure was it's red flaming eyes as well as it's horns that jutted eye from it's head.

As well as it's mouth that had a twisted and sinister smile that show its sharp row of teeth that could tear of flesh easily from its bones.

Fear was present on the room as it spread to those who were around the boy.

It was an immense aura of death and bloodlust that the boy irradiated. Making the knights around him to jump back hitting the wall with their backs.

While some drop their weapons on the ground as they huddled into a corner trying to get away from him.

The knight that tried to make a move on the boy was now in a fetal position holding his knees close to him, as to comfort himself from what he just saw.

"W-what the h-hell . . . Are you?!." Ask the knight that was in front of the boy.

No response whatsoever as the boy raise his head starring at the knight directly into his eyes.

"Nobody." Responded the boy in a neutral tone.

The sound of an opening door could be heard behind the knight. He turn around seeing another companion of his.

"Set him free. Those are the direct orders from the Acting Grand master herself." spoke the knight as he walk inside the room and noticed the others who were huddled in a corner.

"What the hell happened?" He ask

None of them responded as they were all shaking and had their eyes wide open in fear.

Only one was able to move as it pointed at the boy in the center.

The knight with the keys just look back and forward from them to the boy in the center.

"Quit it with the jokes!" Said the knight with a serious tone. " Your knights not children."

He walk to the boy with the key ready in hand and went to work. He first open the shackle that was around the boys neck, then went to work on the shackles that held the boy's wrist.

And after doing all that. He grabbed the boy by its shoulder push him, making him walk forward.

"Come on move it!" He raise his voice "The Acting Grandmaster wants to speak to you."

The boy didn't say anything as he was being escorted.

Those who pass by them or were bewildered or either shock as to see the young man. Mostly because he was cover in scar's.

But it was more of what the boy did that they were amazed and bewildered.

News had spread around like wild fire.

News of an albino hair mixed with black, adventurer that had supposedly "Kill" stormterror. Bringing down a huge beast like that will get the attention of those around. Even more so if the rumors say that he did it without using a vision.

Everyone now had it's sights on Ambrose

Even the Fatui.

And maybe even the abyss itself.

"Jean are you sure it's ok to have him here?." Ask a woman with large hazelnut color hair who was wearing a purple slim fit dress adorn with roses.

"Yes! Am sure of it Lisa." Spoke Jean with affirmation "Am not going to keep him like a cage dog inside that cell."

"Jean" Lisa approach Jean who was sitting on her chair, she put her hand on her shoulder. "It's the safest option we have as to prevent anything that can and will happen to you."

"He's a human being not some savage animal." Jean said as she look at her making eye contact. "Yes he may have kill those three folks and attempted to kill Dvalin. But still it's. It is not the proper way to threat someone who try to save the city of Mondstadt."

Lisa let out a tired breath as she walk back to her spot which was close to the bookshelf that contained many books.

"What he did to those three man cannot be forgiven Jean. There has to be some sort of punishment." She said as she crossed her arms.

"I know that very well Lisa"

"And you know how the Lawrence clan will act if they hear or even see that the killer of their group members was roaming free in the streets of Mondstadt."

"Yes I know." Jean said as she rubbed her frown. "They will take matters into their own hands as to get their "REVENGE". We can't let that happen. No more blood should be spilled or run free it doesn't matter of which side, but no blood should be ever spilled again and I going to make sure of that."

"It will be an impossible task for you Jean." Lisa said as she rested her chin on her hand. Jean rise a a questioning eyebrow as she look at her. "It seems that that is not the only thing the Lawrence are furious about."

"What do you mean by that Lisa?" Jean ask as to what Lisa was trying to say.

"They made a charge against him. For attempted murder on Schubert Lawrence and supposedly sexual assault on Eula Lawrence."

"What?!" Jean yell as she slammed her hand on her desk.

"Mhmm" Lise affirmed asta the same time she nodded.

"But haven't they already heard what really happened between those two?!. It was duel between them!. Eula already explained it to them didn't she?! Then what the hell happened?!."

"It looks like someone in the Lawrence clan is holding a grudge." Said Lisa.

"Shit." Jean whispered as she pinched her nose.

Knock!* Knock!*

"Yes? who is it" ask Jean still pinching the bridge of her nose.

"Acting Grandmaster Jean. It's me corles. I have brought the prisoner just like you ask."

Jean quickly stood up her chair and fix her attire trying to look professional as well as presentable as much as possible.

"Come in." Said Jean with a affirmative tone of voice.

Just as she said those words the door was open. Letting her see the knight stand behind The young man.

"Move it" said the knight as he light pushed the boy forward, sending him to walk inside the room.

The boy didn't made any noise as he moved forward.

At first glanced Jean and Lisa thought that the boy had some birth marks on him, judging by the many numerous marks he had

and for a young man he sure did have quite the lean body, his skin color tan, while for his hair was color black mixed with some white hair that run into small lines in some parts of the forward pointy spiky hair he had.

But as he got closed

Both noticed that there were not birthmarks but rather scars that run around his body, many different scars of all sizes and shapes.

Both were left speechless at first, seeing this young man have this kind of scars at this early age off development.

But nevertheless Jean didn't broke her posture.

"Leave us Be" commanded jean

The knight did as what he was told as he leave the the room.

"As you can see." Spoke Jean "You were brought here for questioning. As well as information to clarify some things that your being charged with."

"Do you understand?."

Ambrose just scan around the room with his eyes, examining every little detail, even the woman dress in purple who was standing next to a bookshelf that was on the right side of the room.

The woman in purple narrowed her eyes when Ambrose lay his eyes on her. As she brought her left hand up and open it making a small rays of lightning to appear on her palm that took the shape of a rose.

It was clearly a warning as to what Ambrose might do, or even decides to do.

"Yes, I understand." He said as he look tours were Jean was standing.

"It has come to my ears that you. Have committed a crime involving three people, which ended up in their deaths." She said as she calmly walk to the desk of her chair. "Do you have any idea of what you have done?."

She try to sound as much as serious as well as intimidating, to get the information from him. That is if he even wants to talk.

"Yes I do and am happy for it." Responded Ambrose.

This got him a narrow eye look by Lisa as well as Jean who look to be very disappointed. But not for long as to what the young was about to speak, that will change her view on him.

"I killed those bastards whom they try to force themselves upon her and I personally don't let anything of that type of shit to slide with me."

Both Lisa and Jean were stunned as to what they heard coming from Ambrose mouth.

Jean was more stunned as to what she had heard the reason behind he had killed the three men from the Lawrence clan.

"Is that really what happened or is it that you're making it up so you can avoid your incoming punishment." Said Lisa as she rested her elbows on a desk nearby the bookshelf.

"Well hellooo Mrs fancy pants!." Ambrose spoke in a mockingly tone that earn him a raise eyebrow from Lisa. "Is not like I sit on my god damn ass and wait for tea time to begin while some screw head is trying to make a meat sandwich out of my companion."

"Wait a second. Your telling me that those three man were going to force themselves upon your companion?" Jean question again as she process the information that Ambrose had delivered.

"Yes. How many times do I have to repeat myself?"

Jean took a seat as in her chair at the same time she put her hand on her mouth. She look to be disturbed as well as angry.

Lisa of course saw this and step in as to lift the weight of the information that had been dropped.

"I know that what you did was something that protected your companion. But it is a crime that is not going to be forgiven that easily. Even more so when you *Ahem!* almost killed the leader of Lawrence clan."

Just by hearing that name or last name. Brought a awful sour taste on Ambrose's mouth. As he remembered almost tearing that noble fuck to pieces.

Well. . that was if Eula didn't have to get in the way of his fist and the Nobel's gut as well as his spine.

"Tch! that asshole had it coming." He simply responded with annoyed tone as he remember the man.

"It doesn't matter if he deserve it or not" spoke Lisa with a serious tone "You almost kill the líder of the Lawrence clan. Imagine what would happen to you if you manage to do so."

"What ever happens to don't matter." Responded Ambrose as he made eye contact with Lisa. Ambrose eyes had a determined look as well as a ferocious one. Lisa was impressed as well as intimidated, by the energy that Ambrose was radiating from his eyes.

If only Looks can kill

"If anything happens to any of my companions wether whom they be, am throwing rationality as well as being civilized out the window."

Ambrose body became tense as he finish his sentence. Making it clear on how serious he was.

"Amazing" Whispered Lisa with impression "And here i thought you were a rude spoiled child."

"Lisa" spoke Jean sounding serious.

"Alright, alright, I'll let you handle it." She said as she walk back to were the small desk was close to the bookshelf. Ambrose look at her as she walk back to her spot and the turn her attention to the acting grandmaster herself.

"Adventurer Ambrose? is that your name?." Jean ask as she pull a paper underneath her desk.

"Yes"

"The paper I am holding in my right hand is a commission made by the Fatui." She said as she settled the paper down on top of the desk. Turning it tours Ambrose direction. "And it looks like you have accepted their commission. Why's that?"

Ambrose look at the paper that was in front of Jean. It was the same paper that Katheryne the receptionist had filled the first time Ambrose accepted the commission.

"Simple." He said "Mora"

"And that is it?" Question Lisa

"Yah pretty much."

"But why? Out of all the commissions you could have choose. Why this one in particular?."

Ambrose let out a sight as he closed his eyes and open them again this time his expression was more relax m.

"Would you have sat there and watched the civilians die?" he said as he gave her a raise eyebrow.

"Of course not" responded Jean in a heartbeat.

"There is your answer."

"So your not affiliated with the Fatui? But rather a mercenary of sorts?" Ask Lisa who had a puzzled expression.

"You could say is a mix between a mercenary and a adventurer of sorts."

"That explains the scars on that sublime body of yours." Lisa whispered as she rubbed her chin, eyeing Ambrose from top to bottom.

Of course Ambrose heard the last part. So he took a small step to the right, getting away from her.

"Alright" Jean spoke standing up from her chair. "I could let you go and set you free."

'That's to good to be true. There has to be a damn fucking catch'

"But" she said as she walk in front of Ambrose. "I want to hired your services. As a mercenary of course."

"Jean? Are you sure you want to hired him?." Lisa ask as she walk tours here stopping a few feet from her as jean raise her hand stopping her on her tracks.

"Yes am sure of it." She said in an affirmative tone as she nodded. "And At the same time It will beneficial for the both of us."

"So It's basically a bargain between us?."

"Yes indeed." Jean affirmed as she look at Ambrose "You work for me and I can set you free as well as clean your name from the accusations the Lawrence clan have put upon you."

Jean extended her hand tours him.

"So how about it?."

Ambrose look at her hand with a neutral expression. He was already knee deep in trouble as it is. So why not. He could very well escape if he wanted too and even end Jean and Lisa on the spot. It was all on his decision.

But as for now.

He just wanted to be left alone. Without someone trying to go for after his head. So he reach out his hand and lightly squeeze hers.

"It's a deal then."

"Yeah! yeah! Just get to the point." Ambrose said as he let go of her hand "who do you want me to disappear."

"It's not a somebody." Jean responded

"listen closely Ambrose and listen very well. Our outrider Amber had discovered that hilichurl's have move closer and closer as the days passed. Meaning that sooner or later a wave of them will attack the city. Maybe not today but maybe tomorrow or the day after tomorrow, but it's expected to happen at any given moment and the only way they can attack is paddy through the bridge."

"And you want me to dispose of them?" Ambrose ask as he tilted his head to the side.

"In short terms yes." Spoke Lisa who was reading a book from one of the shelf's she had grabbed. " But most importantly we want you to hold the bridge, with the rest of the other knights that will accompany you."

"So are you up to the challenge mercenary Ambrose?."

"Yes am up to the challenge." Responded Ambrose with determination.

"Excellent." Spoke Jean

"Guards!" Jean call out

Footsteps were immediately heard outside the door, and it was open revealing four guards who walk inside and surrounded Ambrose.

"Take him to the armory we're his gear is. He will need it."

"Yes! Acting grandmaster." It was the affirmation of the four knights.

"Mercenary Ambrose will be working with you temporarily so I want you to treat him like he's the honorary knight. Is that clear?"

"Yes acting grandmaster!!."

"Now go." Commanded Jean.

"Please follow me mercenary Ambrose.I'll take you to the armory." Spoke a knight who began to walk leaving the room.

And without any option Ambrose follow behind the knight Leaving the room.

And so did the others as well. The only ones in the room were Lisa and Jean.

"Jean" Lisa spoke "Are you sure you want this? Who knows what he might do. What if he ends up stabbing you on the back."

"Lisa" Jean said as she trun around facing her "You worry to much."

"I worry to much because your always under stress and even push yourself to the point of being dead tired." She touch jean's shoulder. "And with all this stuff that is happening, I can't stop worrying as to what will happened to you if you make a wrong decision."

"Thank you lisa" spoke jean as her face softened "But there is nothing to worry about. Besides he is not a bad person he's not a threat. I could see it in his eyes, he seem to be a good person but he hides it."

"How do you know he's good and not bad Jean?" Ask Lisa who had a pleading look.

"The way he spoke about his companion." Jean responded "He seem to be really concern as well as protective over her, and his reason why he decide to go after dvalin."

"He's honorary, as well as protective person, but he doesn't show it like other people do, he does it on his own way."

Lisa let out a heavy sight as she closed her eyes and open them again, now looking at Jean with a relax expression.

"I hope you right dear friend" Lisa said as she hold jean's hand."I hope you are."

"Thank you lisa for being there for me."

"It's always my pleasure to help a friend that is In need. Now let me get you coffee, you seem like you need one" lisa let go of her hand as she walk tours the door.

"Thank you lisa" spoke Jean.

"Don't mention it." Responded lisa.