Annihilation, a claymore fanfic Options

[Overdose]

Annihilation FAQ (frequently updated)

1)What are Claymores?

Claymores are women handpicked by the Organization at their childhoods. Their bodies are infused with demons, giving them super human strength and agility. The body fusion process is described as being very painful though much of it is left to the reader’s imagination. This ‘gift’ is unique to each Claymore as all of them are different in both power and abilities.

They are trained since childhood in how to use a sword and on how to hunt demons. The lower ranked warriors are given basic training while the high ranked warriors are given training that specialize them according to what their natural gifts are. They are also taught the Organization’s rules and to obey them above all else.

The Claymore ranking system is very simple. Each rank is a number, from one to forty seven. The number one ranked warrior would be deemed the strongest by the organization, while number forty seven would be deemed the weakest. Even the weakest Claymore is capable of defeating a demon in one on one combat. There’s also a large gap in power between ranks, especially at rank five and below. It’s not unusual to see evenly powered Claymores competing for rank against each other, however. Their rank is also considered a second name.

Claymores are typically nearly six feet tall (around 180cm) and they all have silver eyes. If a Claymore is seen without her uniform, that is the feature that gives her identity right away. When fighting a strong foe, their eyes turn gold and almost beast-like as they tap into their demonic powers. Their hair is discolored and it can vary from many shades of blond, silver and white hair. Some Claymores also develop elven-like ears though very rarely when they become warriors.

Claymores have slim bodies, because they don’t eat as much as humans. In fact Claymores can stop eating for as much as three days and it won’t have any effect on their performance. When they decide to eat it’s only a very small portion, however, some Claymores are known for eating more than an average human. Those Claymores do not appear to gain much weight or any weight from their habit.

Once a Claymore is deemed worthy to carry out solo assignments for the Organization, she is given a unique mark. This mark can be seen on their uniform at their chest, her sword or her Black Note. Despite the many generations of Claymores, each mark is unique. Their mark is like their fingerprint and the only way others can identify the bearer of the mark is by knowing it before hand.

The most distinctive difference between Claymores is their types. There are two types: offensive and defensive. Claymores do not pick their types, their type reflects on the way they battle and even their personalities. Offensive warriors are powerhouses and their strategy is to defeat the enemy quickly before the same can do any harm to them or kill them. Defensive warriors care more about their self protection and are very hard to kill, especially if their regeneration capabilities are advanced.

All Claymores are capable of regenerating their wounds, to some extent at least. Defensive Claymores can regenerate lost limbs and even vital organs according to their power. Offensive types can rejoin recently lost limbs and wounds that do not affect their vital organs. Even the highest ranked offensive Claymore cannot regenerate as well as a defensive one. Due to their extreme survivability, the most effective way to kill a defensive Claymore is to remove the head from the body.

Claymores have to constantly struggle with themselves because the more they use their demonic powers the higher the risk they are in losing control. When a Claymore loses control of her demonic power, she might turn into an Awakened Being. This is a fate that awaits all Claymores other than death. Thankfully not many Claymores become Awakened Beings as many decide to end their own life. If that isn’t possible there’s also the Black Note system. The Organization, Awakened Beings and the Black Note system will be covered ahead.

2)What is the Organization?
Coming soon.
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End of FAQ
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Chapter 1: The Saga Begins

The moonlight lit up the small town of Lilo. The wind blowing gently as it scattered the golden and auburn leaves of Fall. Lilo, deep within the Great Plains, was distant from civilization but thanks to it's famous apple orchards many traders flowed in making the town prosper exponentially. The peaceful town of Lilo, most of its inhabitants were asleep. A small house down the main street. A faint source of light could be noticed past the window. The front door was banged open. An eerie scream invaded the atmosphere.

A new day. Worried villagers gathered in front of the house forming a curious mob. A brave young man enters the house to investigate. The boarded floor of the living room was covered in blood. A dreadful smell filled his nostrils. He started to make his way towards the only bedroom of the house. He slowly turned the door knob and took a peek inside. His eyes were wide open with the horror he saw. He immediately runs out of the house. Completely ignoring the crowd, he hurls over right in front of them.

“The entire family was murdered?!� The man slammed his fist on the table, eying the elderly man seated behind it. “Not murdered. They were eaten alive. Devoured. This is the work of demons.� The middle aged woman broke her silence. “When people are ripped open and their organs go missing, there's only one conclusion to draw. We have a demon in our village.� The others village gathered there started whispering to one another and some yelled in protest.

The elderly man, who is the town elder, placed his palms on the table and stood. He rubbed his gray mustache with the back of his thumb then takes in a deep breath. “I've called for help.� He walked over to the lit fireplace and stared at the blaze for a moment. “A Claymore should arrive today.� His voice sounded disturbed. “A Claymore?! A Silver Eyed Witch?!� The man protested, yelling a bit too loud for his own good. “Yes, I've contacted them. They are the only ones that can sense and fight the demons.�

The Town Elder turned his eyes to the door as he started to listen to metallic footsteps. A young woman hearing a distinctive pale gray uniform with close fitting shirt and pants. Her sabatons clanked softly on the stone floor. Her spaulders and vambraces shimmered with the sunlight. She wears a metallic fauld around her waist. Her short cape fluttering with the breeze along with the bangs of her short blond hair. She wears a piece of black fabric around her neck, bearing a mark colored in white. Her icy blue eyes scanned the room.

“You are early.� The Town Elder walked over to greet her. Suddenly purple blood gushed out and splattered on the wall. The middle aged woman's body was severed into two. Her upper half started to slowly crawl over to the Claymore and grabbed her ankle. Icy blue eyes glanced down upon her and she slowly pulled an immense two handed sword from behind her shoulder and thrust it into the woman's head. The sword was twisted twice. The severed woman lied there now lifeless. The sword was slowly removed and swung aside, splattering blood, pieces of flesh and hair, on the floor.

The sword now clean was returned to it's sheath. “Job's done.� The Claymore left, leaving the townsfolk perplexed. She stood motionless at the village gate, looking up at the bronze plaque bearing the town's name. The town elder approached her again, this time carrying a large bag on his hands. “Miss, I have your money.� He shook the bag slightly and the coins inside announced their presence with that unmistakable sound. She looked back at him over her left shoulder. “A man in black will come by later to collect it. Give him the bounty when he arrives.�

“We will.� The town elder humbly turned his gaze away from hers and left. Her gloved hand reached up to her forehead and she ran her fingers through her hair. She sighed softly and stared at the road ahead. Her slender and elegant frame was silhouetted by the bright sun. She smiled slightly and left the village behind, heading to the woods nearby. She had been walking for minutes now. She placed her palm against a tree and stared at it's roots. “Victor?� She whispered as she leaned her body weight onto the tree.

A man dressed in black approached her from behind and came to a halt at an arm's length away from her. “Well done.� He crossed his arms with a smirk on his lips. His face turned serious as he turned his face towards the east. “Five days on foot from here is the town of Tristan. It has been destroyed by demons. Normally we would not take assignments like these but a neighboring village promised to pay us.� He removed his scarf and rested it on his shoulder.

“You are the one closest to the target. No matter how many demons are there or any lesser details. Annihilate them all. Understood?� His hands dropped to his sides as he glanced at her again.“Yeah.� She leaned off the tree and begun walking away. “Monica.� The tone of his voice seemed hesitant at the least. She halted, not bothering to look back at him. “You've been promoted to number twelve. Congratulations.� He turned his gaze back to her. “Thank you.� She sounded indifferent. Dropping her shoulders, she resumed to walk away. Victor smirked again as he watched her go.

“96th class, 764th soldier, Monica. She can instantly strike her enemy from a great distance with her sword severing all in her path and with supreme precision. Being able to out range opponents with ease makes her a foe to be respected at the very least. This earned her the alias 'Zephyr Sword Monica.' I wonder what the Organization has in store for her future."

Back in the town of Lilo, the townspeople gathered at the corpse of the severed woman. She had changed by now back to her true form. Her skin was now dark, her ears were sharp and she had grown large claws on her hands. “She didn't even give the demon a chance to react. This is what they call a Claymore?� The man looked at the bloody remains in disbelief.

Monica stood on a cliff, overlooking the valley as the sun started to set behind the lake. Quite a beautiful scenery. “Number twelve isn't enough.� She shrugged.

[Overdose]

Chapter 4: The dark sisters

Monica walked down the rocky path. Lightning struck in the distance, followed by thunder. Sutafu was a wasteland as far as the eyes could see, this desolated landscape was the home of the Organization. This was actually the first time she was returning to headquarters; most warriors only spend their infancy there.
Monica was no different. She can’t remember her childhood friends or even her family, in fact she can’t remember if she even had any, being a warrior is all that there is to her life. She stepped inside the cave-like entrance of the immense fortress that seemed to be built into the mountain. Lanterns on the wall illuminated her path.

She found himself at a hall; she could see the many rooms that seemed more like cells. This sent a chill in her spine; she remembered the many years she had spent in one of those. She saw a little girl standing in front of her, her hair was auburn meaning she had not yet become a hybrid yet. “Hey Miss, are you looking for something?� Though she was friendly, the girl seemed a bit shy.

“Yes, it has been so long since I’ve been here. I’m looking for the council room.� Monica crossed her arms at her abdomen and looked around seeing if her memories could guide the way. “I’m not sure either.� The girl pressed the tip of her index finger against the center of her chin, tilting side to side with boredom. “That’s fine, I’ll find it eventually.� Monica placed her hand on top of the girl’s head and patted it softly.

“Clarice! What are you doing? Get back to training this instant.� Victor walked up to them, clearly irritated. “Y-yes, sir!� Clarice ran away in such a hurry she tripped on the way out. Monica chuckled then turned her eyes to Victor. “So what is so important that required me to be here personally?� Monica tilted her head to the side, clearly annoyed after the long trip.

“Don’t act like you are important in the first place.� He replied. “You’ll find out soon enough. Follow me.� Victor led Monica down the hall and a few minutes later they stood before a double stone door. There were a few wooden chairs lined up. “You are next. Make yourself comfortable meanwhile. I
have some errands to run.� Victor left her without much of a ceremony.

Monica removed her sword and rested it on the ground between her legs, holding its massive weight casually with her index and thumb. Some moments passed and the door opened. Seras walked with a blank expression on her face. “Seras!� Monica stood, surprised to see her. “They summoned you as well? What’s going on?� Monica put her sword away. Seras replied by pressing her index finger against her lips. “Shh.� She shook her head slightly.

“Number Twelve. Come in.� A male voice came from inside the room. “Coming!� Monica left Seras and stepped inside the council room. She stood before the men seated in nine large stone chairs. She knelt down before them. “Number twelve, Monica. Presenting myself as ordered.� The man in the center chair rested his elbow on the armrest then looked at her wearily.

“The awakened being hunt you were a part of. A village was destroyed. You claimed that it was the awakened being that had done this correct?� Monica bit her lip then lowered her head. “Yes sir.� She replied. “The wounds found on the corpses were not something an awakened being would’ve done. They are in fact the same wounds one of your very own swords could’ve done.� The man spoke quite angrily.

Monica was speechless. She wasn’t supposed to tell them truth, it’s not like they would even believe her in the first place. “Do you have anything to say on your defense?� One of the other men spoke this time. “I do not.� Monica tried her best not to curse under her breath. “We’ve already interrogated number ten and number nineteen. They said the same fabricated lie to us.� Another man spoke.

Monica had already had lost all hope. “So, number twelve. Why do you insist with this lie? We are very aware of what happened in that village. It’s not like we don’t observe major operations.� Monica looked up to them. “You do?� She replied somewhat relieved. “Yes. We know that another warrior was responsible for this. Though we’re not sure of her identity, we are dealing with the situation.�

“I see.� Monica stood as if she had just avoided the guillotine. “We however, are not pleased with the fact you lied to us. You three will be punished for this.� Monica nodded slightly and replied softly. “Yes, I’m prepared.� The man motioned with his hand for someone to approach. A warrior walked over and stood next to Monica, looking her over. “This is number sixteen. She’ll be keeping an eye on you from now on.�

“Maybe her loyalty to us will rub off on you.� The man at the center chair sat back and dismissed Monica with her hand. “You can go now. “ Monica nodded. “Yes sir.� She headed towards the exit, being closely followed by number twelve. Monica closes the door as she got out. “I suppose I’ll have to live with this.� Monica looked at her new ‘companion’ over analyzing her carefully.

“I’d rather not be babysitting you. Just so you know, I take my assignments seriously. If you try anything funny, you’ll regret it.� Number twelve broke her silence; her voice carried a gelid tone. “You want to take me on?� Monica snarled. “Stop it you two.� Seras appearing out of nowhere grabbed Monica’s arm. “Don’t put us in any more trouble than we already have.� Seras pushed Monica away. “…Fine.� Monica crossed her arms and turned away from them, clearly angry.

“We already have a mission. Lilly is already on the scene tracking the target. If we take too long she might get noticed. So we need to hurry.� Seras spoke calmly. “Cassandra, have you ever hunted awakened beings before?� Seras turned her eyes to number twelve. “Yes.� Her head made a slight nod. “Good we’re all experienced then. Let’s get moving. The journey to Lude plateau won’t be a short one.�