Here we are again, a new installment of the War for Remnant series bought to you by yours truly.
If your following this then welcome my friend, have a seat by the fire, stay awhile and listen. If not and your new then welcome all the same, I recommend to go to my profile because this is arc three and to avoid confusion read the first two arcs first.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy.
Chapter one: Caught on a Web
The gates of Arcadia is unlike any defense ever built in Remnant, walls five-hundred feet high of stone empowered by aura, runes in the stone that can create an energy field to protect itself and mend any damage, the white stone in perfect condition despite the many wars outside and inside as if it was made just yesterday.
Every section of the wall is a town on itself, ports for cannons and arrow slits, furnace for boiling pitch, armory and barracks housing a legion to repulse any invader, it's towers high and mighty brisling with death spitting cannons and volatile dust-based weaponry of dubious origin, unafraid to commit genocide to those intent to harm their great city.
But none could be as magnificent than the great gate itself, the wood is dark like a dead tree, cracks and terrible wear from the passage of time, it's unadorned, no runes etched in the ancient wood, it was simply more like a door than anything else, yet this 'door' stood for thousands of years unbroken, it's a symbol of integrity, of steadfastness, strenght and fortitude, and it was these traits that this 'door' remind every Arcadian their duty. There are no greater gate to protect ones people than the people themselves.
The venerated gate opens and pass through a Goliath, the elephant Grimm is covered in chainmail under a coat of green cloth, it's tusk is tipped with spiked maces connected with a chain of gold, bracelets and piercings made of bronze with runic engravement and lined with precious stones and on the elephants back a howdah where a satyr sits on a throne of wood and ivory, in front of the rider a pair of war drums and with a dumbbell he thump the drum for every step the Goliath take.
For the demons manning the walls there's little to fear, or better yet much to celebrate for on the Goliaths side stitched on the cloth are two golden arcs like a rainbow and underneath a crown of horns. It was the sigil of Albania, the Eight Legion have return home.
Nero pass through the gate after the Goliath drummer, riding high atop his nightmare the old commander changed little, still retained the same black plate armour while wearing a sash of violet to present his rank, just behind him the Eight Legion in perfect column formation, spears bristling in the sun, everyone of them a veteran in their own right not a single Thrall was left as all were field promoted to the rank of 'Demon'.
The demons cheered and Arcadians throws flowers and confetti in anticipation of their arrival, a festival erupted where they pass.
For Jaune it was a strange feeling, he watched in awe as the citizens of Arcadia cheered and wave green banners upon his arrival, rose petals thrown to the air and softly drift down seems so mesmerizing, their welcoming him back home, Grimm that don't see him as a human, but a hero.
Pride swell in his chest as Bucephalus with that arrogant gait parade through the streets basking in the afterglow of glory as Jaune relishing the feeling of renown, this is what he sought after, recognition of his deeds from the hardships and trials he faced, the chance he was denied back in Vale he attain it from the Grimm.
Wearing a leather doublet with sleeves and the flap folded out bearing the twin golden rainbows the sigil of his family back in Vale, brown woolen pants, black belt, and the white mantle he wears with pride completes his ensemble. He normally wear these clothes when attending formal gatherings.
Following in his wake are his Knights, his brothers that fought with him throughout the war. From the original one-hundred Knights eighty-seven remains, Freud went to Solitas to participate in the gladiatorial games, there to hone his martial prowess by fighting mighty champions and ferocious of beasts. Morgan left to Eden to study magic, aura and dust under the kingdoms magic academies and one day earn the name 'Magnus'. Shade set off to Anima to practice the art of assasination and shadow magic to become a full pledged wraith-knight, he would have many opportunities to practice his art, surely the human kingdom of Minstral won't miss a few dangerous criminals. Gunther never left the unit and proved to be a capable leader becoming Jaune's second-in-command.
Accompanying the Legion and Knights are the product of Jaune's rulership as Duke of Albion, in a span of a year Jaune turned the Wildlands, the many territories of the south and the nomadic satyr tribes into the Grimm kingdom of Albania, with Ganesha acting their spiritual guide and the triamvorate leading the kingdom, with a sharp eye and decisive leadership the kingdom become more urbanized with a centralized government and implemented even improved the taxation system the kingdom recovered from the war in quick time.
The regiments of Albanian oathsworns marched right behind their Duke, two regiments, five thousand each. The oathsworns are satyrs like their name, sworn an oath to fight for Albania and their Duke, wearing chainmail shirts and skirts under partial plate armour combined with their natural bone plate armour, hard muscles and tough skin their heavily armoured, armed with axes and shields makes a deadly combination as the oathsworns being satyrs are natural warriors. Their deadliness doubles for every oathsworn are also armed with an arquebus, these archaic rifles fire with a dustlock mechanism igniting the dust in the pan via fire dust crystal, fired in close range with a deadly rune etched lead shots a volley of aura enhanced bullets and a deadly charge can easily beat any adversary.
Jaune named Alaric warchief of Albania leading five more oathsworn regiments furthur south to bring more tribes and lands to the new kingdom, and to supplement their numbers the regiment have a number of armoured beast Grimm to serve as shock troops, mostly beowolves with a metal pauldrons bearing Albanias sigil and fully armoured Ursa's, a favorite among the satyrs while Nevermores serve as their Air Force.
Shamans wearing bright earthly colors escorted by fully armoured Minatours, Centaurs with their shining armour reflecting the light making them look righteous and barded Goliaths carrying a howdah with cannons and a compliment of gunners makes up Albanias impressive military, Jaune modeled them after the Legion and given their natural strenght their fierce if a little rowdy.
Jaune breathe in the atmosphere, the rose scented air, the bright banners, the cheers and admiration of the people or Grimm in this case, it was both a fulfilling and odd feeling.
"Lord Arc" Jaune turned to see who called him, it was a Grimm knight instead of wearing black plate armour like the norm this one wears plates of gold and a white sash, the pauldrons on his left colored blue with a golden ring, one side of the ring have waving arms to show the sun while the other side is silver with broken fragments like the moon. This knight is no knight in name but a royal guard of the palace "King Solomon wish for your presence"
Jaune nod at the golden guard "I'm on my way there already" he said then he called his second-in-command "Gunther take the rest to the royal barracks, the quartermaster would see to them accommodated" he instructed.
"Yes Lord" he signaled the Knights and oathsworns to him.
"I'll take care of reporting to high command" Nero said "if you ever need this old commander do keep in touch, immortality is a boring thing" they clasped each other's forearms "I will commander, thank you" Nero bid Jaune farewell as he ordered the Legion to be settled, he would be busy doing the dreadful paperwork to keep the Eight Legion together, Jaune would need them again in time.
Jaune then patted Bucephalus on the neck getting his attention "Come on, Solomon wants to see us" spreading his wings wide and with great strenght to lift them to the air the griffon fly through the Arcadian skyline, up high Jaune gazed at the magnificent splendor that is Arcadia, towers of ivory stone piercing the sky, cobblestone roads, buildings and houses made from marble and red ceramic tile roofs, the city of Arcadia is the very pinnacle of civilization but none can match the scope of mount Arcus the tallest mountain in Remnant where at the very top lies the Royal Palace.
It was hard to believe that the city and the palace to survive the Fall and the Hundred Years' War after it, but here it is, the greatest human civilization ever created abandoned by Man now become home for the Grimm of Arcadia, this kingdom is where it all started, and ended. Jaune took a deep breath, this land, this kingdom, deep in his heart the moment he emerged from the gate eight years ago he knew this is his calling.
When it falls in time it will rise again, and he will see to it, Arcadia will rise again.
The palace guards opened the large double doors for Jaune to enter the Arcadian throne chamber, the chamber is located at the top of the palace, there were no windows but a ball of fire hangs in the air burning brightly in the large room, another floats in the air along with it was a ball of silver like dust that glows gently and there were shards of it drifting off as well as a large chunk missing from the silver ball in the air, these two spheres are the sun and the moon respectively.
The chamber floor is a large map of Remnant beautifully made in minute detail as well as the names of various kingdoms and locations,everywhere else that the light of the sun dosen't reach is instead filled with twinkling stars in a parchment of the void ,but the main attraction of the chamber isn't resembling the universe but the throne itself.
The throne of Arcadia laid atop a spiraling platform made of gold and lined with gemstones, a red cushion for comfort and an overwhelming sense of power for whoever sits upon it no matter how simple the throne looks to be, Solomon even commented it's more of a symbol, it can pass as an overly fancy chair but it's the meaning behind it that counts. Apperantly good enough for mankinds ancestors.
But any who actually sits on the throne (impressive feat of athletics since the spiral platform don't have steps, again more of a symbol) could agree on the same thing. With the two giants of the sky, a realm of stars and Remnant below them it takes more of a king to rule Arcadia. To rule Remnant.
It takes a God.
Solomon himself stood in the middle of the map of Remnant on the floor looking down on the world both figuratively and literally.
"Jaune, come here" the serpentine king of Arcadia beckon him, Jaune did so and stood beside him then Solomon pointed something on the map "Look".
Pointing at the continent north-east of Sanus, south-east of Solitas, and west of Anima beyond the sea is the dragon shaped continent of Drago where the kingdom of Arcadia is located at the middle, just south of the kingdom the words that spells 'Albania' is slowly appearing on the map, the border of Albania on the map is green while Arcadias is white and the green border is slowly expanding furthur south, representing Alarics efforts to assimilate all of the southlands to the fold.
Solomon patted Jaune on the back "you have done well" he congratulated.
Jaune could feel both pride and happiness wash over him, being praised for his work is nothing new but hearing it from Solomon, the one that gave him the chance, holds more meaning to him than anyone makes him feel his trust wasn't misplace it was fulfilling.
"May I?" Solomon extended an open hand, Jaune knew what he's asking. Pulling out his axe from his side he gave it to Solomon and inspected it thoroughly.
"The Fang of Albion" he appraised "I believe you know what this weapon is" Jaune nodded.
"It's an Archweapon, one of the seven weapons the royal family gave to their most trusted, the 'Fang of Albion' was given to the Duke of Albion while the rest of the Archweapons are still scattered throughout Remnant" he answered.
"There is another Archweapon we know of" Solomon said prompting him on.
Jaune opened his mouth to answer but no voice came, he felt uncomfortable when speaking about this particular Archweapon "Crocea Mors is in Vale...with my family" he finally answered.
Solomon don't like putting Jaune is such a position but he must learn to put his feelings where their needed and put them aside when their not, he nodded satisfied with his answer.
Jaune quickly taught of a way to change the subject, he then remembered something that kept bugging him for a year which only grows to agitate him "It wasn't easy being Duke, nor was it becoming one" he played his words "It comes with a price".
Solomon understood what's causing him worry "your thinking too much".
"She relinquish her claim on Albion because I asked for it, no one else whould do that, she wants something in return" Jaune said.
"Again your thinking too much" Solomon raised a finger "one, it's wrong for you to compare her to everyone else" another finger "two, Albion wasn't hers for her to give" and another finger "three, your too smart to assume she wants something from you, Salem does what she wills" Solomon pointed out.
"You spoke to her on my behalf" Jaune scratched the back of his head, a nervous tick "did she said something?"
Solomon mulled for a while and answered "something interesting" he said cryptically.
Jaune sighed, boredom are the Grimms worst enemy, they will bite the instant they whiffed something interesting.
Solomon wave his hand in dismissal "regardless, whatever she wants from you, you'll have to speak for yourself tommorow in the council hearing she set up, perhaps then it'll put your worries of knowing your debt to rest"
Jaune just nodded "yeah, I should get back to my old room and rest for it" he bowed but before he can leave Solomon called him.
"Instead of thinking what 'she' wants why not think about what 'you' want. She have a reason why she let go of Albion but right now what are your plans for it?" Jaune was taken back, he honestly don't know what he's going to do with Albion then to rule it properly as best of his ability.
Solomon chuckle seeing him pause and think "I see it in your eyes Jaune, you know what to do already, you just have to be...vocal about it tomorrow".
Jaune was again taken back but here was a sudden realization in his face then a glint in his eyes "yeah, I think I will" he bowed again and left through the doors opened for him by the guards.
Solomon now alone in the throne chamber looked down at the Archweapon in his hands "things are going quite nicely" he said talking to the weapon "I suppose Beor could need something to work with" he then left to meet up with a certain blacksmith.
Jaune opened the door to his old room and was immediately been washed over with nostalgia, it wasn't that long since he last been in this room but after all he's been through it felt an eternity. He can officially relax after so long.
He looked around the old room that been his home for the pass eight years, the once empty room now filled with books of various subjects, stands that display his various armour including the green armour of Albion, and a rack filled with an array of weapons from blades, blunt, pole and range weapons, his once empty closet now filled with a wardrobe of various clothes for any occation that can put a supermodels wardrobe to shame, and his desk is now filled with various equipment and alchemical apparatus and his chest of sentimental treasures rest at the foot of his bed.
Jaune sighed in content, he miss Zao's cooking, Ara's dotting, Midas lectures, Beor's merry jokes and Solomon's words of wisdom and guidance. A thought pass his mind 'I'm home' he froze suddenly and frown, feeling guilty.
His home is beyond the sea on a different continent, yet deep down all of it felt so right that he's where he suppose to be, Arcadia is where mankind began...and ended, all this daily struggle to survive was because Arcadia fell, everything revolves around mankinds golden age long lost and forgotten, a legend, myth even.
Things are going to change. He's a human amids Grimm, he's a Duke now, a Tacticus for Monty's sake! He can make it work, lead mankind back to that golden age, all that's left now is for him to realize his dream, no, his ambition.
Shivering with excitement and a wide grin he jump out of his bed and opened his treasure chest, he was greeted with a black book wrapped in chains.
"Show me what I'vebeen missing" he requested and the book obliged, the chains break and a gust of wind as the book opens, settling on a blank page and began to magically write down the latest news.
Jaune if he don't have anything better to do checked the latest headlines of the human kingdoms, current events and other everyday information, it kept him connected back home and see what his sisters doing in their respective huntsman academies.
The last few months were...troubling to say the least. Atlas began to phase out the old Atlesian Knights model one-hundred twenty for the new two-hundred models, the Schnee Dust Company began a joint development program to replace the old spider mech, an upstart criminal by the name of 'Roman Torchwick' making a name for himself and the White Fang is getting more violent as time past.
But this? This takes the smile off his face.
"Assasination" he read.
A cousin of the CEO of the Schnee Dust Company was killed by a White Fang assassin during his inspection in the companies Vacuo branches, and it was two days ago!
Jaune glean more information, nothing can escape book's all seeing eye, the cousin was killed by a White Fang operative by the name 'Blake Belladona' this made Jaunes eyes widen, the Belladonas left the White Fang which results to the organizations decent to terrorism, for this one to stay with the group means one of two things: she was misguided or simply an utter fool, or both!
It didn't help at the same time of his demise a worker uprising with White Fang support happened in Vacuo, killed all the personnel and escaped to the dessert, which the general populace didn't have to know, sure the guy was not the most colorful of character, known to do unspeakable acts to Faunus workers but surely the rest of the personnel didn't deserve the same fate, they were just caught in the crosshairs.
If things can get any much worse the escaped Faunus workers didn't reach Vacuo or anything remotely close to civilization, they got lost in the dessert and not even Book can see where they went, or simply Book didn't care.
Jaune sighed and return book to his chest, things are getting hectic in the human kingdoms and no doubt the Grimm kingdoms are scrambling to keep them from turning into beast feed. The hunters, mankinds defenders are too few in number, the Grimm kingdoms military are spread too thin to effectively defend them from rogue Grimm kingdoms, tyrannical warmongers and marauding Grimm skirting in mankinds borders and now radical terrorist, corruption and greed rips the human kingdoms apart, it's like humanity is destined to drive themselves to extinction. The Fall of Arcadia is happening again and this time their not getting back up.
Jaune cursed, his thinking into this a little too deeply, he needs to focus on what's infront of him and plan things out. But his mind is already in motion and he can't relax, there are still too much to worry about and questions left unanswered.
He...he needs to act.
Grabbing a sheet of paper, an ink well and a writing quill he began to write down his message and fold it to the center, he grabbed a box and opened it to reveal his own personal seal, it was a signat ring engraved with the sigil of his family, two crescent arcs like a rainbow and below the arcs are the fleur'de'lis for his personal touch.
With a small lit burner with a pan of boiling gold colored wax he poured a small dose on the letter and press his seal, he then took the Book of Grimm and put it inside a sealed wooden box, he then opened his closet and procured another box that looks like a birthday gift, violet wrappings with a big red ribbon, with these in hand he went out of the room to find a certain spider.
It was easy to find Ara in a castle the size of a city, just look for her webs or threads. Jaune knocked on the door and heard a 'come in' before entering.
Ara's room is full of mannequins wearing her latest creation, many different clothing materials of many colors, variety and quality neatly tucked at the corner of the room, there were no bed but there were thick spider webs hanging on the ceiling and a large dresser and a full body mirror.
The weaver is sitting on a stool making another fancy dress until she notice him enter the room "Jaune! It's good to see you dear" she walked up to him and place a kiss on his cheek, she inspected him like a clothier would to recommend a fitting ensemble "My, you have grown quite well, especially in certain areas" she patted his stomach seemingly impress by his growth underneath his leather doublet.
"I know a few that would be as impress as I do" she giggled but Jaune cringed "please don't give them ideas" he begged.
"What brings you here? Something important I assume" she pointed the wooden box under his arm "I'm here to ask a favor, and perhaps a little 'gossip'" he said.
"Oh, I would never have thought your into 'gossip'" she laughed "I do have some that you would like to hear".
Ara didn't become a royal court member for spinning thread, no, she may look innocent on the outside but she is a spy master with a wide network of informants all across Remnant like a spider web, in every kingdom Grimm or otherwise and the one who give orders to the wraith-Knights to carry out assasination, sabotage and manipulation of information, she have eyes, ears and hands everywhere. The name weaver is because she can tell a lie that is the truth and a truth that is a lie as easy as her weaving.
A round table rise from the floor as well as a stool to sit onto, Jaune took a seat and Ara prepared and served tea, they were like two old friends sharing a cup of tea and idle chatter but their exchanging information and secrets best left to the grave.
"So" she started taking a sip of tea "I heard the witch sent her monkeys flying everywhere, pulling a few strings and all that, causing a ruckus if you ask me" Jaune nodded "those monkeys of hers were circling around Sanus as of late, just like a few years back in Albania"
"Albania? What were they doing in Albania?" Jaune questioned, that was before the war seven years ago "carrying out raids and sorties, playing with the locals" Jaune took in the information "was it enough to warrant invading Arcadia?" Ara shook her head "the other lords have their eyes on Albania for a long while now, most of the border skirmish were insignificant to grab the satyrs attention as a whole, but there was one particular report.
Jaune raised a brow "and that report is?" Ara took another sip of her tea "there were reports filtering in of a Lion Grimm sighted on the border those years ago but disappeared furthur south, it was significant because there's only one Lion Grimm in Remnant".
"Leonel" Jaune answered, a Demi-God and one known as the False king.
"After that the lords ceased their operations across the border, all but the witches monkeys that is, then the war happened a month later after the report, many of the council were unease because the satyrs penetrated deep perhaps too deep in Arcadian lands".
"But how? Salem took the brunt of the initial attack but I know a few lords west that can contain it, somehow down the line everything went wrong" Ara nodded "it's odd because although Salem and her order took the worst hit their counter-offensive pushed the satyrs out, the other lords was unable to do anything when the satyrs hit and they were at a better state" the weaver explained.
This made him think, Salem was the last person to drive the satyrs back after the damage did to her order but she still did it, it was like she anticipated it, or rather planned it all out from the start.
Ara put her cup down "well that's all I have, I don't have much friends in Albania unfortunately, ever since the Fall" Jaune nodded understandingly.
"And the favor you have in mind?" She asked and Jaune put the wooden box, present and letter on the table "I need these to be delivered to Vale" he said.
Ara peek the inside of the box, it was the black book of Grimm "and who is to recieve it?" She took both the box and letter "You remember Vincent?" He asked her.
"Your angel? yes I remember" she didn't like the death angel floating around him all the time, it makes her feel he's going to die soon "he knows what to do after reading my letter" he said.
Ara nodded but then asked "and what would he do with the book? I imagine he'll hide it in his garden or lock it up in heaven but why sent it to him?" Jaune shook his head "everything is written in the letter, besides Book can do more there than with me" he explained.
The weaver sighed and nodded, she decide to trust him on this one, he knows what he's doing and Vincent can be trusted, well, he's not going to do something crazy but it's still up there.
She then glanced at the wrapped box, there was something inside it "please don't tell it's what I think it is"
Jaune scratched the back of his head "it is".
She crossed her arms "and this is for Vincent as well?" Jaune nervously laugh "actually no"
"Do you think it's a good idea?" Jaune nodded "there's no harm to it, if worst comes to worst than I can relax on the knowledge they'll be alright" he said pleadingly.
He was worried about his family, things are getting dicey in the human kingdoms so it's understandable he's setting up things to protect them, Ara thinks "if you thinks that's best then I won't argue".
"What about Sanus?" He inquired.
"Eden in particular" she clarified "the beast Grimm around the Vacuo desert are getting feisty as of late, nomads are reporting strange sightings of groups of robed Grimm disappearing in the sands and the border forts protecting the human kingdom are being raided by beasts at a worrying frequency".
"And about the witches there?" He pressed.
"Police duty, things aren't improving much so I imagine Solomon would sent someone else to do it and pull the monkeys out. Something there looking forward to" She explained.
"What worries me more about Eden is that my friends are strangely silent for the pass few months, with how volatile the kingdom already is, sending someone is highly risky. I'm afraid your going in there blind" she warned.
This made Jaune raised his brows "Solomon is going to sent me to Eden for police duty?".
Ara laughed and shook his head "I imagine he would, but remember you never heard it from me" she finished with a sip of her tea.
Jaune stroke his chin in thought and stood up.
"Well I better get going now, thanks for doing this" Jaune bowed and went for the door.
"It's a pleasure dearie" she said as Jaune left through the door "I'm looking forward on what you have in mind" she said ominously.
As Jaune walked down the hall he wonders whether it's a good idea sending Book to Vale, even if he knows what's going on he can't do anything, but with Book in the hands of Vincent, then he can somehow act upon it or manipulate it in a way.
Of course Vincent can't intervene in his behalf, it doesn't mean he can't give hints. Something that Jeanne can pick up.
He stop in his tracks and did a double take, he's dragging his twin in this mess, what he should do is to keep his family well away from everything, but Jaune knew if someone would act and capable doing it then it's his own twin.
That's why he prepared a 'gift' beforehand, he planned on sending it to his family before but thought otherwise, no need to put them in needless danger. But something must be done and with his 'gift' in place as a countermeasures against unknown variables, then he could relax somewhat.
He was broken from his ravine when he heard laughter echoing down the hall, slowly from the darkness Solomon emerged with his hands behind his back.
"I feel a need to question involving your family in this, but I believe you know what your doing" he said.
"A precaution, it's up to them to decide what she'll do with it" Jaune defended.
Solomon hummed and nodded "it's confirmed then"
"What is?"
"Ohh, something I know you'll do" he said as cryptic as always.
He again bowed and pass by "oh and the Fang? I gave it to Beor to work with, you'll get it back in perhaps a day or two" he informed.
"Solomon" he called.
"Hmm?"
"Did you" he hesitate, everything he knows about the war is off, even Ara have no concrete information to support Nero's assumption or Vincent's warning behind it. Almost everything points out that Salem was behind it, or so he thought, what he wanted to believe.
"Did you made the idol of Leonel and gave it to Salem to send it to Khan?"
Silence, both King and Duke stood unmoving staring at each other in the hallway, the silence was tense and suffocating.
"And what if I did?" He said amused.
Jaunes hands balled to a fist.
Another moment of silence before Solomon spoke.
"I saw Zao heading for the pens, go now before he do something" it wasn't an order nor was it a command, it was simply a suggestion.
Without another word Jaune turned around and left.
I know what your thinking, I just made Blake into a murderer.
Uh...
Disclaimer: this is a work of fan fiction, all rights reserved to Rooster Teeth and to its creator Monty Oum blessed be his name.
