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ProlAoGuE .CH0
UNKNOWN – TIME: 00:00 – YEAR: 997 A.E (After Emergence Day).
A well-dressed man stood by the large window of his office, wearing a black suit and a dark yellow undershirt. Ahead of him was the city's dark vista. Smokes upon smoke filled the skies, darkening the city in an endless night, even if there was supposed to be daylight at this time, the factories work relentlessly to create for the future.
Dust companies, Weapons, and Armor manufacture, mercenary companies even clothing companies have all settled here in this…..
A Titan of a city.
The Future of Remnant as some would call it.
Others call it the Doom of Remnant.
Two names that resonate this Titan fully that only fools will argue against it.
He stared dispassionately at this sight, it lacks Atlas's cleanness, it lacked Vale's simplicity, it lacked Mistral's cruel beauty and it lacked Vacuo's barbarity.
But it had something that none of the great cities had, not even Atlas had it.
It had power…
And everyone knows it.
The mythical city on the Hill he spoke of…
Wondering if this was the future his fellows have been speaking, the future the world would look thirty years from now.
'At this point, it should take five years if we manage to find one of the carries…'
{Today marks the twenty-third anniversary since the vent known as Heaven War, a rebellion made by the once-feared Outer Heaven, composed of the five most powerful mercenary band at the time with their goal being to destroy the established council. But thanks to the joint effort of the Atlas Army} the news played in the background but he didn't bother himself in listening, news like these has never interested him. And today is no exception {The Lancers of Minstrel and the Order Church's Knight Templar repelled the would-be overlords as a united front which was unheard of at the time. Services were held in a memorial event helmed by Versalife today to remember those who fought in the war}
Taking a quick drink from his glass filled alcohol, he savored the taste as he continued to admire the city vista ahead.
{In other news, Minstrels plague has started to spread out and affect various villages around the kingdom, and it seems to worsen in each passing day despite the full support from Versalife and Haven Academy. The other kingdoms have voiced concern over the possibility of the plague reaching to its borders along with the growing activities from the Grimm because of this plague but the President of Versalife assured everyone that they are still working on a possible cure to stop this plague from spreading any further}
{We here in Picus news would like to thank the President of Versalife for his continued effort in helping those affected by the plague and the Grimm. This is Eliza Cassan, hoping you all a happy day}
Looking at his watch for the time, he ordered the offices installed VI to turn off the television as made his way to his rather large desk and sat down. Pressing on a few keys on his hologram keyboard, his desk started to flare up as four holograms framed as faceless heads appeared floating above the wooden table.
"Fellow Enlightened… or most of you that is" the man greeted halfheartedly, it seems not everyone would be attending today's meeting. Understandable considering some the recent circumstances that have been happening in the past few weeks.
Opening the desk and fish out a box of cigars he has hidden from his secretary. The man in black opened the steel lighter, staring at the small flame for a second before lighting his cigar and huffed, enjoying its taste going through his system.
[Overseer Twelve] one of the heads greeted him by using his title, their electronic voice echoing around the office [I take the extraction is still underway?] the head asked, they floated at the center of it all. Their voice deep and commanding but you can hear it starting to get a bit strained.
Overseer Twelve, or O12, relaxed in his seat as he looked at a statue that he can see in this darkness, enjoying his cigar "Digging through an ancient temple that is already buried deep has proven to be time-consuming" he stated, puffing a large smoke out "But we at least managed to extract thirty-seven percent fresh spring at the bottom…"
[Good. I will send Devola to oversee the rest of the recovery in the next few days] the center head said hoarsely [If we manage to find at least fifty percent, it would suffice for us to finish LAZARUS much quicker]
"I will make the arrangements and inform those on the site of her coming" he tapped his fingers in thought, still enjoying the cigar "But I highly doubt if its suffice to handle… Whatever you seek in this project-"
[It is necessary] their angered voiced stopped him from speaking, it had a cruel edge that cut through the air [HYRON cannot be completed without the LAZARUS finishing its intended purpose]
"As you say, Prima…"
[What of news from the station?] one of the heads asked curiously, their title simply states 'Picus'. [I've heard that there were no casualties]
[There wasn't] the other head confirmed to Picus. The title 'STEEL' appeared below in capital letter. Like Prima, they had a commanding but professional tone [The team I sent received no casualties on their end. And all scientists are accountable except for Doctor Brown and two others who were kidnapped]
[And the station director? I take it he wasn't spared] another chimed in humorlessly, contrast to the others whose voices were deep and electronic, this had a feminine voice, calm and light. Title 'Five' appeared in its namespace.
[Killed during the firefight] they answered nonchalantly [Along with others who decided to join with him in this little coup]
[Messy work those mercenaries you hired made, I pity whoever has to clean off the blood]
[You wanted it to be untraceable. So I hired those who can at least finish the job]
'Wonder how much pride he had to shallow to ask them…' the man in black thought humorlessly but didn't voice it aloud, next time perhaps. The whole fiasco on the base was honestly a joke on the director's part in thinking he can win against them was stupid of an idea as the idea of Vacuo possibly ending its hundred-year clan wars.
"Never knew you'd actually listen to our friend in intelligence" The man in black huffed "I am sure he was quite… surprised at your request for assistance" he chuckled as STEEL let out a small growl. They seem to have never liked him from the start.
Picus coughed to catch everyone's attention [I take it this means a new director will be assigned?]
[We already assigned them before we reclaimed the base.] said Prima.
"That quick…" he cleaned off the dirt off the table his cigar is making.
[Gary Savage and his team will take over things from now on. He can be trusted in running things for Rifleman after we relocate into another facility.] Five explained plainly.
[As for the kidnapped scientists... Anyone who can be problematic in the near future?.] Picus asked cautiously.
[Not to the extent as you might think] Five claimed [Yes, their skills can prove useful for those who have them but not enough for to be a threat in the future.]
"Forgive me for sounding a bit paranoid. But we lost three of Remnants best scientists in the field of Dust studies to this…Black Queen" the man in black stated, forcefully even. Finger still tapping slowly on the wooden table "Rifleman Station has conducted many projects. Including our 'Emil' study. Which I hope is not discontinued"
[As I said, there is no need to worry yourselves about it. I already have things covered with Savage in continuing some of our operations in the eastern and northern sectors] she stayed quiet for a moment before continuing [Prima, I wish to bring the 'Saint' Project to Rifleman. After all, Savage is a part of my team] The man in black raised a single eyebrow at their request but refrain from commenting.
[Done, Popola will send any necessary papers to finalize the transfer] the Prima said hoarsely [Anything else of note?]
[This…Black Queen has been proving to be quiet problematic] Picus stated [Whoever they are, they've been growing in power these last few years… we've even heard that they are possibly working with the White Fang] Picus turned toward STEEL [What do you suggest? Dark Unit? or those mercenaries of yours?]
The man in black stopped tapping on his table.
[Dead Cell is still being reconstructed after the whole debacle in Sunderland and my usual unit is currently on an important mission] STEEL explained [But The Redemption Unit will make do, they have the people and the necessary equipment to achieve the mission. After all, they are the reason the Red Arrows no longer operates in Atlas]
Five let out a soft giggle [Quite the catchy name for a demotion unit]
[I need results, not glamour. And the unit has proven their worth]
[I also take that our friends in Vale are not too pleased with this development. With them operating in their sector. Especially after we took two of the relics]
"Nor the Church for the matter"
[Thats a matter for later, for now, we need to focus the now and erase this pest of a queen from this world, they've interfered with us for far too long] Prima ordered roughly [But remember, the end goal to all of this] he stopped for a moment and continued [Why we began this journey of ours]
[HYRON] Picus voiced lowly.
[Yes, HYRON will be the final step after we finish the LAZARUS, Dust manufacturing has lessened these last few years but we have the carries and two of the relics. But when all is settled and everything is set... Remnant as a whole will be enlightned] Prima said hoarsely, letting the word sink in [We will discuss things in our next meeting, O12] Prima called the man in black's attention [I will speak with you in the matter of… our arrangements the next time you come visit]
"Yes sir…" he said quietly, huffing out a small smoke through his nose.
[Until then…] Prima signed off, the once hologram head that floated at the center has disappeared.
Others followed, not bothering in saying their goodbyes.
The Man in Black remained relaxed in his seat, enjoying the smoke before taking one last huff and putting it out.
….
….
[To think they don't have the decency to even say goodbye]
He turned to the side to see the lone head floating above his desk.
"At the position they are now… common decency is considered a time waster" he answered nonchalantly as he stood up and walked closer to the window once more, staring at the city out of habit "What is it you want, Five"
[Why? Can't I have a conversation with our newly enlightened?]
"Depends… are you here for personal reasons or business reason" his eyes turned up, a giant airship has just arrived over the city, possibly new material for some of the factories.
Five scoffed [Please. The only difference between those two is one you actually gain something out of it]
"And which one is it?"
[Both]
"Hmm…" he stayed quiet as he took out another cigar and lighten it "Ask away then, I have an Important meeting later"
[You were awfully quiet today, care to explain?]
"I was being polite, no need to fight them about it all the time"
[But yet you were close to doing it when you spoke against HYRON from completing]
He scoffed "We both know that this project will not benefit anyone long term, especially if people found out what it really posses…" he huffed out a large smoke as he stared at the city's dark vista "And going back to the past doesn't solve the future. Even with the relics and two carriers in our possessions, it won't be enough…"
Five hummed simply, not answering him directly but he can feel them agreeing with him [You also seem to be against with me putting Savage in Rifleman]
"You read the reports, his team's… ethical approach has slowed our progress for a while now" he explained roughly "And now is not the time for a moral compass to work"
[Please] they scoffed [Just be glad Prima was in the mood to actually give me Rifleman]
"I am dancing with joy" he said plainly, eyes still on the city dark vista.
[There's a thought… but I take it this means your little project will also be moved to Rifleman?]
"I see Simons told you already" he wasn't shocked that Five would know of his project.
[He doesn't exactly keep things from me, but it took some convincing for him to explain]
"That's a first," he said plainly "I need to speak things through with Prima on the transfer" he sighed "And HELIOS is no little project…"
[Absurd would be the word I use in this project of yours… have you told the others?]
"Picus and Simons were the only two, but it seems I have to add you to the circle of trust"
[I am honored for your well-placed trust in me]
"Which is small mind you, I have told to anyone in the table as of yet… for now, let's keep things under wraps until the time is right"
[What a conversation that would be when you tell them of this… HELIOS project of yours]
"Subject M has proven that we can go further in our experiments, what we need is the four 'carriers' if we want to perfect the process" he looked up, a large airship, Vale? No, it's far too dirty and old to be one 'Ah... Vacounian airships. Haven't seen one of those in years' he recognized the colors as it drew closer, it seems the dark clouds covered his vision.
"Now that we are in discussion of absurd projects, the SAINT is still on this year's money waster"
That seems to get the hologram attention [Careful there O12] Five warned, their tone getting colder in each word [I enjoy your company, but watch your tongue when you speak of the SAINT] He stopped himself from saying anything out of turn. This is not a person he needed to cross, especially at this time. [But if you wish to use prototypes as an example, I am sure you've seen Subject 103, they have succeeded where their own superiors predicted they would fail. In situations deemed impossible but yet, they succeed in the end]
'And you wish to replicate that… even if it means the death of the one inheriting it…' he thought tiredly.
He changed the subject and asked "Anything else you are curious about?" his appointment is getting closer.
[The Black Queen] he stopped bringing the smoke close to his lips [Every time they are mentioned you go quiet as a ghost]
"What's there to say. They are simply like anyone else who thinks that can go against us…" he smirked, "Like our friend in Vale…"
[But they managed to go further than anyone who went against us… not even the Fox managed to get this far]
"And like the Fox, This Black Queen will meet their end," he said plainly "But for now… let them have their fun"
[You want our friend in Vale to do our work?]
"Divide and conquer as someone I know would say. Let them kill each other and we will be there to pick the bones"
[HA! You are learning fast my boy] they praised [Well then… I don't want to keep you waiting. Till we meet again Overseer, and I hope it will be in person] with that, Five signed off.
He remained standing in his spot, staring at the city ahead of him. Today's meeting was a waste, all they did was confirm what they were doing and what will they be doing in the future. With the problems in all four kingdoms growing by the day, he is amazed how they still managed to contact one another.
'And yet… we lack a lone goal… ' he took another smoke before hearing his scroll beeping loudly on his desk "Answer" he ordered, "What is Yonah?"
[Sir!] his secretary's overly meek voice came from the machine [Sorry to disturb you, Sir… B-B-But Director Simons is here to see you]
"Hmm… someone's early" he huffed one last time before putting it out "Tell him to stay where he is, I'll come down"
[Y-Y-Yes sir!] she said nervously, a bit too loudly [He is waiting by the large statue. The one with the hand! Please hurry, he is starting to frighten some of the customers!]
"I'll be there" He fixed his dark red hair, slicking it back to its proper position. He looked handsomely devilish all things considered. "Also Yonah, your sister will be visiting us to collect something, I'll send you the necessary report"
[Y-Y-Yes sir!] she said hastily and waited.
He sighed "You can go back to work Yonah…"
[Oh!] after a couple of seconds of his secretary fumbling with the phone before a loud click came in the end.
Staring at the city visage one last time before taking his leave, he buried a single hand inside his pocket. His eyes drifted to the statue that Yonah put in his office, that of a hand, grabbing the world. With a flower grown at the center of the world.
Knowledge is Power, Blooming through the future
He stared at the words engraved on the petals before taking his leave.
'I should have listened to Simons… this looks awful in the advertisements…'
{DXR}
"Legends. Stories scattered through time. Mankind has grown quite fond of recounting the exploits of heroes and villains, forgetting so easily that we are remnants, byproducts, of a forgotten past."
"Man, born from dust, was strong, wise, and resourceful, but he was born into an unforgiving world. An inevitable darkness — creatures of destruction — the creatures of Grimm - set their sights on man and all of his creations. These forces clashed, and it seemed the darkness was intent on returning man's brief existence to the void."
"However, even the smallest spark of hope is enough to ignite change, and in time, man's passion, resourcefulness, and ingenuity led them to the tools that would help even the odds. This power was appropriately named "Dust"."
"With Nature's wrath in hand, man lit their way through the darkness, and in the shadow's absence came strength, civilization, and most importantly, life."
"But even the most brilliant lights eventually flicker and die…"
"So you may prepare your guardians, build your monuments to a so-called "free world", but take heed... there will be no victory in strength. The Ancient ones learned that in the end…"
"But perhaps victory is in the simpler things that you've long forgotten"
"Things that require a smaller, more honest soul… and a shield help guide that soul"
{DXR}
YEAR: 997 A.E – April 4
Vale Terminal – TIME: 9:30 A.M
"Tickets…" the gate officer said to the bewildered teen for identification and ticket to pass and board the airship heading for Beacon Academy, as it finishes scanning he told the young teen they can enter.
In this time of year, Vale terminal is crowded with a large number of newly accepted students to the Academy, as expected every year. but unlike last year, many of the newly registered were out of kingdom students, possibly invited by the academy to join in its elite ranks.
'And we still have Vytal festival…' he let out a tired sigh, for the last twenty years the gate officer worked at the terminal, this was the most tiresome time to work as a terminal keeper for internal and international flights in the terminal.
And the most glaring is how some of his colleagues throw all the work to him anytime the opening for Beacon Academy comes knocking by 'Lazy bastards…'.
"Next!" he called loudly, reading through a magazine as he leaned comfortably behind the desk, "I said next!"
A large shadow cast over him "Sorry about that, just heard you calling…" a deep voice said which caused him to stiffen a bit.
Looking up from the magazine he was reading to the tall individual who stood behind the desk straight, holding a blue ticket.
'Tall fellow…wonder if he is a new instructor for the Academy' he observed at the tall man, wearing a dark blue coat, floral markings all over the shoulders and arm sleeves. His sunglasses tint was so dark the officer could see his own reflection.
Taking the ticket from his gloved hand, which was leather, colored black "Student?" he asked after reading the paper "You sure don't look like one…" he put the ticket through the reading machine to make sure it's a real ticket.
"I get that a lot…" he answered simply with a shrug. His voice, cold and toneless "I can give you an ID if you want to check…"
The ticket reader clicked in confirmation "No need, I got you on the list. Special student too…" he murmured the last part after noticing the red star below his name. All Tickets that were sent by Beacon have tailored specifically for the student themselves, like a personal ID. He pressed a couple of button on the computer to allow entry.
"How long the flight will be?..." he asked curiously.
"An hour"
"Cross-checking?..."
"Kinda, just wanted to make sure no stragglers made it on the flight" the flight will at least thirty minutes, but the airship staff must make sure that everyone on the flight is accounted for.
"Hmm…at least I can take a nap before my medications wear off, thank you…" he said to the officer, seems a bit tired from his travels as he went and entered the gate.
The officer continued staring at the man as he walked by, he wore a dark blue coat that made him look way bigger than his actual appearance, but then again you can't judge a book by its cover.
'Kinda weird that you wear sunglasses indoor'
He turned back to the screen, it was time to close the gates and his late breakfast "Close gate B!" he called to the security guard who dozed off during the last stretch of entries. He looked over the rooster to check who is in and not, it seems everyone is accounted for.
The ticket master looked at the last name who registered, the name seemed odd, probably one of those Atlas names for its simplicity.
"JC Denton…" he read the name aloud "Huh… Atlas parents are that lazy in naming their kids…"
{DXR}
"The year is 997 A.E. It is a time of great innovation and technological advancement with Dust being at the forefront"
"A time of peace as some would call it…"
"In the dark, it is also a time of chaos and conspiracy"
"The world changed, evolved and grown to the point where Dust can heal the wounds of war and pestilence left in the wake of all the chaos and made by the Darkness and Mankind's constant conflicts. The medicine made for the people, machines created for Remnant to accommodate in the ever-growing renaissance of Dust making product"
"Weapons to fight back the growing darkness, weapons of immeasurable power"
"The world will need a new order, a needed order to fix a broken system… a light illuminating for all"
"Grimms are the least of the world's problem... after all, they weren't the ones that build the future"
"Don't seek your heaven, for you have found it. in this barren world build on lies and deceit"
"Welcome to the Golden Age of Remnant"
{START}
DEUS EX REMNANT: PROJECT AEGIS
{END}
Codex Entry: Emergence Day
Also known as The Day of the Grimm, is the day when the dark creatures known as Grimm first emerged to the world in the old civilization, thus began the Grimm Wars. A war that took one hundred years before Mankind ended it thanks to the element known as Dust left behind by the Ancient Ones, ending the war and stopping the Grimm from their onslaught and destruction.
Albeit momentarily.
The devastation caused by the dark creatures has also destroyed what's left of the previous civilization, hence the lack of common dates and history prior Emergence Day.
It was decided by the Council of Four in naming the year after the emergence of Grimm, as a sign of remembrance that Mankind has yet to defeat their longstanding enemy.
In the year 132 After Emergence of the Grimm, it was made official along with a calendar year.
{DXR/END}
Author Note:
Hello there! And welcome to my sorry excuse of a story where I've been doing it close to a year now but can't seem to get pass the habit of me rewriting it.
This story is just me experimenting, merging between the two worlds (Two very different worlds mind you) and try and make it work. Currently this whole thing it's an idea I have and we will see where will it go.
So that means I need to create a timeline for my story, as a way to map out any necessary lore dump I need to put due to how… little RWBY has in that department, hence the codex entry which I'll be doing as a way to build the world if need be.
This story is also available in and Archives our Own though it's the previous version before rewriting it, so I'll be posting the updated ones here first then to the others.
EndNote.
Constructive criticism is welcomed and appreciated.