Rose of the Underground

Escape Reality

Chapter 1

Alone Together

For what seemed like an eternity, Ruby rested in a coma like state in sheer non-existence. Then, finally, she awoke to see the interdimensional stream of time and space swirling around her. The lights were so bright, but when she looked toward the center, she was almost blinded by its radiance. Pulses of lights beamed out from the center light, and those pulses created new lights, like a giant star giving birth to smaller stars.

But outside the inner circle of lights, she saw only darkness. She saw lights that faded away with a mighty explosion of energy, then that energy raced to another light only to extinguish it as well.

"Iserrule." Ruby growled weakly. She eventually found out how to move, and saw Iserrule rush to a brilliant light.

"If you follow him, you will not be the same as you are." A voice said to her.

"If I have to give myself up to save the multiverse, then I'm okay with that." Ruby said in response. She then rushed after the black energy.

"But are you ready to lose everything?" The voice got the last words in as Ruby's vision faded to white, then she felt a large impact, and everything went black.

[many years later]

Akaria stood on the edge of the mountain, staring into space, looking at the stars. Her mind ever drifting, wandering of the life outside of her world. What would life even look like outside her world? Did it even exist? It left like her answers would never be answered, but she always hoped to know someday.

Though she was a hero, she also wanted to become a historian. The very thought of uncovering ancient civilizations filled Akaria's heart with excitement, and it never failed to make her smile.

"Why do you always come here?" Akaria heard. She looked up to see her headmaster standing over her.

"Professor Ozpin! W-what are you doing here?" Akaria exclaimed, scrambling to her feet.

"Please, no need to be so formal. This is a rather relaxing sight, I must admit. I'd hate to ruin it." Ozpin chuckled. After hearing that, Akaria relaxed a bit.

"So why are you here?" Akaria asked again.

"Same reason you're here." Ozpin replied. He put his cane down as he hung his legs over the edge. A silent breeze rustled his hair, and the moonlight seemed to make his silver hair shine. "You know, being a headmaster is quite tiring at times. So it's nice to be able to refresh yourself once in a while with sights like this."

Akaria eventually sat back down at the cliff edge. The two sat in silence for what felt like an hour. Then finally, she broke the silence. "Do you ever wonder what lies beyond our world?"

"I beg your pardon?" Ozpin laughed.

"Do you think life exists on other worlds? On those stars that lie millions of miles away?" Akaria asked again. Ozpin thought for a second.

"I would think there would be life somewhere in this vast universe. After all, we exist, don't we? The possibility that other life lives is not out of the question. The question is how advanced they are. We always consider the possibility that life exists, but we never consider that there isn't intelligent life out there. If that's the case, then we have to value the life we have on this world, no matter how bad events are on our planet." Akaria was silent for the longest time.

"Wow. That's deep." Akaria finally said. Ozpin laughed at her childish humor.

"It's rather warming to see that the One Shot Wonder has a sense of humor. Goes to show that legends still have emotions like the rest of humanity." Ozpin said.

"So you know who I am." Akaria said. She moved her hand closer to her sword.

"Please, no need for added tension. I'm a headmaster, not an assassin." Ozpin laughed. After a bit, Akaria seemed to relax a little. "So why do you not rely on technology most huntsmen these days use? Is it a sense for old-fashioned combat, or is it easier for you?"

"Where's this coming from?" Akaria asked. "You use a cane to fight, so you're one to talk. Unless that cane is also secretly a gun."

"Nope. It's just a cane." Ozpin smiled. "I ask because it's an interesting choice. Only the most skilled huntsmen can use a normal blade like yours without Dust enhancements and still come out as a top huntsman from an academy."

"Well my semblance also plays a part into how I use my sword. But the reason I got to the top is because I don't try to be flashy with my attacks. It's pretty impractical if you ask me. I say efficiency and agility are the most important attributes of a huntsman. Sure, power can take down a Grimm in a pinch, but power has limits." Akaria explained. Ozpin stared off for a minute.

"So you believe that raw power is finite in every way. But sometimes that power you deny can be the key to saving those you love." Ozpin spoke with a tone of experience, and Akaria inquired.

"So who did you lose?"

"Oh, many people. Being a professional huntsman has its perks, but it also isn't without downsides. There was one person, Eleanor, who I could have saved once." Ozpin said with a hint of sorrow.

"I'm sorry. It must be hard to lose someone you love." Akaria sighed.

"That's why we must be diligent, and keep those we hold dear close, so we can protect them." Ozpin said, finally standing up. "Well, it is getting late. We should probably head on back before the cold gets to us."

Akaria smiled with a sigh as she stood up as well. As she did, however, she heard the screeches of a Nevermore in the distance. "That sounded like it came from the east."

"Probably a stray Grimm. They seem to know the boundaries of the school, and stay a distance from it." Ozpin hummed.

"Well that's good." Akaria sighed.

"No. It is not good in any way. It means they're growing intelligent." Ozpin hid the slightest growl, and Akaria saw him grit his teeth.

The next morning, Ozpin received disturbing news.

"What do you mean the Elysian Reflection is gone?!" Ironwood shouted, slamming his fist on the table.

"Keep your voice down, James. Right now, only we know of this development. The matter of Salem learning of it is a different problem. But yeah, we lost our connection to the multiverse." Qrow sighed, taking a long drink from his flask.

"Then that means Distortion has entered the universe." Ozpin said with a grim tone.

"But the thing is: we haven't seen any anomalies yet. Usually his insertion point is in either Vale or Atlas, and both are still standing. Unless the information from Elysium was wrong." Glynda said. The screen from the desk backed her statement as well.

"But that doesn't mean he isn't here. We should be on the lookout for anomalies." Ironwood stated.

"And what about the Zeed?" Qrow asked.

"They will be dealt with AFTER Distortion. Right now he's more of a threat than they are. But for now, we have a festival to hold. This is a good opportunity to raise the spirits of everyone on Remnant. So how about we enjoy it while we can?" Ozpin smiled warmly. Qrow sighed as he put away his flask.

"He's right. If we focus on this development, it'll only get worse for us."

"Very well then. I've already sent two Titans to guard the Vytal Festival. I'm certain that the enemy will think twice before attacking." Ironwood said with confidence.

"Good gods, is that really necessary? One Titan is good enough on their own, but two is a bit overkill." Glynda sighed.

"The Titans are a respected force of the kingdoms. If we have them guarding the colosseum, then the people will know that we put their safety before everything else." Ironwood stated.

"I hate how good of a point that is." Qrow sighed.

Meanwhile, Akaria walked through a deep ravine south of Vale, called Death's Canyon. It's main purpose was a burial site, but it's name also came from the fact that no life could grow there. Many attempts were made to bring the canyon to life, but all ended in death.

It was also tradition to plant a flower's seed next to a grave in hopes that the soul of the person buried there would bring a sprout of life to the lifeless area.

So Akaria planted the seed of a geranium, next to the grave of someone dear to her. As she left the canyon, she went past the structure said to have crashed to Remnant centuries ago, it took the form of a giant pair of wings, with one wing half cut off and the other shattered and fused with the rocky walls. She knew for a fact that humans could never build something like this, for the technology was more advanced than anything Atlas could ever make.

And the wings were made of a strange crystal, clearly not any type of Dust. This only supported her idea that intelligent life existed outside of their world.

Several days later, the Amity Colosseum came to Vale, and the masses poured in like moths to a flame. In less than an hour, the stage was set, and the teams were preparing for the fights ahead.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Vytal Festival Tournament! Brought to the entirety of Remnant live from the Amity Colosseum! However, before we begin the festivities, we have some special guest we would like to introduce!"

From the center of the stage, a cloud of smoke, followed by the whirring of machines and the wind from a roar. And at the center of it all, the man shrouded in metal. "Introducing the Titan, Ganymede the Cyclone!" The crowds roared with cheers, and the metal titan bowed with delight. "But you didn't think we'd leave this festival with just one special guess, did you? Ladies and gentlemen, it is with great pleasure that I introduce to you the strongest Huntsman in the world, the greatest Titan there is! People of Remnant, I give to you..!"

And from the sky, the people could hear the joyous laughter of a familiar voice. Next to Ganymede a blur crashed to the stage.

"ALL MIGHT!" The crowd screamed with excitement and applause.

"I AM HERE! To make sure everyone is safe and has FUN!" All Might exclaimed to the stadium.

"Overselling a bit, All Might?" Ganymede chuckled. "Alright, I got a few things to say first! I'm sure everyone here has heard of the recent attacks against Vale, but especially the Breach. But let me assure everyone here of one thing: those things happened because Vale had none of the Titans guarding it!" There was a half-hearted cheer. "My point is, you can rest easy now knowing that we're guarding this party!"

"Let's not get too serious now, eh Ganymede?" All Might laughed. "This is a time of joy and happiness. So why don't we enjoy that time we have instead of worrying about what tomorrow may bring? So let's get this festival underway, shall we? Let us see what our brave huntsmen and huntresses have to offer, and let's see them all go beyond!"

And with the thrust of All Might's fist in the air, the stadium erupted with the cheer of the same two words: "PLUS ULTRA!"

"And with that…" The announcer said, the two Titans exiting stage, "LET THE VYTAL FESTIVAL TOURNAMENT COMMENCE!"