Second Chances - Tales of Remnant

1 - Liftoff

It was a Sunday in the evening. A faint breeze of fall made its way through the park as I walked along a pond and noticed something shining on the ground before me.

The wind wiped a few golden leaves off the ground and then I saw what it was.

I was so happy. I am by no means a coin or medallion collector in any fashion, but everyone knew about the Apollo medallions. They were ...not even one in a million but super mega rare. My love for spaceflight and coins was flaring up and…-yeah, I lied, I do collect coins,...don't judge me-, I didn't notice the dark clouds forming above the city.

I sat down on a bench to admire the work of art in my hands.

...Sending out your army,

but you still can't win;

Listen up, silly boy,

'cuz I'm gonna tell you why...

The music was still blaring out of my earphones, I realized it was way too loud to be healthy.

I just left the small earphones fall onto my shoulders instead of lowering the volume. That was quite unusual for me, but I guess I can blame being enthralled by the coin.

Reign supreme?

in your dreams you'll never make me bow

kick my ass?

I'm world class and super saiyan now

When did we stop venturing the unknown? I asked myself.

Why was the moon not a priority anymore? It was depressing. They were investing all resources into anything but the really important things.

The people and research.

But well, you could dream, right? Maybe my generation would still be able to see the stars again, to reach for the unknown and embrace it.

Shit will never be the same;

Feel the fury of my flame.

Beg for mercy: it won't help;

Embrace the ending you were dealt

Maybe I should go to the police and ask if someone misses a medallion. It was the least I could do, no matter how much I liked this coin.

I burn!

Can't hold me now,

You got nothing that can stop me

I stood up from the bench and as I was about to take my first step, a loud roar and a blinding light startled me and the coin slipped off my hands. A lightning had struck the pond or one of the trees around it, but nothing seemed burnt at least. All of this happened in just an instant. Then I noticed the lack of weight in my hand and my eyes darted up to the coin, still flying and making an arc towards the pond.

With a simple 'splash!' the coin was gone. It had landed about an arm's length away from the border of the pond, so I decided it was worth a try to recover it.

I stopped the music as I was now aware of it again.

The thunder must have left me pretty deaf for a minute and the music was still going on. I turned it off and I stowed the earphones away. I packed both my mobile phone and earphones into the suitcase and put my jacket on top of it. I laid both neatly on the ground beside me.

I shouldn't risk falling into the pond with all of my belongings.

Opening my right sleeve and rolling it up, I kneeled on the edge of the pond.

Just before I touched the water I wondered about the lightning... Nah, water can't store an electric current indefinitely, right?

Right?

Well here goes nothing.

I buried my hand into the water and stretched my fingers but I couldn't feel anything besides algae.

What the hell, I thought and laid down on the grass, I could wash my shirt anytime later.

I lunged forward with my arm and after the mud settled, something shiny glanced at me,

just a little too far away of my reach.

With my face almost touching the water and half of my body suspended over the pond by stubbornness alone... and strong back muscles, I managed to get a hold on the coin. But I couldn't pull it out.

It was stuck in the mud.

I tried again, and this time, I lost my hold on the edge of the pond and fell inside, my suitcase and jacket following me as well.

It was a shallow pond but as I looked up, it seemed as I was worlds away from the surface.

I've never been this deep.

The suitcase and jacket came floating down towards me when I noticed the flash. The same I had seen a few minutes before.

A lightning.

It all happened within a heartbeat but it seemed to take longer for some reason.

I just hoped the bolt of energy would strike one of the trees but to my dismay, it broke through the surface of the pond and wriggled with an astounding speed towards the bottom, where I was lying.

Why would a lightning...? ..And I looked down to the palm of my hand. The silver coin in my hand. The most conductive noble metal known to man.

In a body full of water.

I was about to become a most certainly fried man. I closed my eyes.

But it didn't hurt.

I don't even know what happened. Or if anything happened. But after the blinding flash was gone and the thunder resonated through the water, I opened my eyes.

It was the same dark sky as before but it was already night.

I grabbed my jacket and suitcase from the bottom of the pond, buried in the mud.

This time, without letting the coin out of my grip, I swam up and got to the edge of the pond.

I dragged myself out of the water and I pulled the drenched leather jacket and suitcase with me.

All my belongings were probably effed up, so I tried to open my suitcase. Maybe I could still try and dry them.

In vain.

I couldn't manage to open it. It was like wrestling against magnets.

Giving up, I looked around me and other than the missing bench, everything seemed the same.

Not counting the sudden snow in the park.

Just how long was I scuba diving?

Did I hit my head at some point?

Besides, any dive longer than a few minutes without air meant sure death.

Judging by the amount of snow lying around I must have been a whole month in the pond.

I also couldn't make out the city lights. It was rather nice and quiet and I had always liked this kind of solitude, but it was a rare occurrence for a city, as big as this one was, to experience a complete blackout.

Looking down onto the palm of my hand, I took a look at the retrieved coin.

I was about to speak to the coin and say it better be worth it, but I corrected myself.

Of course it's worth the small dive I took.

I wondered, the coin was a lot heavier out of the water.

It seemed getting heavier by the minute. I must be exhausted.

Soaked and slightly disoriented, I looked around.

Behind the pond was a burning tree. The lightning must have struck it as well.

Even if I walked back home, it would take an hour to get there, so I instinctively sat down and let the embers and lingering flames warm my body and dry my clothing.

As the numbness was receding and my body got warmer, I noticed some crows watching the scene from their branches, or rather theater loge boxes. Yes, a tragic opera unfolded in front of their unknowing eyes.

Myself, a poor greek hero on his way back home. I still hadn't decided if it was a comedy or tragedy.

They must have watched the whole show I put on this ...rather snowy stage.

With a touch of irony, I bowed in front of my unsuspecting and rather feathered audience.

When I tried to shoo them away...I remembered the hypocrisy of this, as it was me rather invading their home than the other way around.

I packed my things, feeling warm and dried enough and ...didn't know where to go.

My orientation had been always out of the ordinary -in a positive sense-

but right now, it wasn't working at all. I didn't recognize any of it.

Maybe the park is really disorienting by night. If there wasn't a moon behind the clouds, I would've tripped over my own steps already.

I walked towards the direction I thought I came from, only to get lost again.

This was maddening, I mean, I usually wouldn't lose my cool over something like this but being honest,

I was starving. And you don't want to meet the hungry beast in my stomach.

I even thought I had heard it growl. Despite the hunger, I chuckled to myself.

The snow glowed brighter as I noticed the cloud cover was scattering and what I saw,

stopped me in. my. tracks.

Just what the hell was happening?

The moon...a...I ... I knew the moon, it was something that had always fascinated me, but this moon was definitely not the one I knew.

A big chunk of it was broken into many pieces, held close together by an unknown force. Breathe, Owen. Gravity is not an unknown force...

Unless something really, really world changing happened while I was on the pond, I must have been going crazy.

Keeping my sanity - until I got somewhere where I could talk to other people - would be of paramount importance.

I began running through the park...and got the impression it was bigger, a lot bigger than I remembered.

It was a forest.

And as I looked over my shoulder, I saw a dark big shadow trailing close behind me...it...looked like a giant, rabid black wolf.

I chuckled while I kept running 'where is Van Helsing when you need him?' I asked, mostly for myself.

At this point, I was completely sure I was insane. But that wasn't a reason good enough to stop running.

You can never be hundred percent sure. Right?

At some point, I felt its breath right behind me and I managed to swing my suitcase around, batting one of its fangs away from me.

I tripped and the creature growled, lunging at me.

Not having anything but my suitcase to protect myself, I tried to punch it with my other hand, I swung with all my force and was surprised to discover a blade sticking out of its stomach.

A blade I was holding in my hand.

The creature let out a small gasp and dissolved into ashes, being blown away by a sudden winter gale.

It had disappeared but left a shining sword in front of my eyes. What was this? How did this...?

I looked into my hand closely. At the end of the hilt was a medallion I instantly recognized. Apollo. The coin seemed to change in size.

I was awestruck, I certainly liked swords but I knew nothing about them.

And this sword was strikingly beautiful, if you can put that to words somehow.

A sword hidden in a small medallion was one of the things I knew wasn't normal, even for my massive ignorance regarding swords and swordbearing knowledge, I knew that wasn't possible.

Taking a look at my suitcase, I noticed 3 deep incisions into the leather. It hadn't pierced through, probably because of the titan innards but a bigger question was still hanging around.

What the actual fuck was going on!?

And what was that thing!?

The closest thing I could imagine were Werewolves and I was pretty sure those were simple folk legends.

I was sure of that...

Looking around again, I noticed a small light in the distance, it was flickering in the wind.

Closing in, I noticed a small, wooden house. With a small lantern hanging by the door.

A safe harbour for the night? Maybe.

I just don't want to bother those people this late in the night...

I looked down at my wrist watch and...it was going slightly backwards. As in ..the opposite-direction backwards.

Certainly, I couldn't be more impressed after the Werewolf. A defective watch was almost ordinary in comparison.

I knocked at the door and a handsome lady opened up.

And remember I said I could not be impressed by anything more?

Strike that, this lady had ears.

I mean...cat ears!

'Ahm. Good evening?'

'...' I ...was at a loss of words.

'Staring is impolite'

'Ah ...I a...am...I'm sorry, I just got attacked by a really big beast and I am a little disoriented'

'A Grimm?' She asked.

Where did I hear that before. Brothers Grimm?

The cat lady motioned inside. 'Just come in, I will close the door'

I stepped into the small wooden house and uttered my thanks.

'Don't worry, this far into the forest at this hour is suicide if you aren't an adventurer, a huntsman or someone dying for a thrill'

'I guess'

The stranger was still staring at her ears.

'Didn't I told you it was rude to stare? Don't tell me you don't have any faunus where you come from.'

'Being completely honest, I think I've never seen a faunus in Europe either'

'Ah Europe, is that where you come from?'

'You could say so'

This man was certainly mysterious.

'And where is this Europe?'

...yeah, I know, quite irrelevant nowadays, right?

Something wasn't adding up...

'I ...' I feigned ignorance...What could I else say?

' I can't remember, I woke up in the middle of the forest and didn't even know how I got there'

There was some truth to his words, at least, she pondered.

He would surely say more when he had calmed down.

She looked down and saw his suitcase, sporting some clear, long cuts along the surface.

'You were attacked?' she raised an eyebrow

'Ahm. Yes, that was the first thing I said' he smirked

'I just thought you ran and hid until the beast was gone' she was visibly amazed I was alive.

Or that my suitcase withstood the attack. Or maybe both.

'Yes, I managed to defend myself long enough to make use of my ...sword here'

I held up my "pocket sword" into the light. Her eyes shone in the light.

She had always had a thing for swords, though she preferred to carry daggers. Way easier to conceal.

'What's its name?'

'My pardon?'

'Your sword, its name?'

Ah. I ...what?

Improvise Owen, improvise.

'Apollo'

'Nice name. Outlandish, but strong, I like it'

How come I can even understand her? I don't even speak english!

That was a lie. He spoke many languages. But he was speaking english without any effort. That was unusual.

Whatever, what the eye does not see, the heart does not grieve over.

'Let me introduce myself, I am Owen and you?'

'Oh, 'her cheeks took a different shade of red.. 'I am sorry...'

'Hello Sorry...' I deadpanned.

She laughed, 'Come on, I said I was sorry for not introducing myself. I am Myra'

I extended my hand and shook her ...paw? It was a hand but ...

Better not to overthink things...

'You seemed quite eager to learn the name of my sword before mine'

'It's just...I've learned the hard way that here, out in this forest, the swords outlive their bearers most of the time'

Ouch.

I was a little terrified. Just a little.

She looked down, slightly ashamed, for not asking my name or for what she would say next, I don't know.

'...and I really like swords, knives, daggers and the sort'

Honesty and kindness. I liked this catgirl already. I smiled.

And then it dawned on me.

I must have looked weird.

'Owen, you are creeping me out. And quit staring already'

This guy was smiling and his eyes were wide open, like he had seen an unstoppable train rushing for him on his birthday. If that made any sense.

I snapped out of it. F.U.C.K..

I know where I am! Remnant, the world of RWBY!

How could I've been so blind!

'Owen? Now you are frowning. Are you sure you are alright'

'I just...realized something'

'And...?'

'Ah...nevermind'

'Aw come on, you first creep me out and now play the mysterious kind, spill it out', she demanded.

How could I change the subject? Maybe something that worked both ways.

'I must go to Vale. How long do you think it would take to get there?'

'By horse, a week, but if you get to the next town, you could use maybe a faster transportation method'

'Like what?'

'I don't know, I've always travelled by horse'

I realized I had a little problem. Or rather big. Depending of your priorities in life.

'I don't have any money, how long would it take if I walked?'

'Don't be silly, I could lend you a horse and some money'

'Just like that?'

'Just like that. Let me just satiate my curiosity. What did you realize just now?'

...at this point, I know exactly what I am supposed to do. No. What I want to do.

'I just want to ... save the world' he smiled but she noticed a certain sadness flash in his eyes, if just for a moment.

She smiled but didn't laugh. She reclined on her seat and seemed to reminisce in the past.

A grin creeped up her face.

'Who didn't want that at some point in their lives? Who am I to stop you.

I will help you get to Vale'

Ok?

I took a swig of the fresh water she had poured for me and asked

'Just like that?'

'Yeah. I must travel to the town anyway, one day earlier or later doesn't make a difference. ...And yes, just like that'

I was positively surprised. And then my body reminded me of some dire needs.

My stomach rumbling aloud being the first.

'I take it you are hungry?'

'Yeahh definetely'

...and a big yawn, being the second.

'Sorry'

'Nah, it's ok.'

I will put some food on the stove. I haven't eaten either, I was trying to make a diet but I certainly won't be able to resist if I cook now' she gave me a sly smile.

'I guess it's fish, right?'

I might be an asshole sometimes.

She smirked and felt confident enough to state her mind.

'Owen?'

'Yes?

'Asshat'

I laughed. Yeah that hadn't been very tactful of me.

'As a matter of fact, I had some leftover stew with potatoes, probably the last for this season'

'You don't have to share your best dishes with me, just some bread to keep my stomach quiet through the night'

'Don't be silly, I will call you when it's done'

I was left by my own devices, so I took out Apollo again and took a closer look at it.

It was incredible. As if it could read my mind, the whole sword just zipped back into the coin,

the coin itself becoming very light, but heavier than you would expect from a coin of that size.

It also changed its size back from a medallion to a small coin.

Putting the coin on the table, I grabbed my suitcase and took a closer look at it.

It was already old and had accompanied me on may adventures in a more civilized world...

Who am I kidding? Just the normal world. Not more civilized.

Myra served the dishes and looked expectantly at me.

'And what is the name of your shield?'

'Shield?'

I looked down at my case.

'It shielded you, that must be your shield, right?' She raised a brow.

'Right...'

For some reason, making up a name now was a difficult task. It must have been the exhaustion.

I took a quick look over it and came up with a name...it was pretty scratched but it read...

'Samnite'

'Samnite? That sounds quite unique'

'I guess it is' ...just realizing the historical context of that word. Well, that was a nice coincidence.

I smirked and asked '...do you have a thing for shields as well?'

She blushed, 'No, I just like swords. Shields are clumsy and can cost you a lot of agility.

Why stop an attack if you can just dodge it and attack in the same motion instead...'

'Ah, dangerous lady'

'...without even stopping at all, wasting your energy?

'She is smart' Did I just said that aloud?

'Of course I am!', she feigned a pout but I didn't took the bait.

'What, smart or dangerous?' I poured rhetoric gasoline unto me and waited for her to light the fire.

Oops. I need to keep my tongue in check.

I just grinned at her and she motioned to the dining table. Phew, she didn't flay me alive. That was a good thing.

After eating a meal meant for gods, she lend me some blankets and a pillow.

I would sleep on the couch-like furniture made of logs and branches.

Still better than with the horses in the stable, she told me.

~~~•∞•≈•≤ ≥•≈•∞•~~~~~~•∞•≈•≤ ≥•≈•∞•~~~~~~•∞•≈•≤ ≥•≈•∞•~~~~~~•∞•≈•≤ ≥•≈•∞•~~~

The next morning, after an uneventful night, we washed up and set everything for the journey.

This would be probably the biggest adventure of my life.

Just outside the stable, we prepared the horses and I was glad for the company Myra provided.

'I am glad you are joining me on my quest, at least for this part of it, my fair catlady'

'For I will enjoy it' Myra grinned, showing her white fangs and in a swift move, she mounted her snowy Pony.

She didn't seem fazed by the remark.

I just looked at my horse. It was seemingly bigger than a monster truck.

It was black. And mighty.

And then I realized, I had no idea how to ride a horse.

She planned for my suffering. I should have been nicer to her

*sigh* 'This will suck'

I could hear Myra snickering in the background.

One life,

Is not a long time,

When you're waiting,

For a small sign

A/N:

Salutations!

So hello everybody. I had not planned for this, but today I suddenly started writing this fic.

I wrote in a day more than in 3 years for my other fics, so I think it is a good thing.

I hope you enjoy the journey and I am willing to read any constructive criticism you may want to share with me. Encouraging words are also appreciated. I prefer private messages over comments/reviews, but you may state your opinion as you wish. Please log in before you comment so I can get back to you on that, otherwise it will be considered a pointless comment and will get deleted.

~EC

ps: I am a terrible perfectionist. I will come back and fix minor errors as I find them, if there are any

ps2: My betareader, Shavranekto asked me to warn you:

This fic has SPOILERS. You should have watched Volume 1, 2 & 3 at least before reading this story.

From the end of V3, this fanfiction story series will differ greatly from the canon plot.

Ps3: as of 2019, this Chapter has been checked for typos and some phrases have been fixed.

Addendum:

Series Information:

Every story of the Tales of Remnant series has its own small description.

To avoid spoiling specific stories, please read the description of the story you want to read.

Story timeline is the following:

(I will only post the full titles if they don't spoil possible plot points, otherwise I will use acronyms. Some titles are working titles)

- The Tale of the Limping Fox.

- The Strike and Fall

- Second Chances

- Semblances

- I.T.N.O.T.R.

Intended release timeline and proposed reading order is the following at the moment:

"+" Should be read

"-" Optional reading, adds depth,

"=" Recommended reading.

+ Second Chances

+ Semblances

= The Tale of the Limping Fox.

- The Strike and Fall

+ I.T.N.O.T.R.

Those 5 are considered "books".

All "+" titles should be read in order to be comprehended completely.

"-" can be read separately, yet are connected to the main stories ("+").

"=" Should be read before or alongside the last title of the "+" Series.

As of this moment (20th February, 2019) only Second Chances is being published. Should I upload a new book of the series, I will update this description accordingly.