I do not own RWBY nor the Fate series. RWBY is owned by Roosterteeth while Fate is owned by Type-Moon.
Chapter 2: Home is Behind, the World Ahead
The Servants looked on as the Bullhead began to land within the wide clearing, which got larger thanks to the fight that recently took place about a minute ago. They were all intrigued by the design of the aircraft. Because they were no longer on Gaia's domain, the ability to soak in the history of the world upon materialization was not present. Therefore, they all had to gain knowledge of this new world through other means later, but right now they had to deal with their new guest. The hatch on the bottom-side of the vehicle opened, revealing a certain headmaster.
"Well, well. What do we have here?" the man inquired.
Half an hour earlier…
The cogs of a massive time-piece rotated atop of the main tower of the prestigious Beacon Academy. It was a beautiful afternoon as sky blue transitioned into warm orange, light reflecting from the sun and into the clockwork office. A man with messy grey hair, circular spectacles, and hazel eyes sat at his desk doing some paperwork. He wears a black coat with black pants and a green undershirt. A metal cane stood by his side. He took a quick break from the paperwork as he stood up with a coffee mug in hand. Sipping from his mug, he turned towards the window, spectating the view it offered.
This is Professor Ozpin, Headmaster of Vale's most prestigious combat school, Beacon Academy.
Ozpin was in the process of getting ready for the new school year. The freshmen class held some promising individuals if the headmaster had to say for himself. Notable ones include the heiress to the largest Dust company in the world, a four-time champion of the Mistral Tournament, an ex-White Fang member, and a scythe-wielding prodigy who got moved forward two years. This year was definitely bound to be interesting.
What was also interesting was the dark orb that appeared over Forever Fall.
This certainly garnered the attention of Ozpin. Whatever this thing was, it released a lot of energy; in which Ozpin's internal radar went on high alert. The anomaly soon expanded as clouds and rays of light shot out. Ozpin was temporarily blinded, but had time to see four beams of light strike the earth.
The elevator door opened and out came a blond woman with emerald green eyes behind her ovular glasses. She wore a white long-sleeved top with a black pencil skirt and leggings. Trailing behind her was a black cape with a purple inside. A riding crop was holstered at her side.
She is known as Glynda Goodwitch, assistant Headmaster of Beacon Academy.
"Ozpin! There has been a massive energy reading about the Forever Fall area! What should we do to approach it?" Glynda asked.
"Hmm. Is there anything else you gathered from this strange event?" Ozpin replied.
Glynda took a look at her Scroll, "It seems that there are four signatures coming out from the impact zone. The Grimm are also converging towards the area, seemingly attracted towards it."
Ozpin had to consider his options. Normally he would send a team to investigate this, but much of his student body was away for vacation and he didn't exactly want to put the students staying on campus on a mission to investigate a possibly hostile unknown. So he took the next course of action…
"Glynda, call Port and Oobleck here. Us four will head out to investigate this phenomenon." the headmaster said.
Glynda replied, "You aren't going to send a team to investigate? There is still much work for you to prepare for the coming school year."
Ozpin let out a small chuckle and said, "I've already a great percentage of work to be ready. Plus, us four are the most capable of solving these situations without putting our students into harm's way. Let them relax for a few more weeks." Taking her superior's judgement into consideration, "Alright then. I'll get those two up here" said Glynda. As Glynda stepped inside the elevator, Ozpin took a look back at where the beams of light struck. A thought then came to Ozpin,
"Now what will be in store for us here?"
Ozpin, followed by the three faculty he brought, took a gander at the four peculiar individuals standing across from them. It was hard not to keep their eyes on them, especially when one of them had probably billions of Lien's worth of gold armor on him while another apparently had both fox ears and tail on her, an atypical trait for a Faunus.
"So, how shall we approach them?" asked Oobleck.
"The amount of energy that each of them emit, especially the golden one, is much more than the average Huntsmen. We should tread lightly around them, Headmaster" suggested Port.
Glynda opted to stay silent and look at Ozpin to see what he had to say. In all of her years working at Beacon, Ozpin has never made a judgment that has steered them all the wrong path. She had confidence in Ozpin's decisions and all for good reason. But she does also agree with Port's point. The power that they all emitted was comparable to that… of the Four Maidens.
Not wanting to continue this staring contest, Ozpin decided to speak up. "So, what are the four of you doing in the middle of this Grimm-infested forest? I don't recall a team of four being sent to investigate the phenomenon. What is your business here—?"
As soon as as Ozpin finished his sentence, a single blade soared like a bullet past the Beacon staff and impacted a tree, shattering the base and collapsing the tree. It took a few seconds for the teachers to recollect themselves and find the source of the flying sword. A gold ripple was above Gilgamesh's shoulder before it fully disappeared into thin air. Then the king said, "You ask a king what his business to be here is? I do not tolerate being spoken out of turn. It is I who should ask of your presence." And Gilgamesh soon summoned a couple dozen portals. The teachers all got their weapons out, ready to combat the king.
"Is this some sort of Semblance? What control he has over it." Glynda thought.
"This is bad," EMIYA grimaced, "we arrive on a new world and potential sources of information arrive and Gilgamesh already decides to go trigger-happy on them. I gotta do something about this right now." EMIYA began to channel his mana, getting ready to summon swords to counteract Gilgamesh's Gate.
Nero's face turned uneasy and Tamamo began to panic. But before anyone could act, a red light washed over the King of Heroes.
"What?! My body! This feels like a… a Command Seal?" Gilgamesh questioned
And that's when Gilgamesh heard a voice in his head.
"By my Command, I order thou to cease this attack and be more collegial towards the denizens of this planet." The red light finally wore off and Gilgamesh de-summoned his portals, much to the confusion of everyone present. EMIYA relaxed himself and stopped accumulating mana. Nero, Tamamo, and the four Beacon staff felt relieved that the tension was lessening as the latter group began lowering their weapons. Gilgamesh had an agitated look on his face as he glared up at the sky, mentally cursing whoever used a Command on him.
"What was that?" EMIYA thought. He knew what happened to Gilgamesh after he dismissed his weapons. Faces of revelation also dawned on the other two servants, meaning they also knew Gilgamesh was just under the influence of a Command Seal. Then EMIYA recalled the appearance of the man before being transported to this world, specifically focusing on the strange tattoos on his arms. Right before losing consciousness, the tattoos all sparked red, just like when a magus obtains their Command Seals.
"Could it be…"
EMIYA couldn't finish his thought because there was a cough coming from Ozpin. "Ahem. Ok. Pushing aside the fight that almost happened, I believe this place isn't the best place for negotiations. Let's go somewhere else lest we attract more Grimm." And with that, Ozpin started heading back towards the ship. Meanwhile, the four servants contemplated on Ozpin's change of plans. Tamamo decided to speak up.
"Um sir? Where are you going to take us?" she asked.
Ozpin looked back at Tamamo replying, "Well all of your questions will be answered if you follow us. You aren't going to solve anything by staying here." Ozpin then continued going back into the Bullhead.
This got Tamamo slightly dejected. Nero puffed, "So much for getting a direct answer. Umu! What are we waiting for? We got a whole world to know about!" Nero began to catch up with the Beacon group, with Tamamo now in tow. EMIYA took a quick glance at Gilgamesh, who had an unreadable expression on his face.
"It's going to be like that huh, hidden Master?" Gilgamesh muttered, but it didn't go unheard by EMIYA. Then the two started walking towards the Bullhead, with EMIYA scratching his head wondering what kind of command was the king given.
"Oh-my-kami-this-place-looks-so-cool-how-do-all-the-gears-move?"
"Tamamo, this place has nothing on my throne room."
Ever since touching down on the school grounds, Tamamo wouldn't stop fawning over how architecturally magnificent the school was. Nero literally had to chase the fox girl down when the group went past the courtyard. It didn't get much better when Tamamo was tempted to climb the CCT tower for whatever reason. So as of now, the group had just gotten out of the elevator and into Ozpin's office, Port and Oobleck having left the group beforehand to do their own share of work. And when Tamamo saw the view from the main window, well…
"WOWOWOW LOOKATTHISVIEWGUYSICANSEETHEENTIREPLACEFROMUPHERE!" Tamamo exclaimed while smudging her face on the glass, much to Glynda's irritation and Ozpin's displeasure.
"I thought foxes were supposed to be cunning, but now she just sounds like a stupid hyena." Gilgamesh spat out.
"Now, now Miss, I would really like it if you were to refrain from smearing the window please. You wanted your questions to be answered, so step away from the window. You will be able to explore Beacon later." Glynda reprimanded.
With a sheepish smile, Tamamo headed back towards her fellow Servants. Ozpin took a seat on his chair while Glynda stood next to his table, where she normally stands in such meetings. There was an air of tension between the two groups. That was all thanks to Gilgamesh's earlier actions that made Ozpin more cautious of their approach method, but with the sudden red aura subduing Gilgamesh, Ozpin took a hunch that the golden man wouldn't lash out again.
"Now that we are settled here, I will begin answering your questions. My name is Ozpin. I am the Headmaster of this establishment, Beacon Academy, a school designed to train young adults to combat the Grimm. They are malicious creatures that are attracted to negative emotion and kill humans for their enjoyment. This is Glynda Goodwitch, assistant Headmaster and Combat class professor. And based off your lack of recognition towards any of this, I'd say you guys are from very far away. It's almost as if you lot are from another world, am I correct?"
"Yep that's correct! We are definitely outside the far reaches of my empire. My dear Romans have not conquered everything I suppose!" Nero exclaimed.
"Romans?" Ozpin thought with a deadpan face.
EMIYA fought the urge to facepalm. If they were to be stuck on this world for a while, he might have to deal with three very unique personalities. He planned on beating around the bush, but now he has to be direct thanks to Nero's statement. "I'll be very honest with you, none of us know where we are. This might be a foreign world to us. I've never heard of a Beacon Academy at all."
"I've indulged in all of the pleasures of our world, so this place already looks like a bit of a disappointment." Gilgamesh oh so added.
Ozpin studied the four people in front of them. From their tone of voice, body postures, and facial expressions, they all seem to be telling the truth. From EMIYA's expression, Nero and Gilgamesh's blunt honesty, and Tamamo's genuine surprise, there were no room for deception yet to be shown.
"What makes you think we can believe that?" Glynda asked.
"Now, now Glynda. If you claim to be from a world outside of our own, show me then." Ozpin said.
EMIYA did not miss the challenge that the headmaster issued. Luckily there was a test subject right next to Ozpin…
"Ozpin, can I see your cane for a second?" EMIYA requested.
Ozpin was unsure of what EMIYA would do, but he gave his cane to him anyways. EMIYA observed the cane carefully and with a push of prana, he began using Structural Analysis. Lines of light traced around the cane, surprising Glynda and making Ozpin intrigued. And with the cane analyzed, EMIYA started to say, "I see you made this cane with your bare hands before you attended this school. With the structure of this cane, it seems that you use it to bludgeon enemies rather than using it like a sword. From what I see from the hidden gears right below the grip, you can retract the entire length of the cane to fit within the handle. I can distinguish all the hundreds of components within this weapon and see you don't really use this to support your weight. And with this…"
EMIYA extended his other hand out, muttering, "Trace, on."
A flash of blue light appeared on his non-occupied hand… and there appeared an exact replica of Ozpin's cane.
"Interesting." Ozpin said folding his hands together in front of his face. EMIYA handed Ozpin's real cane to him.
"I'm not done yet." EMIYA cut in.
The red Archer took a stray pen from Ozpin's desk and with another bit of prana, blue lines decorated the pen, but they stayed there this time. Leveling the pen perpendicular to the copy of the cane, he began to raise the arm with the pen. With a very hard swing, he struck the cane, bending the cane a good 30 degrees. EMIYA let the cane dissipate and returned the unscathed pen to the desk.
"As you see from my demonstration, I used something called Structural Analysis to not only fully scan the uses and components of the cane, but also check its entire history. Then I used Projection to make an exact replica of your cane. With Projection, I can replicate any weapon I see. And finally with the pen, I used something called Reinforcement to quite simply make it more durable. This is all with the use of magecraft."
"Magecraft?" Ozpin looked at the three other Servants, "do you all possess magecraft too?"
Gilgamesh sneered, "You have yet to earn my respect, Ozpin. Don't take this the wrong way. I will do what I must ofmy own volition only, but I will bestow you the opportunity to witness my treasure up close."
With that, Gilgamesh summoned a portal. He then reached within and pulled out what seemed to be a chain.
"Behold, the Chains that Bind the Heavens, Enkidu! The more divine an individual is, the tighter it becomes. Truly, this is the treasure that binds the gods!" Gilgamesh stated.
Wanting to out-do the king, Nero summoned her blade in a wreath of flames. And with a flourish, she slices the air in front of her and proclaims, "And this is my lovely saber, Aestus Estus! Worry not, dear Headmaster, the Grimm will fall under this blade."
Tamamo summoned her mirror and brought out a few tags. "This is my wonderful mirror, Suiten Nikkou [the full name is way too long] and I can perform witchcraft, but I don't really like using it… but these tags are substitutes! These tags can spew out fire, ice, wind, and many other elements!"
"Very interesting." Ozpin muttered. It is impossible for a single person to have more than one Semblance, so this proved the existence of a power beyond Aura. The energy emitted from the individuals was rather different from Aura. It wasn't an energy manifesting from their souls; rather it was something coming out from smaller units making up a larger network, just like a nervous system.
"As much as I'd like to indulge in your histories, we will have to hold it for another time. You all must be tired from the events of today. But do let me know your names, first and last names please." Ozpin said.
EMIYA was reluctant on using his old name again, but if he had to try to blend in with this world, he will do what he must, "Shirou Emiya."
"Mikon! I might as well use my old name then. My name is Tamamo Mizukume! Pleasure to be of your acquaintance!" Tamamo introduced.
Nero struck a pose, "You all shall refer to me as Nero Claudius!"
Gilgamesh was not pleased in being told to state his name, especially since he had no last name. Yet he was under a Command Seal, so he did it anyways, "If it is a name that you request, then it is a name I shall give to you neophytes! My name is Gilgamesh Uruk! Get it memorized."
With introductions done, Ozpin handed a Scroll to each of the Servants. "This is your Scroll. It can make calls, send texts, notify missions, and it is the key to your room. I will schedule another meeting for tomorrow afternoon, and feel free to explore the campus. Glynda will guide you all to the dorm you will all sleep in. You are all dismissed."
The Servants plus Goodwitch headed into the elevator. When the doors began to close, Ozpin gazed over the four Servants. With the doors fully closed, Ozpin turned his chair towards the window, pondering about today's events.
"I think today, humanity has taken a larger step towards freedom."
After Glynda dropped them off near their housing and left, the Servants were desperately figuring out how to get in… mainly Nero.
"Man! She said that this was a key. Where is the keyhole? I don't see anything shaped like our Scrolls to put in."
Needless to say, even as an emperor, she did not have the brightest mind. Her actions during her time as Roman emperor proved so.
The place they would be staying in was little ways from the student dorms. It was actually housing meant for faculty and teaching staff. Ozpin gave them what seems to be a floor from something similar an apartment building. Shirou remembered the apartment houses that Japanese students all over Japan would stay in. Speaking of Shirou...
"Nero, move a sec..." Shirou said.
Shirou lifted his Scroll up, holding it parallel to the doorknob. A green light switched on from the circle and there was a click coming from the door, just as he predicted. It took a quick Structural Analysis to see that it was an electronic lock with the Scroll acting as a key. With a slight twist of the knob and a push, the door opened.
"Umu! You are a pretty smart man, Shirou!" Nero said, with sparkles in her eyes. The man rolled his eyes as the four of them entered their new home.
The space they found was rather big for the four of them. This was the size of a relatively big condo. And considering the sizes of the student dorms they passed by to get here, this was not an ordinary living space. Ozpin might've organized their housing during this day, almost as if this floor was specifically for them. They walked into a living room that was connected to a decently sized kitchen, much to Shirou and Tamamo's delight. A balcony door within the living room led to the balcony sporting a good view of the campus. Their separate bedrooms were a good size and comfortable, though Gilgamesh was displeased with living in such a "tool shed." Each bedroom was connected with their own toilet room, though there was only two showering rooms for all of them.
If they were Heroic Spirits still, they wouldn't have the need for sleep. But fatigue is now a thing for them since their bodies are now completely human (or what Tamamo qualifies as). They decided to skip dinner and planned on eating breakfast tomorrow morning. Shirou flopped on his bed, tired from the day's events. This was the first time he had to sleep for necessity in a very long time. He closed his eyes so Morpheus could take him.
When he opened his eyes, he was not inside his bedroom, but rather a very peculiar place. The horizon, or lack of horizon, was a pitch black darkness with stars dotting it. It seemed like he was in space. What he stood on seemed to be like some sort of dark asteroid, but what he laid his eyes on next was shocking. Gargantuan white pillars of marble stood tall and converged into a single white, marble temple. The sight was magnificent.
"Uwawawa! Where are we?" somebody said next to him.
Shirou turned and found out that the other three Servants are with him. Tamamo was the one to say that.
A massive presence was felt, and it was familiar.
Recognizing the presence, Gilgamesh turned to the source, "Show yourself, ruffian! You dare pull me out of the world that is of my possession? Master or not, I will endow judgment!"
A bright light appeared as it washed over everyone's' vision, and out appeared a figure who everyone recognized; the man responsible for bringing them to this place and Remnant.
"Woah, Goldie. Will you simmer down for just a bit?"
I. Am. Super. Sorry. I could've gotten this chapter out way sooner, but I had many things to do these past few weeks between the first chapter. Things like studying for permit test, weekend in LA, volleyball, camping at Red Cross LDC, Kingdom Hearts marathons, and the Kingdom Hearts Orchestra World Tour in LA. Yo the KH3 trailer was lit. Who else is hyped for the game? Also Fate/GO English just released and I am just about done with Fuyuki. DW better not disappoint me XD
So for the chapter titles, I am going to name chapter titles after references from literature, pop culture, gaming, music, etc. If you have ever read Watchmen, it is exactly like that. I will give a hint for every chapter and when I post the next chapter, the answer for this title will be posted. You guys can answer from reviews or PM me.
* Hint for this chapter name: A very famous book
Anyways, hopefully I will post the next chapter faster than this chapter. I will take your suggestions and critiques into consideration. Have a nice night!
- Re-Eternal
