Author's Notes: Hey guys and girls; the Omniarch is here once again with the second chapter of my RWBY fanfiction featuring my OC Inverse ZIBIB as the main character. I've gotta say; the premise of this story has got me super psyched out of my mind. Remnant is an extremely diversified world with great history and a plethora of wondrous cultures; it'll be the perfect setting for my OC while he's finding his place among the Supreme Omnidonae and more importantly finding himself and a reason to fight. Getting entangled with the mortal Aura users of Remnant will pave the way for him to be of greater use on the battlefield of his own people; as well as his future relationship with Ruby Rose. Sorry to say you guys, but there will be no Ruby x Oscar shipping in this fanfiction; so anyone who ships those two together may want to look elsewhere in order to get their fix. ;)
As always, reviews are welcomed and appreciated, but flames and hateful comments are ignored and outright laughed at. For those of you who have stuck with me and my stories through everything; you have my deepest, most eternal gratitude. I couldn't ask for a more loyal fan base; we may be small and a minority for appreciating my style of writing and characterization, but we're committed to our preferences, and we're growing in numbers every day.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything; nor do I make any profit off this whatsoever. Only things that are mine are my OC's, Self-Inserts, and my various God Tiers that I've established in this story and others as well.
Inverse ZIBIB: A RWBY Story- Volume 1
Chapter 2: Ruby Rose and that other guy- Part 2
"So, who are you anyways; what name do you go by?" Ozpin asked the enigmatic person sitting across from him in the faux interrogation room. His name was Zeneptron IBIB, or simply ZIBIB or Zeneptron. His story was extremely different compared to others on the planet known simply as Remnant, and he would need to carefully edit certain details of his alien existence if he was going to keep his secrets close to his chest until an opportune moment arose to play his hand.
"Call me Zeneptron." He said simply; inwardly gushing with pure, unadulterated joy at being able to use his real name. It wasn't just the fact that said name wasn't as strange in this world as it would be in others, minus its lack of any distinct color motif; it was far more than just that… he could actually speak it aloud without immediately darkening the atmosphere around him. The humans here had no idea whatsoever that he shared the same name as the most omnimalevolent Entity among the Supreme Omnidonae and the ZOF Masters alike. If this were any group of Zenith or Supreme Omnidonae he was talking to; he would be misjudged before he even had a chance to prove that having the same name was where the similarities between him and his evil counterparts ended. He was judged by almost every member of his kind before they even got the chance to know him, but here he was a complete unknown. He could use his name without fear of persecution or of being shunned; he could make that name mean something good again, and that brought him more joy than he could ever say.
He'd been alone for his entire life; since the day he was born endless eternities ago he was judged solely on the name he was born with, and the name that the ZOF gave him without any consideration on what he wanted. Initially, he had been naïve enough to think he and the other ZOF Masters could be more than just the occasional allies, but that notion had been squashed after only the first few centuries since his birth. It became readily apparent to him that the other IB Counterparts including Appaneesty's, would only call on him when they needed his help dealing with a threat they couldn't handle on their own.
As a ZOF Master with one of the forbidden IB titles; he was much more naturally powerful with the source of his powers than most others of his kind, and so he was merely a tool to them. It wasn't that they weren't civil with him when he was around; some of them such as Eeshear IB and Serena McIntyre IB were even quite good to him- with the latter providing him with sexual relief when his ZOFed libido got too out of control- but what they said behind his back, and the way some of them looked at him made it clear he wasn't ever going to be welcome amongst them indefinitely, all because of his fucking name and the fact that he looked identical one of their most hated enemies. Honestly, as far as looks were concerned he has been told on occasion that he looks extraordinarily attractive; even beautiful. Serena McIntyre IB certainly thought him attractive enough to fuck on occasion at least; though that might've been for her own sexual release as much as it was for his, maybe even more so. But that beauty was only skin deep when it made him appear even more like his doppelganger.
For a group that prided itself on being completely unbiased, fair, and unprejudiced to all ethnicities, colors, creeds, and species. For a bunch of aliens who were supposed to be infinitely open-minded regarding the idea of Extra-Omniversal or even just multiversal doppelgangers, and who dealt with their own share of unacceptance from the lesser pantheons, God tiers, and even the Mortals; he was enraged to find out those proclamations of lacking any sort of bias went out the window where he was concerned. Perhaps that explained why he hated double-standards and hypocrisy so bloody much.
A part of him often considered if he'd be better off using a different name or altering his outward appearance; considering the nature of his inherent gifts that would be all too easy… but he believed in a better future, one where he wouldn't have to hide who he was or be judged solely on the darkness of his doppelgangers' legacies. Maybe that was too idealistic in mortal terms, but in his world nothing was impossible. He didn't think he should have to make those accommodations when he wasn't the one with a problem regarding judgmental bullshit and prejudism. He refused to cater to the whims of his fellow Zenith Omnidonae and hide who and what he was, so the only alternative was to drag his name out of the mud as best he could. There was bound to be some people who valued his efforts and him as a person rather than the name he shared in common with ZOF Monsters of myth.
"Ah, nice to meet you; as I'm sure you heard from Ruby Rose, my name is Professor Ozpin." The transmigrant responded, completely unaware of the inner tirade Zeneptron just had; especially since it occurred in an infinitesimal fraction of a Planck Instant. Yes, Zeneptron's synapses fired and his brain sorted through information quicker than any reference frame could perceive; he was that powerful.
"Yes I have; so I guess that means the introductory stage of this interrogation is concluded then. It's an underwhelming deduction that you didn't bring me along for the ride merely to exchange designations with one another." Zeneptron ventured, knowing that the answer was pretty obvious as Ozpin nodded before he once again brought up video footage. The black-eyed Supreme Omnidony saw the video footage of Ruby fighting those drones and saw the camera zoom in on him literally appearing out of nowhere. Ozpin then transitioned to the footage of him running up the side of the building to give chase alongside Ruby, and then again to show him chopping that orange haired crime boss's neck and cratering the roof slightly upon knocking him out.
"I have to admit; I've never seen anyone move that quickly before, and I've seen a lot in this world. To be able to move faster than even our video surveillance can detect; you'd have to be moving at a rate beyond imagining, either close to the speed of light or even faster still. How is it you can achieve such unbelievable speeds?" Ozpin asked him as Zeneptron sighed; knowing he was going to have to get pretty creative with his answer in order to downplay his full range of powers.
"It's part of my semblance; I have a very powerful ability that I call assimilation. It gives me the ability to assimilate other semblances just by being near the person who possesses them; two such abilities are my speed and the ability to augment other semblances and aura-based powers, including my own." He told Ozpin in a neutral tone that betrayed none of his thoughts or feelings. He hated the subterfuge in all honesty, but understood it was necessary at this point in time, and he was a pretty damn good liar to. Ozpin leaned back further in his seat to process this information; his eyes widening as he considered the implications.
"The amount of aura needed to maintain that ability as well as the semblances you assimilate; it's astronomical!" He exclaimed with a disbelieving tone; trying to mentally calculate how much aura this person had to expend on a daily basis just to maintain the power to use his various collective skills.
Zeneptron nodded, aware of the implications behind what he was saying and having an answer for that to. "For whatever reason; my ability includes the power to assimilate the collective aura energies of all the people I've ever assimilated; it's gotten to the point now that I don't even know what my limits are anymore. I seem to possess an almost endless supply of aura, and have not needed to use dust to amplify it since I was 10-years-old." He replied, and Ozpin's eyebrows furrowed in confusion.
"If you aren't stealing or otherwise absorbing a person's aura and their semblance; how are you able to just copy them? Where does this excess of aura energy inside of you come from?' He asked him, and Zeneptron shrugged with a convincingly unknowing demeanor about him.
"I honestly am just as confused as you are about that, and even at 17-years-old I still don't have the answers myself. I've had this ability ever since I can remember." He responded in a carefully measured tone that wasn't too measured.
"But where are you from; why show up now?" Ozpin wondered, now more curious than demanding. If what Zeneptron was telling him was true; he might've been the most powerful aura user on the planet, and while that was extremely worrisome it could also make him an extremely valuable asset.
"I don't really know where I'm from; my earliest memory is of a home lost in fire, and then crashing. I was found in a crater on the floating islands above Lake Matsu; when I was only a small child and by a Queen Lancer no less…" Zeneptron paused to collect his thoughts; well aware of the conclusions Ozpin might draw from this but plunging onward regardless. He could be seen as an alien; there were countless numbers of alien species out there in the Trans-Omni-Omniverses, all he had to do was make sure they didn't know what type of alien he was.
"How are you still alive?!" Blondie decided to ask him, and Ozpin nodded in accord; he would quite like to know that himself. Zeneptron looked downwards at his feet; his self-consciousness somewhat genuine right now due to dealing with prejudism against his inhumanity for his entire life.
"I can't say for sure; though I've suspected for a long time now. While it is true I possess an inhuman amount of aura and spiritual energy; for whatever reason, the Creatures of Grimm leave me alone because… they do not see me as even remotely human. From what I understand; they only target humans, and I guess it's not just because of one's aura that they do so." He hesitantly responded. Ozpin and Glynda exchanged a severe expression; the both of them equally unsure about what to do with this Intel. Ozpin himself was at a complete loss on what to do for the first time in centuries. In all his countless years he'd never encountered a genuine alien before, especially one with such astonishing capabilities.
"I… can't even… wow!" Ozpin managed to say, unable to say anything more due to his current level of stupor as Zeneptron nodded slowly.
"So there's the answer to your other question to Professor; the reason I didn't show up until now is because I've spent my whole life hiding and surviving, doing precious little else. I've tried to stay out of the public eye, and have mostly succeeded; it helped when I starting gaining semblances such as the ability to hide and become totally indiscernible." He explained.
"So, why out yourself now and risk being exposed?" Glynda asked him, unable to keep from jumping in on the conversation. Zeneptron sighed as he leveled his gaze up at her from where he sat; maintaining his façade perfectly as she unconsciously shied away from his eyes.
"Because I couldn't just stand by and let the people of this world crumble like the ones from mine seemed to have done; I walk your Earth, I breathe your air, and I think I can afford to help you all when you need it, especially now that I've grown into my abilities a bit. Still, some formal education and training at Beacon Academy could be good for me; being self-taught my whole life will only get me so far." Zeneptron informed her as Ozpin thought of something else; not wanting to delve into this remarkable being's past any more than he had to, but needing to know something.
"You've never had a family or friends before have you; not even an adoptive one?" He asked for clarification, and was not too surprised when Zeneptron nodded; though that didn't make his affirmation any easier to digest.
"That's part of the reason why I want to enroll at Beacon Academy; I need friends, and I need a cause worth fighting for, a people to belong to since mine appear to be dead. I want to become a huntsman because there is literally nothing better for me to do to whilst here on this planet. I'm the last of my kind Professors; I don't know how I know but somehow I do. But, I feel like if I can put my abilities to good use; then your world doesn't have to share the same fate as mine." He whispered with genuine sincerity; wanting nothing more than to shield this planet from his people for as long as possible. He knew he was spinning a pretty sad and lonely tail, and many of the things he said were outright lies, but it was easier for them to believe he was simply an alien with ultra-powerful aura than the full truth.
"That's… some amazing initiative; how have you managed to function all on your own with no adoptive family or anyone else looking out for you? For you to have any concept of empathy at all; you would've needed a compassionate upbringing, wouldn't you?" Ozpin continued grilling him for details; wanting nothing more than to take time to digest all this, but needing to get all of the vital information sorted out first.
"I'm not really sure what the answer to that is either; for whatever reason I've been self-sufficient and possessed proper survival instincts and independence since day one. My natural abilities include empathic powers as well; which may explain my naturally formed sense of compassion and morality. Maybe my race's maturation process is different from yours; it could be like reptiles where we're born being able to fend for ourselves right from day one." He explained as Ozpin nodded, continuing to survey the remarkable being in front of him through steeped fingers.
"Glynda and I will need time to process this information you've given us, but I think we might be able to make some arrangements for you to enroll at Beacon. At the very least, we'll find a constructive use for your many talents. We'll find you a common cause with the people on this planet Zeneptron; I can promise you that." Ozpin reassured him as Zeneptron couldn't help smiling, both inside and out. For all of this man's secrets; it seemed he didn't keep them for selfish reasons and was in fact a good person all around.
"I appreciate that, more than you will probably ever know; there is one other thing though. Can you two keep my alien status a secret for me; at least for right now can you please not tell anyone else? You have no idea how hard it was, just to come to you two with this information; I'm not ready for the world to know about me yet, and I'm not entirely certain every human is as open-minded and accepting of this sort of thing as you two are." Zeneptron requested in a polite tone. Ozpin didn't even hesitate before answering.
"I agree with you on that; our world is full of good people, but they are not above certain prejudices either. We will keep your confidence until such a time you tell us it is okay for us to do otherwise; isn't that right Glynda?" Ozpin directed the conversation to his deputy headmistress, who nodded briskly while maintaining her silence for the time being. Ozpin clapped his hands in a jovial manner.
"Very good, we can get started on your enrollment into Beacon; I'll make sure all of the required paperwork is provided. I'm guessing you're not in the system as of yet; no worries, we can create an identity for you as well. I may need to talk to you again just to clarify if there is any extra info you want made available to everyone who views your profile and your record. Now, is there anything else before I send you off to rejoin Ruby?" Ozpin asked him in an accommodating tone. Zeneptron nodded as something else occurred to him.
"Yes actually… I've heard about your um, team systems and what not and in order to keep people from asking the obvious questions about me like you have; I would like it if I can work alone during my training regimen? It's not that I don't want to interact with others, but I'm not ready for them to start getting into my business just yet. I can handle myself pretty well in a fight, and because of my non-human status the Grimm leave me alone. The only reason I would pick a fight with them is to help protect the human race, and I have done that behind the scenes for my entire life. So you guys wouldn't need to worry about me getting killed without some teammates watching my back; I also would just like some time to decompress and give my super senses a rest. I guess when you've lived alone as long as I have; you like your privacy and isolation from time to time." ZIBIB requested.
"It will be done as you have asked; though I would still recommend you get to know people at Beacon and spend a minimum of 2-hours a day being social outside of class hours; living for that many years in isolation with only the Grimm for company isn't good for anyone, whether their psyche is human or not." Ozpin requested of him in return, and Zeneptron nodded with a gleeful smile.
"Trust me interacting won't be a problem; though I have to admit I'm a little bit nervous about leaving some people with a bad impression of me." Zeneptron chuckled, and Ozpin snorted in amusement as well.
"So, is that all the information you need from me right now then?" the Supreme Omnidony wondered, and Ozpin shook his head.
"Not quite yet; I have just two more things I'd like to talk to you about. One is that I have a friend who might be able to help you with your problem regarding teams; if you can assimilate his semblance, I can personally guarantee allowing you your privacy will be much easier. He has a semblance that is centered on luck; that is to say, he brings bad luck to all who are on the battlefield with him, be they enemies or allies.
He wasn't given an exemption at the time of his enrollment due to teams being mandatory during his education, but because of his unique circumstances I've since been able to grant a certain level of leniency with that rule. You shouldn't have any problem being granted this exemption if you assimilate Qrow's Semblance; I'll let him know that you want to meet him and explain the situation to him as well. I only ask that you trust him with as much information as you've trusted me with this evening; he's one of my most dependable and greatest former students, and I can personally vouch for him because of that. He may take a while to get here however; as he is currently traveling." Ozpin said.
"Your terms are agreeable Professor Ozpin; I will explain to Qrow what I have to you, or will simply let you relay this conversation to him." Zeneptron agreed.
Ozpin nodded in approval, and Zeneptron decided to ask. "And what's the second thing you wanted to talk about?"
"This is merely curiosity on my part, but what semblances have you assimilated as of yet? I'm curious to know what we're working with here." He said in a hyper-enthusiastic tone that made Zeneptron chuckle. Ozpin was behaving like an over-caffeinated child who had just been told that Christmas came early; it was almost cute how excited and dorky he got about things like this.
"Hmm… augmented strength, speed, stamina, healing, rapid regeneration, manipulation and augmentation of semblances and aura; I've honestly lost count. One of my favorite abilities is the ability to turn into any type of Grimm I want and even create custom-made Grimm forms of my own design and with various types of custom-made abilities. Being able to turn the powers of the Grimm on their own kind is quite a poetic form of justice; though that is a semblance I tend to keep a lid on to prevent drawing too much attention to myself." Zeneptron informed him as Ozpin nearly choked on his hot cocoa.
"Wow… that's astonishing; I didn't know such a semblance even existed!" He admitted.
"Indeed, you're packing some serious heat young man." Glynda said, adding her two cents worth as Zeneptron chuckled. These people didn't even know the half of it; hell, they didn't know the infinitesimal fraction of the infinitesimal fraction of it. He was packing way more heat than what he described.
"I have also assimilated both of your semblances and added Ruby's speed semblance to my own; augmenting it even further still. Anytime I add multiples of the same type of semblance; those semblances simply increase inside of me. I can also copy improved variants of those semblances as the people using them continue to improve their own abilities; so I never actually have to train all that much in terms of increasing my own strength. From what I've observed; I can also assimilate a person's various fighting styles and training to my own muscle memory, though I can't copy another person's actual memories, and my ability to assimilate seems restricted to semblances, collective auras, and fighting styles alone." The Supreme Omnidony elaborated. Ozpin was honestly not even surprised at this point; Zeneptron's aura-levels were indeed off any and all charts now that he was scanning him.
"So, you have my telekinesis then?" Glynda wondered, and Zeneptron nodded.
"I can always sense when I've added someone's semblance to my repertoire; I can also instantly know and use those semblances in combat. It makes me feel… connected to the people I'm assimilating powers from; on a metaphysical level. I guess that's why I feel so compelled to help all of you; the more abilities I amass the more empathetic of the humans I seem to become." He answered.
Ozpin smiled in approval at his reply; he was such a compassionate individual for one so inhumanly strong. It was almost a disappointment he couldn't seem to assimilate magical abilities; if he could copy the Maiden's powers as well as his own it could've proven even more useful in the inevitable war to come against Salem. Still, even without magic in the equation; Zeneptron was probably more powerful than Ozpin himself was back before he gave the original Maidens their powers, and not to toot his own horn but the wizard was a helluva lot more powerful in ancient times than he was nowadays. Ozpin was grateful that such power seemed to have landed in the hands of this beyond human Entity; for it was unlikely that any ordinary mortal could handle this ability as easily as Zeneptron seemed to be doing.
"I guess all I can say is; welcome to beacon Zeneptron. I hope you find the companionship and acceptance you are looking for during your stay with us. Just remember to always try and be patient with us humans; we're not perfect, we make mistakes, some of us make more mistakes than any man, woman, or child… but there is grace in our failings, our shortcomings. As long as you never give up on us when it seems like we're at our worst; I can promise you our people will always find ways to pleasantly surprise you and surpass your loftiest expectations. So, even if you lose your faith in a few bad apples here and there; just promise me you'll never lose your faith in people as a whole." Ozpin profoundly stated in a sage undertone.
Zeneptron considered his wise words for all of two seconds before grinning and nodding; he knew better than anyone not to underestimate the mortals. As Thomas IBIB told him; misjudging the power of the small and the finite was always a big mistake, and without the mortals, the concept of omnipotence was meaningless. Without the teeming masses of less powerful people to blow away with his miracles; what good were Zeneptron's powers without someone to compare them to? Some of the Zenith Omnidonae saw these people as insects, but Zeneptron saw them as giants.
"I'll try and keep that in mind. It'll be an honor to serve and protect alongside the other huntsman and huntresses in training Professors Ozpin and Goodwitch. Thank you both for being so okay with all of this; I'm sure not everyone on this planet is as accepting as you two are though, and I won't kid myself into believing otherwise. Just know that your lack of prejudism against me and my kind will bear some really great rewards for both of you further down the road; this will not go unrewarded you two, mark my words." Zeneptron informed them with profoundness of his own.
Ozpin and Glynda both idly wondered what he meant by that, but didn't think anything too much of it for now as Zeneptron got up from his seat and made to leave; sensing his time in this room was over and done with. Intending to track down Ruby and tell her the good news; Zeneptron let his mind rest easy now that the hard part was done for the time being. He hated that he had to resort to such deceit in order to get enrolled at Beacon, but gave himself creative points for being as honest as he could with them.
A part of him wondered if they would be just as understanding if he told them the full version of the truth, but didn't dwell on that thought for now and focused on joining Ruby and his other classmates on board this massive passenger Airship towards his new destination. As far as day's conclusions go; this one definitely wasn't the worst. He had himself an enrollment at the top-ranked training school for Huntsmen and Huntresses, and he even had a potential friend in Ruby Rose too boot; one of the first genuine acquaintances he ever had outside of the pink-haired beauty of a Goddess that was Serena McIntyre IB. He only hoped when shit inevitably hit the fan that these remarkably equalitarian people would be able to forgive him for how much he was still keeping from them.
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"Do you think he was telling the truth?" Glynda Goodwitch asked with an undertone of trepidation and fear; combined with a dash of dubiousness as Ozpin leaned back in his seat… contemplating this new Intel while staring ahead through steeped fingers.
"Not at all; at least, not all of it… I think he knows more about what he is and where he comes from than he lets on." Ozpin replied after several moments of agonizing silence.
"Surely, you can't believe his alien status is genuine Ozpin! I mean, I've seen some pretty bizarre and terrifying things since I applied for this job… things most people wouldn't dare to believe, but isn't this stretching the boundaries just a bit?" She questioned him in a skeptical tone, and Ozpin sighed as he leaned further forward in his seat.
"Even if he wasn't telling us the truth; there is no denying his power Glynda… power like that in the wrong hands could be even more dangerous than the Maidens themselves. But I think for now we can trust him to wield them responsibly, if the way he used them only to stop a Dust Shop robbery is any indicator. Still, I plan to keep an eye on him for now; if he was serious about our willingness to help him out bearing rewards, then it may be in our best interests to cash in on that debt of gratitude he seems to think he owes us." Ozpin knowledgeably replied while smiling; already beginning to fit this new bit of information into his plans to ultimately stop Salem and adjusting those plans accordingly.
"You're planning to enlist him into our secret circle of protectors, aren't you?" Glynda asked, already knowing the answer due to the look on Ozpin's face.
"Not yet, as he said himself… he needs friends and a reason to fight which is why he came here to enroll at Beacon in the first place. I say we let him forge bonds and gain the drive he needs, and then we'll talk to him about the real fight that's going on. His arrival in our world was no accident Glynda, and we need to sanctify the gift of his presence here and his powers." Ozpin explained as Glynda's eyes narrowed.
"I don't think I would go as far as suggesting that he's a gift from the gods Ozpin." She commented in a distinctly disbelieving tone; not sure what to make of any of this as the wizard chuckled.
"He's a literal immigrant from the stars with phenomenal, cosmic levels of aura radiating off of him with his every step and breath; what would you call him Glynda?" He rebutted, and Glynda shrugged as she honestly didn't have a response to that. Ozpin could make a pretty compelling argument when he had his mind and heart set on something, and she couldn't remember the last time she had seen the ancient sorcerer this full of life and hope.
"Look, even if he is a literal Godsend; try not to put all of your faith in this man Ozpin. He might be our salvation, but he could just as likely go the opposite route or choose to do nothing at all and not involve himself in our world's affairs… just like the gods themselves did. Just be careful not to place all your bets on the miraculous powers of one man; because at the end of the day he's still only one person." She advised him sagely, and Ozpin reluctantly nodded; realizing she was right.
"I know, I know, I just couldn't help it; when my attempts to scan him and quantify his aura levels failed, I got so excited. He could be the ultimate force for good in our world, and he seems to be the kind of person who just wants to do the right thing. No matter his alien heritage; I will do everything in my power to ensure he feels this world is worth fighting for and not worth giving up on. I only hope that friendships with people like Ruby Rose give him a more positive view of our race." The reincarnated wizard broke off when he saw Glynda arching an eyebrow dangerously high, and sweat dropped when he realized he was getting too wound up over this new arrival again. Could she blame him for the sudden spark of hope he felt? There was just something about that man; something unquantifiable and pure beyond comprehension. It made him giddier inside than when he first gazed upon Ruby Rose's silver eyes. He had no doubt the two of them would go far together and as individuals.
Ozpin couldn't even meet Zeneptron's eyes directly without wanting to flinch away from their blinding intensity on pure instinct; it was like staring into a pair of the most dazzlingly brilliant eclipsed suns. This was one of those days where Ozpin felt a huge sense of purpose; like everything was riding on whether or not Zeneptron found a cause worth fighting for. His arrival and subsequent enrollment at Beacon had the potential to change the world and everything about it, and as crazy as it sounded Ozpin had the distinct notion that the changes he would bring about would be even more extreme than the ones brought on by the four relics.
"So, I'm guessing we don't tell anyone about this then?" Glynda asked as Ozpin shook his head nugatory.
"No, not even Ironwood and the other members of our inner circle, not yet. I made Zeneptron a promise that we wouldn't tell anyone without his say so, and that even includes the people we trust the most." He told her, and Glynda nodded in understanding as Ozpin pulled up a blank profile on his computer and got to work filling out the details that Zeneptron provided him with some creative spins to ensure anyone looking into his past for whatever reason wouldn't ask too many questions. Saying he was a farmer from Vale was risky; because while his musculature supported that theory his pale skin and lack of a tan from years of working under the hot sun immediately squashed it. Ozpin would probably have to make his location closer to Atlas; the colder climate would be more suited to the lighter skin tone for starters. With that in mind; Ozpin got to work filling out the other details Zeneptron would need in order to make a passable transcription into Beacon.
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Finding Ruby Rose once again was a much easier task for Zeneptron than explaining his situation to Ozpin and Glynda as best as he could. The black haired girl with red highlights was literally waiting for him outside the door to Ozpin's room, and grew a smile upon seeing him close the door behind him.
"There you are; I was beginning to wonder if you were ever going to come out! You guys were taking forever!" She exaggerated in an overdramatic tone. Zeneptron couldn't help chuckling; yep, she was definitely a teenager alright.
"I'm touched to know you were so concerned for my wellbeing Ruby." He said with more sincerity than he intended. He'd never really had someone wait for him like this before; it was a refreshing change of pace from the dynamic he had with his fellow ZOF Masters. Ruby's response to that was to beam at him, and she cleared her throat as the two of them started heading down the hallway to nowhere in particular. Zeneptron quickly discerned that this airship was basically a huge bus or Hogwarts Express, and would probably pick up all the students tomorrow from one location or station to bring them to Beacon. He and Ruby were probably the only students on board this airship right now.
"That was so cool how you took down Roman Torchwick; that was like… the fastest KO I've ever seen!" She gushed like an overexcited fangirl as Zeneptron sweat dropped at her natural and infectious enthusiasm. He could get pretty crazy and invested as well when discussing a topic he was interested in.
"Thanks, but I didn't do everything; you took down his henchmen and we had help from Glynda as well." He replied in a bashful tone, and Ruby giggled; finding his humility surprising and respectable.
"Who are you? I mean, you already know my name, and we worked pretty well together back there, but I still don't know who you are." She couldn't help but ask, and Zeneptron chuckled at her forward nature.
"My name is Zeneptron." He introduced himself to her at last, and felt his heart tick faster when she didn't immediately flinch upon hearing his name. He didn't think he could ever get used to these people's lack of negative reactions every time he introduced himself, but he definitely wasn't complaining and it was far from being a bad thing.
"Zeneptron… Zeneptron… hmm, that's definitely not a color derivative; at least not any that I know of." Ruby commented after testing his name on her tongue a few times, and Zeneptron was surprised when he realized he liked the way Ruby said his name. It took every ounce of his willpower not to beg her to repeat his name over and over again; just the innocent, totally accepting way she said it, without any trace of malice or hatred towards him was almost more than he could handle, and he was beginning to feel a little bit emotionally overwhelmed.
Using his powers to instantly know what kind of information Ozpin was providing for his profile and transcription; Zeneptron had a response to give her that matched up with that information. "My family was rather creative with their name choices; I was born and raised in Atlas but my parents didn't really live to the same rhythm as the rest of the continent. They did teach me how to fight however and make good use of my semblance." He responded, and Ruby giggled excitedly.
"What is your semblance; come on, tell me, tell me!" She urged him like an manic child, and Zeneptron shook his head negatively while chuckling.
"It's a surprise, and you're going to have to wait and find out just like everyone else." He tutted playfully; making her pout at him in his peripheral vision… He laughed at the adorable expression, and she mock-glared at him instead. This only served to make her look even cuter and to make him laugh even harder. Eventually, Ruby gave up on trying to look angry and started laughing with him.
"It had better be a good one if you're going to the trouble of surprising me like this." Ruby threatened him teasingly, and Zeneptron smirked.
"Trust me Ruby, you won't be disappointed; I'm not just tooting my own horn when I say this, but I'm the most powerful aura user that I've encountered in my life by far. Still, it's a big and dangerous world out there, and I'm not so arrogant as to believe myself invincible." He replied, and Ruby nodded understandingly; that made sense, though she was even more intrigued by what his Semblance could be now and excited to find out what it was.
"Don't wanna make it too easy, now do we?" She giggled, and his smirk broadened as he silently agreed with her.
"So, I guess we're both going to Beacon then?" Ruby asked him as they arrived at a lookout area and looked down at the city of Vale from the large bulletproof glass windows.
"Mmhmm…" Zeneptron responded simply; the both of them oddly content with the silence stretching on between them, before he saw Ruby looking down with an unhappy expression and decided to break it.
"What's wrong; don't tell me you aren't excited to be heading to Beacon?" He asked her with a chuckle; knowing that wasn't true based on what she said to Ozpin before as she shook her head and smiled slightly.
"Of course I'm excited, it's just… I got moved ahead two years, and I don't want people thinking I'm special or anything." She admitted in a worried tone, and Zeneptron's expression softened with compassion as he inhaled deeply before formulating a response to that in his head.
"I'm pretty sure Ozpin had some reasons beyond what we know for doing that Ruby; maybe he saw something in you that nobody else can. I also find it strange that the first thing he remarked on upon meeting you were your silver eyes; I mean, Remnant hosts a myriad of many remarkable shades and colors in its people's eyes… from purple to icy blue-white, and even hot pink among others. And despite that; Ozpin saw the need to comment on your own silver eyes, like it was something significant." He stated as Ruby's eyes widened. Zeneptron was right; he did comment on that, and she hadn't really thought much of it at first, but maybe there was a reason he did all that. Still, the thought itself was ludicrous.
"So, you're saying that I got into Beacon 2-years in advance because of the color of my eyes?" She questioned in a dubious tone, and Zeneptron shrugged.
"I'm simply saying there might be a reason for all of this beyond what we currently know, and Ozpin clearly knows more than he's telling either of us. Regardless of what his reasoning is, and whether you think you deserve to be at Beacon when you're only 15-years-old; I think you're ready Ruby. I've seen you fight back at the Dust shop, and I've no doubt that you'll go far as a Huntress. Besides, I think you're more special than you realize; you don't need to be feeling self-conscious of others and socially awkward just because you don't want to stand out too much. Just make the best of your situation at Beacon and show the world what you can do; because whether you're special or not it would be remiss of you to decline such an offer at this point. I think you've got what it takes personally, and I don't give two craps whether you're special or not; I personally think you being unique is a good thing, and that one should never be ashamed of that." He sagely stated. After a moment of consideration, Ruby beamed at the man for his kind words.
"Thank you Zeneptron; you're a pretty cool guy." She whispered gratefully as Zeneptron flushed at her praise, unable to stop a massive surge of 'the feels' from striking him down emotionally.
"That's… one of the nicest things anyone has ever said to me; thank you Ruby." He whispered with such naked sincerity that Ruby had no doubt he was telling her the truth. This shocked her to the core, as that was a pretty standard compliment to give someone in her book, but Zeneptron acted as though her words were music to his ears and then some. A part of her wondered what sort of environment he was raised in where such a simple compliment could mean so much to him, but she was too scared to ask; afraid that his answer wouldn't be one she liked hearing.
"It's no big deal; you said some really nice things to you know." She reminded him, and he nodded slowly upon understanding she was right.
"Yeah, I guess I did." He admitted as Ruby sighed; realizing what type of person he was that very moment. He was a selflessly loving individual; who had all the unconditional love in the world to give and took none of it for himself. Her mother once told her about men like that; they were extremely rare and by far one of the best kinds to have in a relationship… once one got it through their thick skulls that they deserved to be loved just as much in return. It was one of those too much of a good thing situations; he was selfless to a fault, and she would have to work extra hard to convince him that she genuinely wanted to be his friend just because.
"I hope they have guest rooms on board this ship huh; cuz unless Ozpin lands this thing to drop us off somewhere until tomorrow I think we might be stuck on this ship the whole night." She commented; her and Zeneptron exchanging a surprised look before they both snickered and decided to make the most of their situation.
"Come on, I'm sure there's somewhere that can qualify as a bedroom on board this flying fortress." He said, and without thinking he took her hand and pulled her along with him as Ruby gave an excited squeak at the surprise contact. While she didn't think he meant anything by it; it shocked her how large and warm his hand was, and how easily it enveloped her own. She felt oddly at ease even as she struggled to keep up with his insane speed, and made a silent vow then and there that someday soon she would somehow find the speed to keep up with him.
Semblances were like a muscle after all; the more she practiced with hers the faster she'd become, and with that in mind she let herself be all but dragged all over the ship without a care in the world. One thing was perfectly clear to her in those moments; Yang was going to be so proud that she found herself her first friend… maybe even prouder than she would be of the fact that Ruby was going to Beacon with her. She couldn't wait to see the shocked look on her older sister's face when she introduced Zeneptron for the first time.
XXXXX
Meanwhile, in an endlessly far off alternate reality known as a Trans-Omni-Omega-Omnisphere; something else was going down that was completely foreign compared to the events transpiring on Remnant. There was an unnamed alien world uninhabitable to all but the mightiest of beings; a world that was disgustingly oversaturated with a pollutant so unquantifiably foul and so unspeakably toxic that not even the mightiest of ZOF Masters could tread this wasteland. This hazy miasma blanketing the nameless semblance of a broken world was known as Anti ZOF Energy, and it was a substance more infinitely destructive than any other; including Antimatter, Dark Matter, minus infinite degree ice, and other such substances of nonexistence. It was the only substance potent enough to genuinely threaten the Omni IB ZOF Masters and even the Supreme Omnidonae themselves, albeit to quite a lesser degree.
This ruined world was run afoul by the obscenest of creatures known to any and all Gods and omnipotent God tiers; the Anti ZOF Masters. A vast legion of horrifying, monstrous creatures that were ineffably terrifying to behold and would drive any mortal and immortal mind alike insane countless times over the second they were looked upon; these Entities were the ultimate in Omni-Omega-Omnisphere cleansing, and sought to become the only life forms in existence. While some of the lesser members of their species inspired terror across only a finite number of Omega Omnispheres and Omni-Totalities alike… the top tier members of their kind were much more formidable and comparable to the Omni IB ZOF Masters. Like the Creatures of Grimm; the Anti ZOF Masters could become more brutally efficient killers with time, practice, and experience, and even gain a level of sentience and intelligence comparable to the smartest of ZOFed minds. These higher tier monsters were an Omega-Level-Threat to Realities so vast that only the Supreme Omnidonae had any reference frame or even a name for them.
And then there was the Lord and Creator of the entire Anti ZOF Master race and the Anti ZOF Energy itself… Zeneptron IBIB. At the center of a colossal web made entirely of the acrid purplish miasma in a disturbingly silken form; stood a colossal, throne-like chair made from bones far too big for any human to occupy unless said human was a 100-foot-tall giant. However, it was indeed occupied all the same, by a colossal humanoid figure concealed in a black hood and robe proportionate to its immense size and stature. It's very presence cast an omnipresent shadow over the entirety of this ruined world; darkening it by many shades and mixing black in with the blood red sky and the crystalline structures littering the mutilated-beyond-repair landscape all around the figure.
This figure was Zeneptron IBIB himself; having chosen to manifest in this place along with hundreds of billions of Anti ZOF Masters, each one easily powerful enough to consume entire Omni-Omega-Omnispheres-worth of ZOF Energy at the very least. He was one of the original Supreme Omnidonae, and one of the most powerful of his race. He was at the top of his game, and not even Appaneesty IBIB, or the current leader of his enemies, TIBIB… were legitimate threats to his sovereignty. But, there was a recent development that had been brought to his attention by one of the higher tier members of his created race; TIBIB had just recently made a brand new Supreme Omnidony.
"You're absolutely certain about this?" He asked for clarification; his voice ringing pervasively with an undertone of malice and spiteful hatred towards the desecration that Thomas Currie had just committed. The Anti ZOF Master who brought him this news- a disfigured, Ungodly travesty of the being known as Ultra Instinct Goku- nodded in affirmation to his master's query.
"Positive; our enemy's leader has created another Inverse Counterpart of you my Lord." He firmly replied, his voice an endless series of echoing rasps, like a sidewinder perpetually in motion; confident in the truth of his words due to his greater experience as an Anti-Master compared to the simple-mindedness of his less powerful brethren. ZIBIB's response to this was surprisingly calm; which incidentally was more terrifying to the Saiyan than wrathful anger would've been. There was a cold, composed, calculated fury about him that promised incalculable pain and misery for both his inverse counterpart and the man who dared to blaspheme on such a level.
"This insult will not stand Anti Goku Omni IB; mark my words. I want around the clock surveillance of this new inverse counterpart; make sure he doesn't know he is being watched. This could prove to be problematic for us. TIBIB definitely made a good play this time, and even if it will ultimately fail I can't help feeling a little apprehensive." ZIBIB admitted as Goku's eyes widened. The idea of Zeneptron IBIB being apprehensive about anything was more ludicrous than a version of Goku who didn't love to eat in some form or fashion. Even Anti Goku Omni IB himself was insatiable where ZOF Energy was concerned, and as one of the most supremely almighty of his race he was never satisfied.
He was still getting endlessly stronger of course; thanks to the paradoxicality involved with the ZOF and its endless Omnipotent God tiers and hierarchies… and better yet his rate of growth and improvement was much higher than most of the others due to his accomplishments as an Anti-Master. He was probably one of the only beings out there with the power to kill any ZOF Master no matter their level of strength; something that only the Supreme Omnidonae could do under any normal circumstances. So, when one of the mightiest of these Supreme Omnidonae felt apprehensive about a new arrival; it was worth marking down as a monumental occurrence.
"If he makes you that apprehensive my Lord; then shouldn't we mobilize our forces to take him out as soon as possible?" Goku inquired, and ZIBIB shook his hooded head; his hand larger than Goku's entire body in his current form.
"Not just yet, for now we observe and wait. A heedlessly impetuous blitzkrieg might not be the most strategically viable option in this case. Besides, this is perhaps the first genuine threat to my reign that has arisen thus far, and I find the prospect of it oddly titillating. Appaneesty IBIB has only ever managed to land a single hit on me in all of our battles past and present, and while Thomas IBIB's threat level has yet to be properly weighed; I'm confident he and his harem of female Goddesses aren't anywhere near my level yet… though that Mew of his and Yancy IBIB are concerning. This Inverse Counterpart however, may actually require my full power right off the bat, and while I am apprehensive I'm also proud that it would take nothing short of my own Inverse Counterpart to make me feel this way. My ultimate rival should be strong to keep me sharp; so that when I do eventually defeat him and claim my sovereignty over all… there won't be a being in existence that can challenge me and hope to win!" Zeneptron simpered omnimalevolently, and Goku nodded in complete subservience. His Lord and Grandmaster knew best after all, and he had never been wrong before.
"It shall be done my Lord; is there anything else you wanted done about this while I am still manifesting here?" The Saiyan asked, and Zeneptron took a moment to ponder from underneath his head; his eyes flashing a demonic red for all to see as one thing came to him.
"Are there any other noteworthy qualities about him I should know about? Was he already a preexisting ZOF Master prior to his Apotheosis?" He asked him, and Goku nodded obediently.
"Yes, he was already the inverse counterpart of the ZOF Master known as Zeneptron IB in his Omni-Totality, and became an Omni IB ZOF Master after we destroyed his Reality and everyone and everything in it. So basically, aside from the scale on which the Supreme Omnidonae operate compared to the ZOF Masters; he was already well aware of the legacy behind your name and that of nearly every version of ZIB as well. It should be noted that he hates you and everything you stand for, and that he intends to drag his name out of the mud as it were." Goku diligently informed him as Zeneptron cackled mockingly at the very idea.
"He attempts to offset all of the devastation I've wrought; I wish him all of the Meta Luck in existence because he's going to need it. Continue perceiving him for now Goku, and be sure to notify me if anything else transpires that you think I would benefit from knowing." He instructed him as Goku threw him a firm solute.
"Of course my Lord; it shall be done as you have commanded!" He worshipfully replied, and with a loud crackle of displacement he vanished into thin air to carry out his Grandmaster's instructions. ZIBIB looked to the ruinous red skies of this world with a contemplative expression.
"Hmm, perhaps I underestimated Thomas IBIB as well; especially if he was able to pull this hat trick right under my nose. This is going to be such fun in any case though, and I'll be looking forward to watching my enemies' burn while I tear everything they've built to pieces and become the most supremely all-powerful being to forever exist!"
Author's Notes: That's chapter 2 for ya folks! I've gotta say, I'm really loving how this is playing out; I think I did a pretty good job on these first 2 chapters but feel free to point out any mistakes I might've made. As always, I do love me some R&R guys, and I'll be looking forward to seeing how this story is received thus far. Thanks in advance for taking the time to read this you guys. Peace out now; Omniarch is signing off.
