The white soldiers of Mistral and Mantel were descending on them in large amounts of numbers. The soldiers of the encampment said not a word as they retaliated in force, Julius and Bernard being the first to set soul free from body with their blade and gun.
Glynda was amazed. Everyone else in the battle seemed to gray out, leaving only Julius to be colored in the memory. She watched as he kept his blade sheathed, but refused to remove his hand from the hilt. Sprinting through the battalion, he activated his sheath, allowing it to turn into its shielded form. Blocking blades that threatened to flay his back, he finally unsheathed the blade. Hungrily, his blade seemed to cut into its foes, as red stained its metal. Swinging it in a manner that would seem uncoordinated, he expertly dispatched of several soldiers, their life blood leaking from their flesh. Only when he got over the hill did Julius falter. More than he had predicted had come, and they were led by a notorious woman. Quickly deciding between approach and retreat, the blonde soldier decided on the latter, whilst blocking a scythe that had swung his way. Slicing open the stomach of the one who had attempted such a deed, he immediately fell back.
The blonde warrior found himself back to back with Bernard, "They are led by one of them!"
Bernard stopped fighting, either confident or arrogant enough to take his attention away from battle, "Schnee?!"
When those words were spoken, the soldier that was fighting revealed a projectile weapon and fired, only for it to be blocked by a gold and pale shield. At the same time, another tried to swipe at Arc, only to be blocked by the infamous Crocea Mors blade. It amazed her at how well Julius was fighting, predicting his enemies every move. Like he could see where the next strike would be. And then suddenly, the rest of the enemy moved over
Gone was the silence that was encompassing Cattle Hill, as opposing soldiers of pure white conquered the surrounding hillsides. Weapons ranged from armored gauntlets to guns with dust rounds. Projectiles of all shapes and sizes polluted the air, as diversity clashed with closed minded belief. One color stood out amongst all others though. Red. The battle was gruesome, men and women being killed mercilessly by those of the 'Purest Alliance'. Faunus were mutilated in the same manner, the equality they were seeking even then was in the way of death, as no one had died in the same, yet different manner. She had heard stories, they even had pictures from that time period. But this was something else entirely different than all of those words.
What caught Glynda's attention were the eyes of the young Julius. They were focused on the enemy, but they would also seem to look elsewhere, even whilst fighting. They always seemed to meet where an attack would be only moments later. There was no lag in his attacks. No thought. It looked as if it were on pure instinct, skill even. And if that was the case, then he must be very skilled if he needn't hesitate for a moment just to think about an attack. It was probably also the fact that every strike was to either block or kill. No energy expended uselessly through ducks and weaves, or a power swing that would miss its target. Every movement was toward a common goal, kill the opposition.
Julius blocked a blade with his hilt before impaling the assailant with his blade. When he tore the blade out of the carcass - it dyed in the lifeblood of the enemy - his left hand swung back to his sheathe. Grabbing the hunk of metal, he proceeded to swing it to his left, where an opposing soldier jumped at him, knocking him aside. Said sheathe then expanded, allowing it to become a shield with dual golden crests engraved into it. Swinging his blade one hundred and eighty degree's horizontally, he felt it meet resistance as it cut through two others. The blonde knight went into a low crouch, the sound of a blade cutting air hardly evident over the chorus of battle. Using the force of his sudden crouch, he sprung up above the sea of soldiers, before landing atop one's shoulders'. Using his feet, Julius twisted to his left, snapping his neck in the process. He brought up his shield and bashed an approaching enemy to knock him off balance, only to then stab him through the throat. A gurgling noise fell upon the Arc's ears, causing him to click his tongue in mockery.
"So, you were present here, you traitorous swine!" a shout across the battlefield made young Julius's eyes widen. The man knew she was the one leading the charge, he just did not wish to fight against her. However, the way she spoke of him held no respect, as if he were some insect on the ground. He was not one of those.
"And so I am! What else did you expect?" the blonde exclaimed, voice dripping with malice. It offended him so that she would treat him as a lesser. He thought he had earned her respect back at the villa, but it seems he was still blind back then. He took his shield arm and swung to his left, the pointed bottom of the shield slashing open the throat of an attacker. The body fell back as the Arc began to strut towards the woman adorned in white.
"I thought Kaizel would be the one to end you, but it seems I have been given the honor! I, Aleana Schnee, shall bring about your end Julius Arc!"
X_X_X_X
As darkness stood silent over Remnant, a Dust shop stood dormant and patient, awaiting its next customer. A man stood behind the counter, casting careful glances towards the back of the shop where a red cloaked girl stood, reading an issue of 'Weapon's Weekly'. He was only keeping tabs on her, as too many people have come into his store in an attempt to shoplift or steal. His thoughts were dragged elsewhere as the bell over the door chimed, tearing his gaze from the girl and placing it on his new customers. About to give his welcome, he was interrupted instead.
"Do you have any idea how hard it is to find a dust shop open this late?" a man in a bowler hat and fancy white tail coat asked, arms crossed over his chest. Not a moment later, one of the men that had accompanied him pulled out a pistol, the red and grey weapon pressed against the man's forehead.
"P-please, just take my lien and lea-"
The orange haired bowler shushed him, "Calm down, we're not here for your money. Grab the dust."
The last bit of the sentence was directed towards the company he had with him, all of whom brought out storage vials and boxes. The gun was still held to the store keeper's head, only one thought present in his head.
"Definitely too many…'
X_X_X_X
Qrow checked the time. It was late, and only ten minutes had passed since they were evicted from the room. Ten minutes that actually felt like hours. Countless hours.
"Huh, well this is certainly a surprise." Ozpin perked up, catching Qrow's attention. The headmaster was on his scroll, watching something with interest. Looking over his shoulder, the uncle proceeded to go slack jawed at the display. On one of Ozpin's city cameras, his niece could be seen fighting off a group of thugs outside of a dustshop.
"I think I might have to bring Glynda out early." Ozpin mumbled, sipping some of his coffee. Qrow didn't make any sort of movement, and when he did, it was in direction of the door.
"Qrow, do not go after your niece."
The hunter turned, "You expect me not to?"
"It's just," Ozpin paused in though before continuing, "I would have asked you to go out and deal with it, but then I remembered you had a mission to uphold. One of dire importance."
"Shit, that's right." The uncle whispered. Ozpin nodded slightly before turning his attention back to his scroll.
"If you leave, I expect you to go back to your duty, not to go babysit. I will have Glynda deal with it here in a bit. I actually have something to discuss with Miss Rose, so this will make it easier."
The man grunted before heading out the door, "I'll be in touch." Ozpin nodded before narrowing his eyes, making sure that he recorded this scene unfolding on camera.
X_X_X_X
Julius rolled to the side as a rapier implanted itself where his head once was. Quickly pushing off the ground, he swung his sword towards the Schnee. However, this time it did not connect with flesh, but steel. Landing, he brought up his shield just in time as a pointed blade punished his protection, pushing him back in the battle. While on the defensive, he quickly kicked behind him, connecting with an ambushing soldier. This didn't hinder him, as the relentless stabs ceased on his shield. Bashing forward with his shield, he felt it hit air before pivoting on his left heel. Bringing up his sword, he managed to block the attack of a nearly invisible blade. Eyes widened as he brought his shield up, parrying the attack and launching it to the left.
The battle stopped momentarily as the assailant paused to speak, "My, you have certainly achieved a higher level of proficiency with that semblance of yours. You might actually be someone worth my time!"
Julius snarled at the comment, launching forward in an upward strike. The Schnee leaned to the right, dodging the blade as it whistled by her ear. Pushing her rapier forward in a stab, it was blocked by the shield of her enemy, only to quickly redirect it. The woman smiled as she felt her weapon puncture metal, it becoming a wicked grin as she pushed harder and puncturing flesh. A grunt of pain was elicited from the Arc, causing her to push it deeper, life blood flowing faster from the wound. Julius jumped back, releasing his shoulder from the blade. Attempting to raise his sword arm, he again grunted in pain, the movement only making blood loss more rapid.
"You have lost, turncoat! This is as clear as polished dust!" She stepped forward slowly, taunting him with every movement, "Your forces, decimated. Your territory, ours. This war will be effortless! For us, that is."
"No, I refuse to go silently, into the dark." Young Julius stated with labored breath, backing up a step every time she stepped. Her white hair made his eyes hurt, and her cerulean eyes bore into his soul. Sweat dripped down his face as fatigue began to settle in. The fighting had yet to cease, but it was as apparent as she had made it out to be. They were losing.
"I believe you will-"
"I refuse!" the Arc shouted, face contorted in anger and hate.
"I will tower over you, as you are but an obstacle to me! Something for me, to surpass! I refuse to go into the dark, because that reality, is nonexistent to me!" Julius took a breath after his yelling, waiting for the reaction. He smirked knowingly a few moments before the white haired woman frowned, a growl becoming present even over the noise of battle. Another soldier attempted to ambush Arc, but fell due to the pointed tip of the shield implanting itself in their throat.
"Independence, art, the expression of our souls! Things that you wish to see, washed away!"
"And what of the lives you have taken," Alena hissed out, anger present in her voice, "if what you say is true, then this must be your painting! Your legacy! The strong take from the weak!"
"That is true. It is why I, am here," he coughed a few times before letting go of his sword arm, "For I am strong! We are strong! I joined this fight for only one such purpose, and I have been waiting to do so since I was taken as a child!"
The Schnee seethed, "And what might that be!"
"To take from the weak!"
Glynda was shocked to see the scene play out. Oobleck would die for this. She thought it bizarre that she could witness this. It rewrote history slightly, in fact. As the battle continued to transpire, the Schnee with a lead over the Arc, the memory began to waver. Everything began to blot out, to crumble and disperse. Soon enough, it dissipated into nothingness, leaving her and Julius alone in a black void.
"What has happened?" He asked, trying to hide the worry from his voice.
Glynda pinched the bridge of her nose, an idea behind the events that had just transpired, "We're going to wake up now."
"Ah, I see. However, do you believe me to be who I say now?" the question hung in the air, and Glynda was about to answer. Only to be cut off as she awoke in the hospital room, Ozpin standing above her with his cup of coffee.
"Good, you're awake. I need you up, now."
"And why is that, Ozpin?" she asked, stern expression making its way back to her features.
Ozpin looked at her as she stood from her seat. He sipped his coffee before setting the cup down, "There is an emergency that demands your attention immediately."
"Then I shall go along as well." A voice interrupted the other two. They looked over to see the Julius, who was standing at the foot of the hospital bed.
"I would like to know the location of Jaune Arc's equipment." His voice was stern and slightly commanding. Ozpin smirked lightly, glancing at Glynda before looking back at the Arc.
"It's right behind me. If you wish to accompany Miss Goodwitch, then you may. I would like you to make haste however."
Both Glynda and Julius nodded, "Of course."
X_X_X_X
Ruby rose had quickly knocked the men unconscious, standing only meters away from the notorious Roman Torchwick. Her eyes narrowed as he dropped his cigar, smashing it with his cane.
"You were worth every cent, truly you were," He mumbled before looking up at her, "Well, Red, I think we can all say it's been an eventful evening, and as much as much as I'd love to stick around-"
He brought up his cane, pointing it in her direction, "-I believe this is where we part ways."
A cross-hair made itself known as it flipped up from his cane, only to be soon forgotten about when the man fired from it. A missile was sent spiraling towards her, and she made a defensive block motion. Only to decide last minute to jump straight up. As the explosion rocked the ground, she came falling back down to Remnant, bracing herself. Regaining her senses and looking around, she spotted the criminal climbing up a ladder on the side of a building. He seemed rushed, and she looked towards the shop keeper who had stumbled out from his store.
"You okay if I go after him?" the scythe wielder asked, earning a hum of approval from the man. She proceeded to use her semblance to speed over to the ladder. Ruby turned her gun scythe down, and used the powerful shot to launch up the side of the building.
Landing, she saw Roman standing at the edge of the building, "Hey!"
He didn't look at her, but spoke in a low voice, "Persistent..."
A low humming sound whirled from below as a bullhead appeared, shining its spot light on the little rose. The side door opened, allowing Roman to climb into the ship. He turned towards Ruby, holding a red object in his hand as he did so.
"End of the line, Red!" he stated certainty evident in his voice. Tossing the red crystal, it landed at Ruby's feet and took her attention with it. As he rose his weapon to shoot at her feet, he was interrupted by a noise behind him.
"What-" not getting to finish his sentence, Roman was ejected from the aircraft. A man was present where the criminal once stood, a black hood covered his features. White armor was adorned on his chest and shoulders, and soon enough things clicked into place.
"Jaune?! Is that you?" Ruby asked incredulously, pale green eyes peering through her soul.
"For the last time, my name is-" he began before being interrupted by another.
"Mister Arc, must I it say again, apprehend the criminal!" the woman, named Glynda if she remembered properly, appeared in front of her, causing her to jump slightly in surprise. She seemed ever so slightly out of breath, as if she had to run extremely fast to get here. Jaune groaned lightly before jumping down from the bullhead, and forgetting about the driver. Said vehicle decided it a good idea to make a break for it, and was noticed by Jaune the moment its engines began to rotate. Attempting to jump back into the bullhead, the blonde falling short of the hull. Before he left the edge of the building he reached his hand out towards Ruby while holding a straight face. Using her semblance, the red haired girl proceeded to speed over to the edge of the building, implanting her scythe into the building before grabbing his hand. Hanging there on the side of the building, Ruby holding tightly onto Jaune's hand, she decided to break the ice.
"H-heh, so, um, how's it hangin?"
X_X_X_X
So, with this chapter, the memory Arc is heading on its journey towards its end! Around three thousand words once more! I'm continuously trying to go above that amount, however, it is like going off a diet you've had for years!
We are coming up to the end of chapter one for volume one in this story. I'm going to try adding more variety towards Julius and his memory surfing, which will happen a bit in these coming chapters. I'll try and go higher with the word count as well. this was a little rushed towards the end, i understand, and i might reread through it and apply changes where needed, or just rewrite the whole chapter in general. I'll read a bit more to get a grasp of unconventional writing. Coeur Al'Aran always finds a way to give me either an idea for a chapter or another story, which I have lots of by the way. Would you guys like a list of my ideas that you could adopt? I would be glad to do it!
Other than that, happy new year! 2016 is coming to a close, and 2017 is just around the corner! RWBY volume four is GREAT! Loving the story, as always! RoosterTeeth is doing great! See you guys later!