A Prince and a Red Reaper
With the reveal of Lucis to the rest of Remnant reactions ranged far and wide. The relationships between Lucis and the other kingdoms are still points of great debate.
Vale, the nearest official kingdom, has benefited greatly from the bonds formed early in Lucis's appearance. Many attribute this to Headmaster Ozpin, who formed a bond with King Regis over the years. With the trade of curatives, such as potions and ethers, Vale saw a decrease in the number of Hunters and Huntresses that were lost on missions. Another note is that Vale, within the last two years, has started an exchange program with the order of hunters of Lucis. More commonly known as the Kingsglaive, or Glaives for short. Both sides benefited from this exchange program, from the finding of additional materials to use in curatives and the different fighting styles of both Lucians and their Remnant counterparts. The Hunters, Huntresses and Glaives that have completed their exchanges have become some of the most respected fighters on Remnant. Both Lucians and those from Vale travel quite freely with each other, though passports and inspections still abide for those going to the capital of Lucis, Insomnia.
Mantle has had its fair share of trouble with the kingdom of Lucis. Many of those that were not children remember the automons of Niflheim. Needless to say, when King Regis and Ozpin (Who had been told of the bloody and violent empire) were set to meet James Ironwood tensions were strained. Many of the crownsguard and the elite of the glaives had weapons drawn when they first set their eyes on the mechs that the general had trailing him. Even Cor Leonis, known for his calm and calculated demeanor, could not prevent the actions he took when he drew his weapon. It took the diplomatic talents of both Regis and Ozpin to start talks, though the way Ironwood left in a hurry spoke much about the Lucis Kings thoughts on the General and Atlas.
Another factor that did not help in keeping good relations between Lucis and Atlas was one Jacques Schnee. With the advent of elemancy, which was discovered to work the same as dust in regards to combat, and the discovery that Lucis used an alternative form of power than dust the Schnee CEO attempted to negotiate with King Regis over dust and Elemancy. Though, 'attempted' might be too good of a word for the disastrous event that proceeded out of that meeting.
From the get go the Kings opinion of the Schnee CEO were not flattering. From the stories of the few faunus that had begun to enlist in the Glaives he had learned that Jacques held little to no love for the faunus. What further cemented the King's opinion that the Schnee was not deserving of his respect was the way he treated his youngest. During one of the breaks the King met the young heiress, and instantly sensed that the child was starved for the attentions of parents. Letting his Crownsguard distract the older Schnee Regis took the young girl and asked what was wrong. From the Kings reaction, and subsequent outlawing of all things Schnee related in Lucis, it was not good.
Vacou and Mistral fall in between the spectrum of reactions. Trade and relations stay strong, even with the blatant feud between Lucis and Mantle. Both Kingdoms are wary of the burgeoning relationship between Vale and Lucis, though they recognize that the two kingdoms share many things in common when it comes to how they treat their people. Or attempt to would be a better wording I suppose.
Menagerie, an unofficial kingdom according to King Regis, is the closest neighbor of Lucis. When Faunus first started coming to see the new Kingdom they were shocked by the quick acceptance and curiosity that most of Lucis had towards them. To the Faunus this was unusual, downright cry for, reaction that many had not expected. When King Regis traveled to Menagerie and met with the Chieftan, one Ghira Belladona. The two easily hit it off, shocking many in attendance. Regis gained universal approval from most faunus when he responded to the question why he did not hate faunus from a rather blunt child with black cat ears. The following conversation is listed below:
"Do you see this crown on my head child?" at the hesitant nod from the girl Regis plucked the small crown from his head. "It signifies that I am a king, but that is not all it does."
At the questioning looks form everyone around him Regis began again. "I wear it as a reminder that while I may be a king, I am nothing without my people. I accept them, even if I do not agree with them, for it is my duty to protect them. Much as it is your chieftain's job to protect your people as well."
"But do you hate faunus?" the girl asked hesitantly.
"Of course not!" shouted the King with a smirk on his face "So what if we are different physically? We are people, we are imperfect and make mistakes. But above all I just see a little girl, with rather cute ears on top of her head."
-King Regis's comments on Faunus, First trip to Menagerie
From there the relationship between Lucis and most of faunus kind blossomed. For Faunus Lucis, with King Regis and its people, are one of the best things to have happened to them. They were accepted, not out of obligation to put on a face or anything, but rather out of a kindness for their fellow person. TO this day Both Regis and Ghira meet weekly, discussing things from politics to other, more personal topics.
-Accounts of a Crownsguard
Chapter 3: Eyes like Roses
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Ruby Rose had normal dreams for a teenage huntress. At least that was what she would say when Yang had asked her what she had dreamed about the night before. While those instances had petered off to about once a week, her sister still teased her about dreams of cookies and certain raven haired princes. This was not one of those dreams.
She was floating in an aurora of blue and white with twinkles like that of a crystal would blink every now and then. It was a strange, sort of ethereal beauty that Ruby was sure was a rare thing to see. What was grabbing her attention, however, was the woman floating in front of her. She wore a dress of pure white, with a kind face framed by golden hair that would make Yang jealous. Unknowingly Ruby had floated closer to get a good look, which caused the woman to open her eyes to a curios Ruby.
When Ruby looked at her eyes she believed the saying that eyes were windows into the soul. From the look in the woman's eyes she was full of caring, of a kindness that many would never be able to achieve. 'Peaceful and kind' was the thought that Ruby had 'Just like mom.' Before she knew it, tears were streaming down her face, when gentle and loving hands caressed her. For the next few minutes the sob of a Red Reaper was heard, before she popped back and sheepishly looked towards the woman in white.
"Greetings child of the silver eyes. It is nice to finally meet you."
"You know who I am?" Ruby asked in possible the most cliché way. She was eternally grateful that Yang was not here.
The woman chuckled good naturally "Of course I do. You have been Noctis's saving grace after all." At the confused look from Ruby she continued "Before Lucis came here I was known as the Oracle, Lunafreya Nox Flueret. It was through me that Lucis came to Remnant."
"Oh! So how did you know Noct?"
The woman smiled at Ruby's question before responding "Before my mother and I sacrificed ourselves to rescue Lucis I was a dear friend to Noctis. One that he unfortunately had to forget due to the magic that brought him here."
"Forget?" asked Ruby with a confused look. Luna sighed as she started to explain.
"It was one of the unfortunate side effects of the magic that was used to rescue Noctis and Lucis. If I could have I would have prevented it, but in the end I think it was for the best."
Ruby shot up in anger at the words from the Oracle. "But you said you were his friend?! How can forgetting about you be good for him?!"
"Because he has you now."
Ruby's anger quickly dissipated with Luna's reply. She sheepishly looked away, with hints of a blush appearing on her cheeks. "When you first met Noctis he was in grief, yet he could not recognize what that grief was directed to. He became withdrawn, sullen and nothing could bring him back. Then you came into his life."
Luna gave the Huntress-in-training a kind smile as she continued "In his time of grief a young girl came into his life, full of happiness and wonder. In that one moment, you changed him, giving him a new light in his life. Your bond has only continued to grow, more than I could have ever hoped."
"Wha-what do you mean?"
The kind smile continued to grace Luna's face "He found someone that would love him unconditionally. Someone who could brighten his day just by being in her presence, though he does not show it as much."
The blush that had been on Ruby's face went a few more degrees of red before a small smile grew on her face. In truth Ruby knew exactly what Luna was saying. For the last year she saw Noctis as more than just a friend, though she was hesitant to say anything about it in front of Yang and her father. The journal that Umbra transported between the two (she still did not know how the dog transported himself but that was a moot point.) had become more intimate within the last years, causing her to hide away from Yang even more so than before whenever the journal carrying dog would spring up.
"I-I guess you're right." Replied Ruby in a confident whisper. Luna merely smiled at Ruby's reaction as she brought her hands together. Ruby looked at the older woman quizzically before her hands dropped down and showed a pendant. It was in the same style of the Lucis Royal sigil, but with the addition of a rose for the eye. Ruby looked between the pendant and Luna before the Oracle motioned for her to take it. As she took the combined pendant Luna continued to talk, even as Ruby felt she was being drawn away from the dreamscape.
"Go with my blessing Ruby Rose. For though there may be hard times for both you and Prince Noctis, know that the both of you are each other's pillars. Cast away the doubt you feel and may the light of the crystal forever guide your way….."
Beacon Ballroom
Ruby awoke with a start, though it was more of a small gasp than anything. Looking around she noticed that everyone was still asleep, with the exception of Noctis and his friends. Though they were whispering Ruby could plainly hear them speaking.
"Again, why did you get us up at this ungodly hour Gladio?"
"For some light training to warm up for the day." She recognized the biggest of the group speak up.
"Right and this has nothing to do with Prompto and mentioning your fellow bookrea-" Ruby winced at the blow that echoed across the ballroom. She wouldn't be surprised if Noctis had a lump on his head the same way Yang sometimes gave her one. Noticing their receding voices Ruby sat up and felt something bump against her chest. Looking down she saw the pendant that Luna had given her in the dream, which confused her until she remembered the words the Oracle had spoken to her at the end of the dream. Lifting the pendant to eye level it seemed to be a cross of her personal emblem with that of the Lucis royal emblem, just as it had been in the dream.
After examining the pendant for a good five minutes she sighed as she laid her head back down on her pillow, hoping to get a little more sleep. Noctis was right about it being an 'ungodly hour'. As she slipped back into dreamland her thoughts were filled with cookies and, oddly enough, black roses.
Noctis
By the time they managed to find an area to do some training in Noctis was sure that the reason for the early wakeup call was because of Prompto's comments last night. Though to be fair Noctis had his own questions when it came to the raven haired girl that Gladio seemed to know. Though he couldn't concentrate on that for long as he parried another blow from Gladio's Greatsword, much to the amusement of Ignis and Prompto.
"You know" Noctis grunted as he diverted the massive blade "I can't help but feel this is punishment of some sort." He finished as he went on the offensive. After a couple of strikes from the engine blade he decided to switch it up with rotating between spear and his own greatsword. While he had versatility in ways of attacking Gladio had the absurd strength to counter most of the initial strikes. Falling back on the defensive both fighters eyed each other before they met in the center again. Using his family unique way of dodging Noctis managed to get a good strike on his opponent before he was forced back by the absurd reach of his Crownsguard.
"Well" Gladio responded to his initial comment as he prepared for the next set of strikes "You can thank Prompto for almost blowing a secret that my friend hoped to keep hidden for now." Gladio punctuated hat statement with a swift overhead strike, which Noctis dodged completely instead of trying to parry. The exchange of blows, from Noctis parrying to using hit and run tactics while Gladio used overbearing force was halted when they heard a chuckle through the sparring room they had commandeered.
"It seems the rumors of absurd training regiments proved true." Commented Headmaster Ozpin as he walked in with his ever present mug of coffee.
"Only when it comes to me it seems." Muttered Noctis. Which caused another bop in the head from Gladio as the four turned towards the headmaster.
"I hope you don't mind us warming up in here Headmaster." Ignis replied as he wiped off his classes.
"Not at all. It is good to see some students take the initiative. Though an early morning spar might come back to bite you."
"Thank you for your concern. However" to most people it would seem Ignis was shaking his head side to side. In truth the glasses wearing Crownsguard was making sure their resident Crownsguard commander was not in range of his speaking. "We have some curatives on hand for just such an occasion."
"I see" replied the Headmaster with a small smile. "Truly a wonder that such a small thing like a potion can make such a massive difference."
As Noctis switched out with Prompto the crown prince regarded the Headmaster with a little bit of curiosity. This wasn't the first time he had met the man, but each time seemed to create more questions than answers. He did, however, know that Ozpin and his father had become rather well acquainted over the years. As he regarded the Headmaster Ignis continued with the conversation he had started with the enigmatic headmaster.
"If rumors are to be believed there is a new class on the curriculum dealing with curatives." Stated Ignis as they proceeded to watch the…..interesting match between Prompto and Gladio. In truth neither side could gain the advantage because of Promptos long-range style and Gladio's short range. Though a particularly nasty near blow proved that the gun wielder didn't necessarily have the better chance at a victory.
"Indeed Mr. Scientia. Ms. Altius is a glaive that volunteered for the position when I brought up the chance of adding the class to Beacon. King Regis was more than willing to help with the transition."
"That does sound like dad." Noctis said as he winced form the punch his faunus friend had just suffered from Gladio. No doubt his jaw would be sore for an hour or two. "Always finding ways to help people that he considers allies and friends."
"And I am ever thankful for his friendship." Replied the headmaster "But for now I must excuse myself. I will see you all at the cliffs overlooking the Emerald Forest for Initiation." As Noctis and Ignis nodded in farewell Ozpin couldn't help but hide the smile that formed on his lips from the small interaction between him and the four Lucians. "Every bit your son King Regis. No doubt about it."
Beacon Cafeteria
It was another hour before the four finished and made their way to the cafeteria. Grabbing their food they noticed Ruby and Tang sitting by themselves and proceeded to join them. When Yang looked up she whistled at the apparent states of both Noctis and Prompto.
"I see that training went well this morning." The blonde brawler stated while trying to hold in her laughter. Noctis response was to continue eating while Prompto looked at her with a glare that spelled out 'walk a mile in my shoes and see how it feels'. Yang shrugged as she went back to her breakfast.
"So what exactly do you guys do for training?" asked Ruby as she munched on some chocolate chip pancakes. Not as good as cookies but meh.
"Standard Crownsgaurd training." Replied Ignis with his trademark matter of fact speaking.
"And yet you're not the one that got punched in the face this morning."
"In hindsight you did deserve it." Noctis joked at his friend.
"Oh C'mon! Where's the brotherly love Noct?"
"The same place where my numb arm is?" Prompto rolled his eyes before Yang jumped back into the conversation.
"That intense huh?" she asked with a devious smirk on her face.
"Please." Gladio waved his hand towards the four of them. "The training we do is nothing compared to what Cor would put us through." That response got a shiver from all four of the Lucians and a questioning look from Yang and Ruby.
"To make it simple take whatever the hardest, grueling training you could think of, multiply it by ten- no fifty and do it every day for the past couple of years."
Both Yang and Ruby had to think on that for a moment. After they could imagine it they experienced the same shiver of fear that the boys had, though they managed to get over it quicker. The rest of the conversation turned towards mundane things, such as chocobos and….well just chocobos once Ruby learned she had an ally in her love for the birds. Eventually the six of them finished their breakfast and made their way towards where they could prepare. Though Yang noticed the four Lucians kept walking as if they were already prepared.
"Hey don't you guys need your weapons?" she shouted as they kept walking. In response the four summoned their weapons before dispelling them. To several students, Yang and Ruby among them, the small moment would forever be regarded as badass. With a healthy dose of jealousy as well.
Ruby let out a sigh as she picked up Crescent Rose. "If only I could summon you wherever and whenever I want."
"That is what we have these lockers for."
"It's not the same." Replied Ruby instantly
"Yeah. It's not." Conceded the blonde sister "But on another note you seem to be more chipper this morning."
"Well yeah! No more awkward 'getting-to-know' stuff. Today I get to let my sweetheart do the talking!" replied Ruby as she caressed her weapon. Yang shook her head before responding.
"Well, remember Ruby you're not the only one going through initiation. If you want grow up you need to meet new people and learn to work together."
Ruby sighed exasperated at the direction the conversation was going "You sound like Dad! First I already met new people. Prompto, Ignis and Gladio."
"Who are friends of Noctis, whom you have known for a couple of years." Shot back Yang.
Ruby continued determinably "Secondly I don't need people to help me grow up. I drink milk!"
Ruby had a feeling her sister liked to see her nervous face when she replied. "But what about when we form teams?"
"Ummmm" Ruby began replying nervously "I'll just be on your team. Or with Noctis on his team."
Deciding not to tease her about her crush Yang continued pressing her sister to, hopefully, realize what she was trying to get across. "Maybe you should try being on someone else's team?
"Didn't I already say another team?"
"Besides Noctis."
"My dear sister Yang, are you implying that you do not wish to be on the same team as me?" Ruby asked with a little bit of hurt. Yang quickly tried to backpedal, knowing her sister could very well blow things out of proportions quite easily when it came to certain things.
"What? NO! Of course I do! I just thought…I don't know, maybe it would help break you out of that shell of social awkwardness."
"I don't need to 'break' out of anything, especially my shell."
"Uhuh. Even when I try to talk to you about a certain Black-haired prince?" Yang replied as she was mentally celebrating in her head. The sputtering fish that Ruby was interpreting was interrupted when the announcement to gather at the cliff for initiation went by. Both sisters shook their heads to prepare themselves for the initiation. Both nervous for different reasons yet the same.
Beacon Cliff
Ozpin was pleasantly surprised by the fact that the four Lucians arrived first, though he had a hunch that that Mr. Scientia was the one in charge of that. For all intents and purposes the four young men in front of him could be considered unprepared, though anyone that actually knew a thing or two about the royal family and Crownsguard knew that was a dangerous assumption to make. He smirked when he recalled his good friend James's face when he had been introduced to that little tidbit of information.
"I was hoping you four would be the first to show." Ozpin replied as Glynda kept tapping things on her scroll. At the questioning looks from the four young men he elaborated. "I know that the four of you need to stay on the same team. I have no doubts you will accomplish that but please, for appearances sake, make it convincing."
"I'm guessing it has to do with the way you decide partners and teams?" asked Noctis.
"Indeed it does. Again do stay together, just with a little discretion."
"Of course." Replied Ignis before the rest of them could respond. After another few minutes there was a steady stream of students making their way to the cliffs. Eventually each student was standing on a silver tile, of which Ignis had already figured out and informed the rest of them its purpose. With the promise to not tell the other students from Ozpin, however. Both Glynda and Ozpin made their way to stand in front of the students. Gylnda continued to tap on her scroll while Ozpin started to speak.
"For years, you have trained to become warriors, and today, your abilities will be evaluated in the Emerald Forest." Gylnda stepped forward to continue.
"Now, I'm sure many of you have heard rumors about the assignment of "teams." Well, allow us to put an end to your confusion. Each of you will be given teammates... today." The four Lucians received a pointed look from Ozpin, which they nodded back as he continued. Noctis thought he heard Ruby for a moment before turning his attention back to the two speaking.
"These teammates will be with you for the rest of your time here at Beacon. So it is in your best interest to be paired with someone with whom you can work well." Noctis defiantly heard Ruby Groan at that statement. In truth, he would probably be in the same boat if he didn't already have his three friends with him.
"That being said, the first person you make eye contact with after landing will be your partner for the next four years." Both Noctis and Prompto had to hold in their laughter as they heard Ruby. Ignis, along with Gladio, gave them a knowing look before Ignis handed them one of his marking daggers. Understanding what the plan was Noctis got ready to execute it once they were to be launched. Idly he heard someone comment that they had told someone so.
"After you've partnered up, make your way to the northern end of the forest. You will meet opposition along the way. Do not hesitate to destroy everything in your path... or you will die."
The four Lucians could only think of one person when they heard that end of that sentence. No doubt the man in question would have said the exact same thing.
"You will be monitored and graded through the duration of your initiation, but our instructors will not intervene. You will find an abandoned temple at the end of the path containing several relics. Each pair must choose one and return to the top of the cliff. You will guard that item, as well as your standing, and grade you appropriately. Are there any questions?"
Despite Jaune raising his hand Ozpin regards the four Lucians before tapping something on his scroll. The four of them are launched at once, with Prompto laughing all the while. Calling upon his family's power Noctis quickly warped between the ground and each of the daggers his friends held. All in all it took about thirty seconds for them to regroup in the forest. They could hear other students being launched and making their decsent into the forst as well.
"So, who partners with who?" Prompto questioned before Gladio grabbed him by the shoulder.
"It would be best, I believe, if I and Noct partner up while you and Gladio form the second pair." Ignis stated with a smiling Gladio and Noctis next to him.
"Like I would get Noct in trouble." Prompto stated while the three others gave him dull looks before proceeding towards the temple. "Guys, I was kidding. Guys? Aw c'mon I'm not that bad!" he shouted while running to catch up with them.
Ozpin took a sip of his coffee as the final student left the Launchpad. Smiling he turned to Glynda, who was monitoring the various students. Nodding to her he was about to take out his own scroll when both of them felt a familiar, if overwhelming presence.
"Cor."
"Ozpin. I see the formed their team rather quickly."
"He might have helped them a little." Commented Glynda as she watched the newly formed pair between Blake Belladona and Yang Xioa Long.
"Then you have my thanks. I'll be departing for Insomnia right away. I came to deliver some good news." Both teachers looked to the Commander of the Crownsguard with inquisitive stares before the man continued.
"Glaive Commander Ulric has acquired the fires breath." That single statement caused both Ozpin and Glynda's eyes to widen then nod in understanding. Ever since Amber's attack Nyx Ulric had been searching for a way to revive the Fall Maiden. In the end the Kingsgliave Commander had to return to Lucis to search for the mother of all curatives: The Phoenix feather. To know that Nyx had succeeded relieved a great weight off the teacher's shoulders.
"How soon can he return?"
"Because of the Queen's agents he decided to return discreetly. Most likely he'll be here by the end of the first semester. "
"Understandable. Thank you, Cor."
"As you were Ozpin. Glynda." He said before disappearing in a small hum of wind.
"I will never understand how he does that." Muttered Glynda as she turned her attention back to the scroll in her hands. Ozpin could only smile in response, his bet with King Regis still fresh in his mind regarding his second in command and the Kings Crownsguard Commander.
Greetings reader and writers. I bring the fourth chapter in A Prince and Red Reaper. And also an apology. In the last chapter i went the easy route and just merely placed characters in the already established pattern. I will strive to correct his with writing more original concepts with this story. Please read, Review and Favorite
Again apologies and may the light be with you
Sandewrpally