Minor Note: I switched Jaune's trial to a Mak'rogahn, It's closer to what he is doing
- X LINE BREAK X -
When it came to hiding her emotions, Nora Valkyrie had it down to an art form.
That wasn't to say what she did was faking, she really was an extremely excitable girl with a sadistic streak, but she also knew how to exaggerate those acts. It made people write her off, her defense against the world from a young age.
Nora was a simple girl. It didn't take much to make her happy, Ren, some pancakes, a Grimm to fight. She really didn't want more than that, and people ignoring her because they thought she was a ditz worked for that.
It also kept her out of situations she would much rather not be in. Being placed in charge of Team JNPR now that Jaune had been removed, like Ren, for example.
Jaune had been moping around the room, as he was wont to do when things went badly, while they tried to brainstorm ideas for the 'Mak'Rogahn' thing-y.
"Maybe one of us could fight for him? Back when the Kingdoms allowed trial by combat that was allowed."
"I doubt it. I think Ruby is trying to prove that Jaune has learned to fight, so one of us doing it would defeat the purpose."
"Then what do we do? There's no way Jaune will be ready to fight someone in a month!"
"What we really need is someone who knows the rules of this. Jaune's not allowed to use his Semblance, which is fine because he doesn't know what it is anyway, but what about Dust? What other options does he have? How does he really win?"
"What does it matter? I don't even have a weapon," Jaune moaned out from the side.
"We can get you another weapon Jaune, and I doubt Ruby would send you in without one. Even if she did, we could have Ren train you."
"But where are we supposed to find out the rules? It's not like people from outside the Kingdoms are common."
"We could ask one of the Knights, Darmus seems to like Jaune."
"But what if Ruby told them not to?"
"She wouldn't of, Ruby isn't the kind of person who would suggest something like this just to make you look bad."
Nora mentally sighed, before jumping off her bed. Time to use the other advantage of her behavior.
Latching an arm around Jaune's neck, she started to drag him out of the room.
"Come on! It can't hurt to ask!"
"Hey! Nora, wait!"
Pretending to ignore him, Nora dragged her former leader towards the Knight's quarters, Ren and Pyrrha following behind her.
"Hey, Darmus! We got a question for you!"
"Yes, Lass?"
"Do you know the rules of a Mak'Rogahn?"
"Sounds Orcish."
"That's a no?"
"That's a no. Luckily, I know someone who might. Unlucky, they're on Acherus."
"Oh."
"Why do you need to know?"
"Jaune has to have one at the end of the month."
"He does?"
"Yeah, and if he loses, they'll ban him from every Academy!"
"Then we don't have time ta waste," a hint of an accent leaked through.
"What do you mean?"
"We better hope that Thalanor hasn't left yet."
Nora couldn't keep the smile off her face as he walked off, following him.
"Thalanor! Thank the Light you haven't left yet!"
The man turned, his gaunt face pulled in a frown, a briefcase held in his hands.
"Knight-Champion, what do you need?"
"I was hoping you could give us a ride to the Ebon Hold."
"I can do that, get in."
They settled into the back, and waited for him to lift off.
"What were you doing here? The regular resupply isn't for another two days."
"The Highlord needed some fire Dust, for her project."
"It couldn't wait?"
"She isn't making much progress, apparently she thinks that this will help in some way," The man spoke in a clipped tone.
"Then why not use a Death Gate?"
"We don't know how Dust interacts with one, haven't had any reason to try."
…
"You wouldn't happen to know anything about Mak'Rogahn would you?"
"I never left the Ebon Hold, some of us had to take care of it while you all were out gallivanting."
"Right."
The rest of the way over was spent in an uncomfortable silence. By the end of it, Nora was wiggling in her seat.
"So who are we going to see?"
"Velann, if she doesn't know, she probably knows someone who does."
"Ok!"
The Bullhead landed on one of the balconies around Acherus, before opening.
"Do you mind bringing this to the Highlord? I'd prefer to stay near by."
"Of course not, hand it over."
Nora followed the man through the winding halls of the pyramid. Finally they stopped at a door. Darmus rapped on it, calling out.
"We got your Dust."
The door cracked open, and a hand reached out, clad in gloves, with splotches of a green liquid staining them. Darmus handed over the case, and the hand retreated, before the door slammed shut.
"Right, let's go."
They waked for another few minutes, before coming up to an open area.
Skull shaped forges lined the walls, and the sound of ringing hammers echoed. Ingots of metals were neatly stacked near each pavilion, and several people were working at them.
They walked to the back, just before a curtain, where Velann was hammering away at a red piece of metal, shaping it into a blade. She spoke as they approached.
"What do you need?"
"What do you know about Mak'Rogahn?"
"Duel of will. Why?"
"Jaune has to participate in one. Do you know the rules?"
"No."
"I do."
They turned, to where a pair was standing behind them.
Both of them stood a good head taller than Pyrrha, one had skin so pale that it put Ruby to shame, and others was a deep green.
Velann stood up, walking to the back of her area.
"About time you got here, it's been ready for a week."
She turned, a sword that seemed to glimmer in hand, "Try to take care of it, Leysteel isn't easy to get our hands on."
She handed to blade to the woman, who ran her hand along the blade.
"Thanks."
Velann nodded before placing the metal she had been working into the forge.
"You said you knew the rules?"
"Yes."
Ren spoke out, "What is allowed, weapons wise?"
"Poison isn't allowed, but enchantments and runes are. Traditionally, the only way to lose a Mak'Rogahn is to surrender."
They all shared a look.
"You don't think-"
"Maybe, but we shouldn't risk it. We need to figure out how to make sure Jaune can win."
"Let's see his weapon."
"I don't have one."
"Then how do you plan to train?"
"We need to get him a weapon."
"What type of weapon do you use, and how much experience do you have with it?"
"It's an- uh"
"Arming sword."
"Yeah, I've been training with it for the past few months."
They all stared at him.
"You're dead, Lad."
"Maybe not."
Velann looked at the green man.
"You said runes are allowed?"
"Yes."
"Then I have an idea."
"We're not giving him a Runeblade."
"I'm not saying we give him a Runeblade, but a runed blade."
Darmus looked at her, "Even if we do, he doesn't have much skill."
"I could help with that."
"Thank you- uh-"
"Lam'Guld."
"Right, I'll get working on the weapon."
"Arming sword?"
"No, Zweihander. If he doesn't have the skill, we'll give him a massive weapon. We'll train him enough that he can smash through their guard. It also gives you more room to inscribe."
She picked up several bars of blackened metal.
"Grab one from the armory and start training him with that, I'll make one for him."
Lam'Guld nodded, before leading Jaune away.
-X LINE BREAK X-
"We lost the Molten Shore!"
"Fel Reaver on the left side!"
"S'theno and the Coilscar aren't responding!"
"Vandel, what are your orders?"
"Jace! Do we have enough energy for a jump?"
"I think so!"
"Start preparing for one! I need to address the rest."
Walking onto the deck of the Fel Hammer, Vandel took his place at the head.
"Illidari! Mardum is lost, we must retreat. Jace is preparing the Fel Hammer for a dimensional leap. Anyone close enough, fall back, those who can't… your sacrifice will be remembered."
An explosion rocked the ship, and something grew in the distance.
"ILLIDARI! DID YOU THINK YOU HAD BEEN WINNING!?"
"Ignore him!"
"I WARNED YOU! YOU SHOULD HAVE GIVEN IN, BUT LIKE YOUR FOOL OF A MASTER, YOU REFUSED TO BOW!"
"Where do we jump to, Azeroth is cut off!"
"NOW YOU SHALL DIE, LIKE HIM!"
Vandel tensed, did- did Kil'jaeden just say that Illidan was-
"It doesn't matter! Just jump!" Altruis stepped in, taking command.
"CORDANA, CYANA! BRING ME THEIR BONES!"
"Incoming!"
"Jace!?"
"We're ready! I found an untouched world!"
"Are we sure it isn't a trap?"
"We don't have a choice! Go!"
The Fel Hammer shook as two balls of felfire landed.
"Jump in five!"
"We don't have five seconds! They're here!"
"Hello Vandel."
The Slayer tightened his grip on the Aldrachi Warblades.
"Traitor."
"We're jumping!"
The ship started to move, as a portal opened.
Vandel rushed forward with Altruis and Belath, intent to throw the two off the Fel Hammer.
The blades smashed into each other as the Fel Hammer went into the portal.
-X LINE BREAK X-
Braun Schnee sat at his desk, waiting for a call. He had been waiting for this call since the news came four days ago. If his hair hadn't been grey, he was sure it would have turned from the stress.
He drummed his fingers on the desk. James had assured him she was alive, but he was still worried.
"Mr. Schnee, you have a call, it's General Ironwood and your daughter."
"Put them through."
The screen across from him lit up, showing the image of his heir and backer.
"Father."
"Weiss."
"You wished to speak to me?"
"Yes. You were involved with the Grimm attack?"
"Yes. I helped clear out the city with my team."
Braun kept his face impassive, even as irritation ran through him, "But it isn't 'your team' is it?"
"What do you mean, Father?"
"You are not the head of the team. According to the reports I got, the team you are one is lead by one Ruby Rose."
"Yes."
"Would you like to explain to me, why a sixteen year old girl was placed in charge instead of you?"
"Professor Ozpin choose-"
"Then Ozpin is a fool."
"Braun." the sharp rebuke came from James.
"More so, she allowed you to endanger yourself."
"What?"
"You should not have been allowed to leave Beacon. This is why I wanted you at Atlas, they would not have endangered my heir."
"I wasn't 'endangered' I was helping people."
"And you could have died."
Weiss went silent, her face impassive.
"Is this why you wanted to speak to me, Father? To reprimand me for helping people? For helping beat back humanity's greatest enemy?"
"In part. We are also here to discuss your transfer to Atlas."
"My what?"
"Braun." The warning came again, harsher.
"Winter is coming to Beacon. You shall be returning to Atlas with her."
"You want me to give up everything I've spent the last six months working towards? My classes, my friends?"
"You don't need friends, you are a Schnee, and more importantly, my heir."
Weiss closed her eyes, before rubbing the scar she got from his test.
"No."
"What?"
"No. I will not be returning to Atlas."
"You do not have a choice."
"Braun," James's voice was steel, but Braun ignored him, staring at his daughter.
"I am not your puppet. I will not be returning to Atlas."
"You are my heir, you ungrateful-"
"I'm not something you can control! I'm my own person!"
"You are a member of the Schnee family and you will-"
"Braun!" The bark split the air, enraging him further.
"Shut up, James! And you, you will be returning to Atlas if I have to go there myself!"
"Then come and get me, Braun!"
"I am your father! You will not-"
"What kind of father sets a Grimm on their child because they won't follow orders!?"
"What!? Braun-"
"Mind your own damn business, James!"
"If you brought a Grimm into Atlas territory without permission that is the very definition of 'my damn business" especially if you set it loose!"
"He set it loose! That's where this scar is from!"
"Be silent!"
"We were told that you got it from a White Fang attack! We arrested the ones responsible!"
"No, you arrested Faunus desperate enough for money for their families that they were willing to lie about being members of the White Fang!"
"Shut up, you insolent little-"
"Miss Schnee, if you would be so kind as to leave, I need to speak with your father in private."
Weiss rose and started to walk towards the door.
"If you walk through that door, there no going back! I'll disown you! I'll make sure no one will sell Dust to you or any of your 'friends'! I'll see that organization your friend runs driven into the ground!"
Weiss stopped, hand on the doorknob, before lowering her hand. Good she wasn't going to-
She took off her bolero, holding it in her hands, before dropping it. She met his eye, before raising her foot, and, very purposefully drove her heel into the Schnee emblem.
"What was it you always said to me and Winter? Don't make empty threats, it only makes you look weaker than you already are." She looked at James, "I'm willing to testify, when the time comes."
She pulled the door open, and started to walk out, "Goodbye, Braun. I'll see you in court."
The last thing he saw of his daughter was her pulling out her scroll, before the door slammed shut.
"She has you made."
"What's that supposed to mean." Braun growled out, all composure lost.
"Don't play dumb Braun, it doesn't suit you. First, We both know that ever since you started using Faunus for cheap labor, the White Fang has been gunning for your head."
"So?"
"Nobody wants the job. You need one of your daughters to take over, and there is no way Winter would take it. She realized what you were years ago."
"I don't care what the damn animals think and Winter abandoned the family for them."
"Winter left to work for the Atlas military."
"The point is that she left, James. A Schnee should only care about the Schnee."
"Which leads to the second point, there are a lot of people who would love to see you out of the job. You stepped on a lot of toes in your rise to power. They would be more than willing to back Weiss. She more like her grandfather than you."
"My father was a fool! And I can still see these 'Knights of the Ebon Blade' ruined!"
"Braun, the Ebon Blade are heroes in Vale. Everyone's tripping over themselves to praise them. You'd be hard pressed to ruin them."
"I have the backing of the Atlas military!"
James didn't meet his eye.
"James?"
"If legal action is taken, the Atlas military will stand behind Weiss, if it got out that we knew that you had brought a Grimm into Atlas territory, it would reflect badly on us. I'm sorry, Braun."
"James!"
"Goodbye, Braun."
The general hung up.
Braun sank back into his chair, before pulling up a number.
"I need you to find everything you can on Ruby Rose, Blake Belladonna, and Yang Xiao Long."
"Yes, Sir."
"And, if you get the chance, eliminate them."
"Yes, Sir."
Braun had never taken losing well, if Weiss was going to ruin him, he would drag her friend down with him.
-X LINE BREAK X-
Nobundo forced himself onward, even as his body, which had never quite recovered from the damage it sustained in the defense of Shattrath, groaned in protest.
"Nobundo, do you want to take a break?"
"No, it's fine."
It had been decided that three members of the expedition that Ruby knew would go attempt to mend bridges before they were too badly damaged.
That was why Khadgar, Kalecgos and him were walking through the city of Vale, looking for a way to Beacon.
Nobundo, however, had another reason to come.
Ever since his vision the tower, the two girls, and a third with white hair, had been a frequent visitor in his dreams.
It was rare for the elements to be so insistent. They prefered to give a nudge in the right direction. The only time he could remember them acted like this was when they pushed him to the Maelstrom.
Nobundo looked around, frowning into the scarf he was made to wear, there were no Broken among the Ebon Blade ranks, and they couldn't be certain how people would react.
It didn't bother the Farseer, he had been banished from his people, and even after his return there had been a disconnect between them. When he had lost his connection to the Light, he had lost something with the Draenei. Him bringing Shamanism, an 'Orcish practice' with him had only driven the wedge further between them.
"Excuse me, me and my friends here are from out of town, and are trying to find out how to get to Beacon. One of our friends goes there."
"You all seem a bit old to have a friend who goes to Beacon."
It was a valid observation, with his tentacles and feet hidden, Nobundo looked like an extremely arthritic human, due to Medivh's curse Khadgar looked to be in his sixties, despite being in his mid forties, and even Kalecgos's preferred form looked to be in his early thirties. None of them looked like they should be friends with someone at Beacon, from what Ruby spoke of it.
"It's a long story, but I would trust her with my life."
Nobundo didn't doubt it, even as Ruby tried to burn every bridge possible, she had always made time for the Archmage. Or rather, the Archmage made time for her. Khadgar had gone out of his way to check on her.
The Archmage and Highlord were an odd pair, Ruby always seemed to be happy to listen to him unleash another storm of terrible puns. Khadgar, in turn, was thrilled to hear Ruby ramble on about Remnant. They both had lived a good portion of their lives on worlds not their own, and they found common ground on it.
"What's your friend's name? And why isn't she here to pick you up?"
"Ruby Rose, and we are actually trying to surprise her."
"Really."
Nobundo leaned over, allowing him to see the who Khadgar was talking to.
A short bob of hair was hidden under a beret, and her eyes behind dark glasses. Her clothing was obviously well made.
"So, what are your names?"
"I'm Khadgar, and this is Kalecgos and Nobundo."
"Coco."
She looked over at Nobundo.
"What's up with your friend?"
"He always wears clothes like that, don't worry."
"Right. I'll bring you to Beacon, but you have to help me."
"How?"
"Yats! Get over here!"
A massive bear of a man walked towards them, laden with bags.
"You can help Yats carry those."
-X LINE BREAK X-
"Tell me do you know what mancy mean?"
"Hmhmhm"
"It means 'divination.' So Necromancy means divination by communing with the dead."
Ruby reached up and pulled the gag from his mouth.
"Please… I'll… Tell… You… Anything…!
"Too late. You haven't spoken before now, we can't be sure you'll tell the truth."
"Please…"
"Anyway, the reason I'm telling you this is so you know why you're on a pyre. Pyromancy."
Ruby finished drawing the runes around him. She hadn't wanted to resort to this, the ingredients were rare on Azeroth, they would be damn-near impossible to find on Remnant.
"Sorry."
Then she set off the solution, the flames leaping from rune to rune until it reached the sacrifice.
A man, clutching something in hand.
A hammer, smashing through bone.
The man raised his hand, before opening it, a fragment of metal falling from his hand.
It was caught by a girl, who winked, before disappearing in a swirl of sand.
Ruby staggered back, and if her blood wasn't frozen in her veins, it would have rushed from her face.
"No, no, no."
Ruby tore the door open, rushing down the halls of Acherus.
"It can't be, he can't be back."
She entered the room, grabbing Crescent Rose she shattered the mound of ice.
The chest piece of the Plate of the Damned had barely been freed before her hands grabbed it, ignoring the ice that bit into them, and she shook it.
"Be there, be there."
The fragment of Frostmourne hit the ground with a dull clang.
Ruby dropped the plate collapsing backwards as she breathed a sigh of relief.
Thank Light, Dust, whatever was looking out for them.
Ruby pulled out her ringing scroll, "Hey."
-X LINE BREAK X-
Weiss brought her scroll to her ear, hearing it ring.
One.
Two.
Thre-
"Hey."
"Hello."
"Whatcha need?"
Weiss frowned, Ruby sounded exhausted.
"Do you want me to call back later?"
"No, it's fine."
Weiss heard the noise of a heavy door open and close, before Ruby spoke out again.
"So, what do you need?"
"Do you think your parents would be willing to let me stay with you when vacation comes?"
"Yeah, probably. Why?"
"I can't go back to Atlas."
"Why? Did your home blow up in a Dust explosion?"
"No."
"Then why?"
"I- I just had a fight with my father."
"Is that a good thing or a bad?"
"It's- It's good."
"You sure? Cause you sound like you're crying."
Weiss raised her hand, feeling the wetness on her cheeks.
"It's just- do you know what it's like to take control of your life back?"
"Weiss, I want you to think who's on the other side of this call, and then see if you can't answer that question on your own."
"Oh, Dust, Ruby, I'm sorry-"
"It's fine. Listen, I haven't spent much time with you, do you want to hang out for a bit?"
"Sure."
"Ok, I'll meet you in Vale in half an hour, I need to change."
-X LINE BREAK X-
Khadgar could feel his companions glares drill into his head. How was he supposed to know that there would be so many bags! How much clothing did one girl need?
It had fallen on Kalec to carry most of it, Nobundo could only free up one hand, and Khadgar was not above abusing his apparent age to get to avoid carrying that much.
"So, how do you know Ruby?"
"We used to work together."
"To fight all the scary threats beyond the Kingdoms?"
Khadgar smiled, "Something like that, yes." He answered the question seriously, despite the obvious sarcasm.
"What's it like out there?"
"Difficult, every day was a struggle to survive." Khadgar responded, projecting his time in Outland.
"Hmm."
He watched as a pair of boys ran by, scribbles drawn on their toy swords.
"I'm the Knight this time!"
"No way, I'm the one who met one before!"
"Ruby must be thrilled that the Knights are getting the respect she wanted them to."
"Or terrified that people want to be like them," Kalec joked.
When they finally arrived at the tower, Nobundo let out a gasp behind him, and Khadgar turned, the Farseer shook his head, eyes trailing on a white haired girl.
Another man stepped out, his white hair was messy.
"Are these our guests, Miss Adel?"
"Yes."
"Would you three be so kind as to follow me?"
Khadgar passed off the few bags he was holding, before taking Atiesh off his back.
Following the man down the halls, until they reached an elevator, they sat in silence.
When the door opened, there were a collection of people there. Seating himself at a chair, the grey haired man smiled grimly.
"It is a pleasure to meet someone else from Azeroth. Please, tell us more about this 'Burning Legion'."
-X LINE BREAK X-
"Stormrage."
Illidan turned to see Ruby, a smirk on his face.
"Rose."
"Stay away from Ruby."
The smirk crumpled, "You're Ruby."
"Cute. Stay away from her, she's mine."
"Arthas."
"Yes."
Illidan looked at her again. She wasn't breathing, nor was she blinking. If he hadn't heard her speak, she would be indistinguishable from a statue.
"What do you want?"
"Stay away from Ruby, she's mine."
"Or what? I doubt you would come all the way out here."
"You're right, but I can always have the Scourge pay a visit to that Priestess you like so much. What is her name? Tyrande?"
Illidan snarled out his response, "If you touch a hair on her head-"
"I haven't done anything. Yet. Here's the deal, you stay away from Ruby, and I'll stay away from Tyrande."
"You don't need to worry about that. I called her here to say goodbye."
"Goodbye?"
"My Illidari are going to grab the last part of my plan tonight. Then we shall leave for Argus."
"Very well."
Ruby blinked, before looking around the area.
"Illidan? What's going on? The last thing I remember is getting your message."
"Don't worry. I just wanted to say goodbye."
"So this is it? You're going off?"
"Yes."
Ruby nodded, before smiling at him. It wasn't like her normal smiles, wane and with a hint of self-loathing. It was a bright smile.
"Goodbye Illidan Stormrage, it was a pleasure knowing you."
"I never did manage to kill you like you asked."
"You can't get everything you want I guess."
"Goodbye, Ruby Rose," Illidan spread his wings, flying towards Karabor.
Landing at the summit, he looked over his Illidari, Vandel wasn't there, he would be leading the defence.
"Illidari. My demon hunters. With countless burning in the Legion's wake, you answered the call."
He took flight again, looking down at the amassed forces of Shattrath.
"Yet these mortals, in their... ignorance... have come to destroy their own salvation."
Illidan turned to his forces, they were prepared, even if he died here they would carry on his goal.
Not that he would die here, unless the Naaru had started working with demons. The vision he saw told him otherwise.
"Our time is short. I will deal with these intruders. You must venture to Mardum and retrieve the Sargerite Keystone."
Using the amassed souls, Illidan opened the portal to Mardum.
"Now go. But remember, should you fail, all worlds will burn."
-X LINE BREAK X-
Darion walked through the Scarlet Monastery, the weight of his father's sword on his back as he made his way to where his brother was.
"Scarlet... Crusade ... is pure... no longer."
If there was anyone who knew how to free their father from Ashbringer it would be Renault.
Finally he stopped before his brother, Sally Whitemane stood beside him,and they looked down at him.
"Bow down! Kneel before the Ashbringer! A new dawn approaches, brothers and sisters! Our message will be delivered to the filth of this world through the chosen one!"
Renault walked to Darion, pulling him into a hug.
"It is good to see you brother, welcome to the Crusade. You hold our father's sword, Darion. My soldiers are your to comand Take them... Lead them... The impure must be purged. They must be cleansed of their taint."
"Renault…"
Darion felt the weight of Ashbringer leave him and turned to see his father's spirit standing there, the blade in hand.
"Father... But... How?" Renault breathed out.
Alexandros swung his blade, an arc of light sweeping through the hall in its wake, burning the kneeling Scarlet Crusaders to ash.
Turning to Renault, he walked forward.
"Did you think that your betrayal would be forgotten? Lost in the carefully planned cover up of my death? Blood of my blood, the blade felt your cruelty long after my heart had stopped beating. And in death, I knew what you had done. But now, the chains of Kel'Thuzad hold me no more. I come to serve justice. I AM ASHBRINGER."
Renault fell to his knees as Sally retreated, "Forgive me, father! Please…"
The Light burned Darion's brother to ash, and as his father faded away, Darion caught his last words, before the clatter of Ashbringer hitting the floor echoed.
"You are forgiven.."
-X LINE BREAK X-
Vandel staggered along, the spot where Maiev had struck him in the head pounding.
You must be prepared.
Lord Illidan had an immortal demon soul, so long as he didn't die in the Twisted Nether he could come back.
Vandel would be ready when he did.
"Altruis. Got to find Altruis."
The renegade Demon Hunter would help.
Vandel collapsed, gasping for air. And he heard the sound of boots crushing gravel.
"We got ya, Lad. Just rest."
What was Darmus doing here.
"You can find Altruis when you're better. Sleep for now."
Sleep. Sleep sounded good.
Vandel closed his eyes, dreaming of his home in Ashenvale, and playing with Khariel. He would be so excited to tell all the other kids what his father could do.
It was a good dream.