Disclaimer: I still do not own anything
This is basically a V2 of my one-shot ''All the time in the world''. The first chapter has been heavily modified (and mostly lengthened(and made darker in my opinion)) and I left it open for myself to actually write more later on. That is if I manage to come up with something more for this story to write.
NOTICE: This chapter has been changed slightly. I have mostly fixed a bunch of smaller grammar mistakes I have noticed and slightly changed a bunch of sentences so they would sound better. If anyone sees any more mistakes or sentences that just don't sound right/good, feel free to tell me and I will do my best to fix/improve it.
Notice 2: Surprise surprise, the chapter got changed again. In general, like most of my updates, it fixes small mistakes and makes certain lines flow better while adding more content at certain points. I of course appreciate any opinions about how these changes impact the story in your opinion.
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While she was running towards her destination Ruby took a look at what she was left with, she should not have. A handful of soldiers, Port, and Oscar where all that stood with her, they were all they had left. The bodies of fallen soldiers, allies, and enemies, and did she hate to call them enemies, littered the floors the ran upon, it was mostly allies she noted. They may have been more numerous but the enemy they had to face was anything but easy to stop.
Perhaps luckily she had no chance to further think those sad thoughts for after they turned around a corner they were spotted by two soldiers guarding the door that lead to the inner sanctum of the fortress they were in. Without even a second of hesitation, they fired their weapons with deadly accuracy.
Yet all their skill did not help in front of her semblance, for she was speed given form. She hoped to incapacitate them without taking their life but the moment she felt her scythe cutting through their flesh like it was nothing she knew there was no hope of that, their auras were much too weak to protect them from the mighty swing of her weapon.
Giving the soldiers she just had killed one sad look, she quickly turned back towards her goal and with another swing of her scythe the steel doors in front of her fell down in pieces. She was not prepared for the sight that greeted her behind the door. The multitude of corpses she had seen while making her way to this point where nothing compared to this, it was clear that this was the point the soldiers and few Huntsman had made their glorious last stand... and failed.
Bodies littered the floor and the floor was almost completely covered by the blood of the dead. In the middle of the room, she could see roughly a dozen figures. They had been praying but upon hearing the destruction of the door, had quickly jumped around and drawn their weapons.
Their sight was truly something to behold. Clad in chest armor and mantle, both of which was once white, having been drenched in blood, they made an unnerving sight. This was not helped by the Hood and mask every single one of them wore. Each of those masks was metallic and crafted to look like mourning faces. They looked every bit the cultist they were called so often.
Finally the last of the figures turned around, the one soldier that had not instantly turned around upon hearing the destruction of the door, but had rather calmly finished his prayer before slowly raising and turning to face her.
Cardin posed an imposing figure, gone was the immature bully of their school days, in his place stood now a veteran of many battles. The scars that covered his body under the full body armor he wore, it's pitch black color contrasting the ones of his soldiers, were a testament to that. Cardin slowly turned his head, the only part of his body that was exposed, toward her own and looked into her eyes.
Different from the rest of his body his face was almost clear of wounds with one exception, a deep gash over his left eye, forever blinding it, the wound to severe to replace the eye with a cybernetic one. After a few seconds that felt like an eternity to her, Ruby noticed that her remaining comrades had finally caught up to her. Cardin chose this moment to speak, his voice slow and deliberate, almost soft it echoed through the chamber.
''It is only proper to give a prayer to the dead wouldn't you say Ruby?''
It only took moments to shake herself from the shock and respond. The words she was about to speak had been said before but yet she refused to give up on her hope to maybe reach him this time. ''Please Cardin, why are you doing this, hasn't the war already cost us enough, can't you just stop?''
But Cardin just gave a sad laugh. ''You know exactly why I am doing this Ruby, it is exactly because we have lost so much, too much. No matter how often you ask, the answer will remain the same, we fight to change everything, to create a brighter future.''
She knew that of course but dammit, she still could not accept Cardin's plan... his plan. ''And what about what we have gained, do you simply want to throw that away?''
But Cardin had obviously expected her to say this. He gave her a knowing look. ''You mean those children of yours.'' A sigh. ''Look, what you are doing, it's good of you truly good but we cannot stop everything just because you play fairy godmother to a bunch of orphans. No matter how much it pains me... us, we cannot stop just because of them. ''
Ruby did understand what he was saying but she refused to accept it. ''So their lives do not matter? It is okay to sacrifice their futures for ours? I refuse to believe that this is what you want Cardin, or what he wants.''
Another sad smile. ''Sorry Ruby but I am afraid I do. He... he does not want to do it, hell, with how much he helped you with those rascals it's no wonder he doesn't but he understands what has to be done. Some things just have to be done, no matter how sinful they may seem. Make no mistake, the decision is painful for him, even more so your rejections of his plan but he is still determined to see it through and I will be by his side all the way. That is why I absolutely cannot allow you to meet him.''
She desperately wanted to rebuke him, to make it clear to him that he had to accept what had happened, to help her stop him, to drag him back from this path.
She was just about to do this when Oscar suddenly put a hand on her shoulder, the once young farmboy having grown into a warrior of his own. ''Don't Ruby. He is just trying to stall us. The more you try to convince him the more time we are loosing, you heard it yourself, didn't you? He cannot allow you to meet him.''
Turning back to Cardin she could see a small smile on his face. It was a sheepish smile as if he had just gotten caught in a prank he was playing.
''Well, I got noticed pretty quickly, didn't I? Ah, don't get me wrong, it's not like I was lying but right now I just need to buy him a bit more time. Luckily for me, there is still another way to stop your progress.''
While saying that he slowly twisted his trusty mace around his hand with incredible skill.
She was just about to sprint towards him when another hand was laid on her shoulder, this time it was Port.
''We will take care of those scoundrels miss Rose, we cannot afford to lose more time here. They might be mighty foes but they won't be able to stop you from getting past them. You are needed ahead to stop him.''
''DOESN'T MEAN WE WON'T TRY!''
And with those words Cardin, who had started moving midway through Ports words, smashed his Mace into the ground with all of his strength, creating an explosion that rippled the ground and threw them back.
''GO! NOW!''
Oscar's words snapped Ruby back to attention and she triggered her semblance bypassing the entire battle in mere moments and appearing before the elevator that sat at the back of the room. Not having the time to call up the elevator again she simply jumped down the shaft and cut through the roof of the elevator that was the bottom.
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Shit. He had failed and he had failed hard. Of all the people he had let through it was Ruby. Not that he thought that she would be able to win against his Lord but he was sure that it would cause him even more emotional wounds and by the brothers, he had enough already for more than one lifetime. Shaking his head he cleared his thoughts, he could not afford to let his concentration waver now, the time to atone for his mistakes would come later. He looked at Port, he had always found the man's lessons pathetic but damn if he did not long for those days, well, setting aside his own disgraceful behavior.
''Well then Prof, up for a combat Lesson?''
But Port was not amused. ''When you were still a Lad I could see the darkness into you but I was so sure that it would change over time, that I could make a proper Man out of you, a hero of the people. I am sad to admit that I was wrong, you have become something way worse, nothing but a demented cultist, forsaking the world he swore to protect.''
Cardin had to fight to keep himself from laughing out loud. Demented cultist? Was this truly how his old teacher saw him? Some madman? He would show his teacher, he was a soldier, a knight for his master and he would let the world know.
''MEN, WHO ARE WE?''
And as if they were one the masked soldiers behind him spoke.
''WE ARE THE CHOSEN!''
''WHAT IS IT WE ARE CHOSEN FOR?''
''TO BE THE LAST LINE OF DEFENSE! THE SHIELD FOR OUR LORD TO PREVENT ALL HARM THAT MAY BEFALL HIM,! THE SWORD FOR OUR LORD TO SMITE THOSE THAT OPPOSE HIM!''
''WHAT OF THOSE THAT CALL US WITHOUT HONOR?''
''WE IGNORE THEM FOR OUR HONOR LIES IN OUR LOYALTY!''
''WHAT OF THOSE THAT CALL US COWARDS HIDING BEHIND MASKS?''
''WE IGNORE THEM FOR OUR MASKS ARE A SIGN OF MOURNING NOT FEAR!''
''WHAT IS IT THAT WE MOURN?''
''THE WORLD THAT IS LOST!''
''WHY DO WE FIGHT?''
''SO THAT OUR LORD MAY SHAPE A BETTER WORLD.''
''AND WHAT OF THOSE THAT WOULD OPPOSE HIM?''
''THEY SHALL BE PURGED FROM THIS WORLD!''
''WE ARE THE DEATHSINGERS-''
''-AND WE ARE THE END!''
''TO VICTORY! FOR THE FUTURE! FOR OUR LORD!''
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8 of them were left, Cardin among them. Of the 7 others, 3 were heavily wounded. The battle had been costly but they had done it. Wordlessly Cardin turned towards the elevator when he heard footsteps behind him. Turning around once again Cardin saw a sight he had half expected, yet still dreaded all the same, for he knew he could not defeat him.
''STAND DOWN NOW CRIMINALS AND YOUR DEATH WILL BE SWIFT!''
Ironwood's face was furious and it was clear that he wished that they did not stand down, confidence bolstered by the army of soldiers and droids behind him. Well, he would have his wish. Just as he was about to give the order to attack an arm was held before his chest, it was Lucius. He looked at the man's face, hidden as it was by his mask.
''They are too many, even we will not be able to defeat them all but we can stall them. You are needed at our Lord's side.''
Cardin knew better than to waste time arguing, so he just looked at the soldiers that he had left and gave a single nod. Turning around he made his way towards the elevator.
''A glorious death to you brave souls, may you find eternal peace.''
All he could hear in return was gunfire and battle cries. He knew it would not last long.
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Before exiting the elevator she took one last deep breath to steel herself for what she knew was about to come. Stepping out of the elevator she was greeted with a sight that made Cardin seem boring by comparison.
I front of her, facing her direction, stood a figure, clad in golden armor, covering his entire body and head, a crimson red cloak at his back. His right hand grasping a blood-drenched sword, his left hand a great shield.
His was a sight meant to envoke awe and fear alike. She knew why he had done it, why he painted his armor gold, why he switched his armor for one covering the whole body, why he wore that cloak. It was to draw attention. The Golden Knight, a beacon against the approaching darkness, those who laid eyes upon him were filled with resolution and the hope to see another day.
At the same time, it put fear into the enemy's hearts and attracted those that did not fear him, or could not, to him. All to lift as many burdens of others are possible, even if the cost was adding them to his own. So noble and yet so stupid, not that she was one to talk. At least that was how he was the last time she spoke to him, she prayed that he still was.
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''Stop this, please.''
Her words were so little, so small, yet so weighty, a plea out of the depths of her heart. He wished to heed her plead, oh did he wish that he could but he could not allow himself that selfishness. He made sure to keep his words emotionless, for he did not know if he could keep going if he allowed his emotions to show in front of her.
''You know that I can't.''
Her pleading face changed to one of determination.
''Yes you can, it is not too late yet.''
He could not help but laugh at that.
''Not too late? Let's just say I would stop, what do you think would happen to me? Do you think the rest of the world will just forgive me?''
He knew they wouldn't but yet Rubys face remained determined.
''They don't have to know, you could die here today. We will just blow this place up and take your armor. They will believe me when I tell them that you are dead especially if there are no signs of your survival. No one would blame me for wanting to be left in peace after all of this. Vale is still mostly lost to grim, we could go there and finally live in peace.''
That offer did actually surprise him.
''What of the children you have been taken care off, Grim infested lands don't exactly make the best place for an orphanage.''
Still, her face remained determined.
''With you and me near them? As if any Grim would come near us voluntarily and even if they did they would be easy prey. Do you not believe that I am serious? That I want to trick you? Who would I betray you for, I have lost everything in this war but you.''
He shook his head.
''No, that thought did not cross my mind.''
She gave a small smile at that.
''Your plan, it is... stupid, naive, idealistic and... beautiful.''
At those words, her tentative smile grew.
''It sounds like a wonderful dream.''
She replied with vigor and a hopeful voice.
''Because it is, we can finally have peace and at least a bit of happiness.''
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''But do you know the problem with dreams?''
Rubys hope suddenly turned to confusion.
''What?''
When Jaunes answered, his voice carried a hint of sadness.
''They only hold until the dreamer wakes.''
And with those words, he dashed at her. She did her best to bring her weapon up in time but his sudden action had surprised her and she only barely managed to stop his sword. But that was exactly what he had wanted, pin her down and force her to engage him as close as possible. Instead of backing away Ruby jumped over Jaune's next swing and landed behind him, she quickly turned around a swung her scythe at his unprotected back, unwilling to hurt him but knowing that his Aura should protect him . But Jaune was already turning and instead of striking him he met the scythe with his shield and let the blow glide off.
Before Ruby got to reposition herself he took a step forward and swung his own sword. Ruby barely managed to bring her scythe up again in time when she noticed her mistake. During midswing Jaune let go of his sword, allowing him to more easily stop the movement of his arm and more importantly distracting her for a few crucial moments. He ruthlessly used those moments by smashing his shield into Ruby's chin.
While her Aura prevented her from sustaining any major injuries the blow still left her confused for a short while. Once again Jaune ruthlessly exploited the opening by using his now free sword hand to grab her hair and smash her face against his armored knee, before letting go and in one swift motion pulling a revolver from his hip and firing it at her.
Each shot exploded upon impact, setting her further of balance. Despite that, she used all her remaining strength to transform her scythe and firing into Jaune's direction. Though noble, her effort proved futile, at such close range her weapon was heavily limited, even if she was in the condition to properly fire it. Not that her bullets would have done much to Jaune and his ridiculous reserves anyways she mused. Then six more bullets slammed into her and she fell down. She tried her best to stand up again and slowly she managed to at least get on her knees again.
''Why did you hesitate?''
She looked up and saw the question in Jaune's eyes, his helmet discarded on the ground where he had obviously picked up his fallen sword again, for he once again held it in his hand.
''When you swung at me you hesitated for a bit, why? You are no fool, you knew that if you would allow me to gain the initiative you would lose, so why did you?''
Ah, so she had hesitated for a bit after all, that explained why he was able to block her blow so easily. She shouldn't be surprised, of course, she feared exactly this to happen when she would face him.
''I did not want to hurt you.''
''... what?''
''Don't look at me so shocked, did you really think that I could bear to hurt you? I lost literally every close friend or loved one I had besides you. All I have left are Oscar, Port, the children, and you. And no matter how much I respect them, I am not too close to Oscar or Port.''
He looked at her with confused eyes.
''But what was your plan if I did not agree to your idea, you must have known that I would not agree. Did you want to knock me out and drag me with you all the way to Vale?''
She did her best to give him what she thought a sheepish smile.
''Yes?''
He started at her in shook for a few seconds before bursting out in laughter.
''Only you Ruby, only you.''
Then his laughter suddenly stopped.
''You can still join me you know?''
But she shook her head weakly.
''No, I cannot abandon what I have left in this world, little as it may be. Just as I cannot risk us failing at stopping Salem the next time. Have you ever thought about that, that you might fail, that everything may end even worse?''
He closed his eyes as if in deep thought.
''I did. Of course, I did but I believe, no, I know that I won't. The old me maybe but Salem will not be able to stand against what I have become.''
She gave a weak smile.
''I wish I could have your confidence. But I just can't, I just want to live my days in peace, I have seen enough suffering, so have you.''
His voice became softer, almost pleading.
''And I can do nothing to change your mind?''
His words tugged at her heart but she had made her decision.
''No.''
She saw his eyes turn sad.
''Then this is goodbye.''
And with one fluid motion, he thrust his sword through her ribcage. Strangely enough, she did not feel any pain. Feeling her conciseness fade she brought out one last question. It was a stupid one really.
''Tell me Jaune, will you cry for me?''
She could see him, standing unmoving before her through her blurring eyesight. Despair threatened to engulf her last moments, his form unmoving. Then he finally spoke.
''More then you could even imagine.''
''I am more glad about that then you could ever imagine.''
''No, I can.''
''I see, so you know?''
''Yes, I do, your offer made it very obvious you know. Not even I am that dense.''
Ah, so it was not so stupid after all, she was truly glad.
''Jaune?''
''Yes?''
''I feel cold. Can you hold me?''
''... Of course.''
Through fading consciousness, she could feel strong arms embracing her.
''Jaune?''
''Yes?''
''I forgive you.''
She could faintly make out the soft feeling of lips on her own for a brief wonderful moment, then nothing.
''Goodbye Jaune... I... I am glad... to have met you-''
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Cardin did not need to ask what had happened. The Corpse of Ruby Rose, Carefully covered by his Lords red mantle lay unmoving on the ground. All he could see of her was her face, looking as if it was dreaming a beautiful dream, a small gentle smile on her face. It gladened him that the energetic girl had at least managed to find a peaceful death.
His Lord had already recovered the artifact and Cardin could only imagine what his face looked like under his helmet. He carefully stepped closer to him.
''Are you ready my Lord?''
He knew that there was no point in asking how he was feeling and so he did not, choosing to rather distract him from the deed he had just committed.
''I am, where is the rest?''
''Holding back Ironwoods forces, they will not hold long though.''
His Lord gave a small nod.
''Then we have no time to waste.''
And with those words, he held out the artifact towards Cardin.
''Ready to rewrite history?''
''I will follow you until my last breath draws Jaune.''
And with those words, he grabbed the Artifact with one hand.
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''For the future!''
With those words, Jaune pushed his Aura into the Artifact. And suddenly the world was no more, time unraveling itself and flowing backward, the Artifact fulfilling his desperate wish. 10 years of history erasing itself from existence, it's only traces remaining in the heads of the two that hoped to replace it with a better one.
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Well Folks, that was it. Now, I am aware that this is far from perfect, like I said, I am sadly not a good writer. What I hoped to achieve was to give enough hints at stuff so your mind can fill in the rest on its own. Things I knew I would fuck up if I tried to lengthily write about them.
Like for example the ''Deathsingers'' who are obviously zealots. And to a lesser decree Cardin. I thought that fitting to their goal and the role I Implied/named for Jaune during the war. Faith does help people get over despair after all, which makes it such a dangerous weapon. That said I am aware that I made some things probably a bit unclear so if you have any question about how I meant stuff or just have (constructive), criticism just tell me. Hell if you just want to tell me that the story sucked do so but please properly explain why you think so, after all, that is a really useless critic.
This story has not been beta read.