AN:
Hello everyone, sorry for taking so long.
As many of you may already know I did a poll deciding which of the two stories I would do eventually in the future.
The story that receive the most votes was the story Legacy of the Dead. The votes were very close.
I'm actually happy about this one, I always wanted to do a Warhammer Fantasy fic with an Undead faction, rarely see any of those.So for those who haven't yet, read or watch Lord Marksman and Vanadis (Maden no Ou to Vanadis) to know what the story is going to be like.
And for those who voted for my other fic, I apologize but that doesn't mean I'm going to scrap the idea, I may still do it.
Now without further ado, let's get onto the story.
DISCLAIMER:
I don't own RWBY or Warhammer 40k, they're owned by Rooster Teeth and Gaming Workshop respectively.
"Normal"
"YELLING"
'Thoughts'
'Telepathic communication'
"Demonic/Other"
Chapter 3: Truths Revealed
Location: Beacon Academy, Combat Arena
Glynda Goodwitch watched as her newest T.A, Julius, effortlessly block another attack from both Cardin Winchester and Sky Lark simultaneously. Locking both teens in a one-sided power struggle in his favor.
It has been two weeks since Julius finished his initiation into Beacon Academy as per Ozpin's agreement. As her T.A, Julius is to assist her with training the students of Beacon Academy to become the next generation of Huntsmen and Huntresses.
However, in order to grasp the skill margin of the students he'll no doubt be teaching, Julius first "suggested" that he should challenge each and every team of each year to a mock duel.
At first Glynda was hesitant of letting the super soldier fight any of the students, fearing that he will not hold anything back and hospitalize them. However, she convinced herself that if she was the one overseeing these matches then she can make sure that Julius wouldn't go too far. Plus, she saw reasoning behind Julius's plan.
So she accepted in the condition that she would be the one overseeing these matches and that Julius is forbidden to use his aura in any way to harm the students.
With much reluctance, he accepted these terms and went about challenging each individual teams that Beacon has to offer.
For two weeks Julius challenged three teams from each year in their respective class schedules.
So far he challenged 12 teams in total and none of these teams even came close to defeating the large knight.
During each and every one of these matches, Julius kept his promise of not using his aura. However, like she predicted the knight had no qualms of holding back, he would leave each of these teams groveling on the arena floor in pain. Fortunately, she would intervene before things gotten too far.
Normally Glynda would've forbade Julius from any further matches with the students after the few matches he had. However, there is only one reason why she didn't do so.
During every one of these matches, Julius would point out each and every flaw of the students he's fighting, whether as an individual or as a team. He would then emphasize these flaws by brutally exploiting them in order to further hammer in his point.
Even the most promising teams from the senior years weren't exempted from his judgment. He would pick apart each team and lay their flaws bare for all to see.
Glynda may frown upon his method of teaching, but she can't deny that he wasn't wrong. Unlike the other teachers of Beacon Academy, Julius brings about a more brutal reality to the students, showing them how critical their flaws were in a real life or death situation.
Now Glynda is watching Julius "teaching" the latest team, Team CRDL.
Currently, it was just Sky and Cardin left facing off against Julius. Their two other teammates, Dove Bronzewing and Russel Thrush, are currently laying unconscious on the ground. While both Sky and Cardin are struggling to overpower Julius, said knight was easily holding them back with his sword held in his right hand.
While their weapons were grinding against one another, Julius spoke. "You both are leaning in too much into this struggle, your combat stances are broken and making it easy for your enemies to exploit your poor footing." Julius explained as he suddenly side-stepped to the right. The sudden loss of pressure forced both of the teens to stumble forwards to regain their footing.
Julius then quickly swung his sword at their legs. Swiping their feet from underneath them and causing the teens to come crashing onto the ground.
As Both Cardin and Sky tried to quickly get up, Julius immediately kicked Sky into Cardin as both teens tumbled across the floor, losing their grips on their respective weapons and stopped just a few meters away from Julius. Now both teens are tangled with each other.
Julius lumbered towards the tangled teens. "The enemies of Man know no honor, no respite, and no mercy. They will exploit every one of your weaknesses, including your current position. They will not wait for you to stand back on your own two feet. Once you are on the ground, you will be at your enemy's complete mercy." Julius explained in his usual stern tone.
As both Sky and Cardin finally untangled themselves from each other, Julius stomped on Sky's chest, pinning the boy on the ground and at the same time grabbing Cardin by his neck, lifting the boy up to the knight's eye level.
Both Cardin and Sky wrestled desperately against the knight's hold, however, they soon stopped as Julius added more pressure on Sky's chest and Cardin's neck, slowly choking the life out of the teens.
"If this were a real battle Winchester, you would've lead your team to a pointless death." Julius said in a stern tone. But before Glynda could intervene, Julius released his grasp of Cardin and stepped off of Sky.
As both teens were desperately gagging for air, Julius continued. "Your team will not survive the coming battles against the enemies of Man with such incompetent leadership Winchester. You must know strategy and the basic tactics if you are going to lead your squad against the enemies of Mankind. Know the weaknesses of your enemies, as well as your own. Exploit theirs while covering your own. And only then will you find victory." Julius said as he turned and made his way back towards the center of the arena.
"That's not fair! *cough* *cough* You have no weaknesses!" Cardin coughed out as he shakily stood back on his own two feet.
Julius stopped in his tracks as he turned back towards the teen, his visors glaring right through Cardin's very soul. "And that is your own failure as a leader. There is no such thing as an enemy without a weakness. I know my own weaknesses and trained endlessly to cover them well. It is only by your incompetence as both a warrior and a leader that has lost you this match." Julius bluntly said in a solemn tone. He then turned back and resumed his lumbering gait back towards the center of the arena.
Before Cardin can make another idiotic complaint, Glynda chose this moment to intervene. "The match is over Mr. Winchester! I suggest you and Mr. Lark to collect your team and visit the med bay at once." Glynda said in a tone that left no room for an argument. She also gave the teen a stern glare.
Cardin angrily groaned as he and Sky did what Glynda ordered. Once all of Team CRDL left the arena, Glynda brought her attention towards the remaining audience.
"Now! We have enough time for one more match. Is there any volunteers?" Glynda announced as she swept her gaze across the audience.
None of the students dared to raise their hands, something that Glynda already predicted would happen.
Julius made good on his promise two weeks ago that every student would come to fear his name. In less then two weeks he is now considered the most infamous person on the school campus. So fearsome that his reputation makes Glynda look like the kindest woman in the world.
After a brief moment of silence, Glynda silently sighed. "I see… then I have no choice but to randomly choose the next team to face Mr. Arch." Glynda stated as she pressed a few buttons on her tablet.
Soon once again a large overhead appeared above the arena. On the left side was a picture of Julius in his armor while on the right were four blank pictures depicting each individual of a team. Soon each of these blank pictures started the randomization process of choosing a team.
The atmosphere grew incredibly tense as Glynda saw many of the second years literally sitting at the edge of their seats to see who would be the next set of victims to face the large indomitable knight.
Soon enough the randomization process was complete as four separate pictures were shown on screen.
There were sighs of relief, silent praises to Oum, and even a few cries of joy among the students.
However, through all this, Glynda could hear a fearful whimper from the very leader of the team that was chosen.
"Team RWBY! Prepare yourselves and make your way down to the arena!"
Julius stood like the proud warrior he is with his sword held in front of him with both hands, the point of his blade meeting the ground. To the audience, it's as if he's seemingly staring at the team before him when in fact he is silently analyzing each individual member with a critical eye.
Team RWBY. A team he was more then familiar with.
In the past, Jaune Arc and his own team were close to Team RWBY, he revered and admired this team of four young girls for their high martial skills and impeccable team work that has brought down superior opponents and vast hordes of daemons in the past. Jaune considered Team RWBY to be one, if not, the best team that Beacon could ever have.
However, as Julius finished silently analyzing each member of Team RWBY, he had a different opinion of each individual.
Too his far left is a nervous looking Ruby Rose, the chosen leader of Team RWBY. In Julius's opinion she was far too young and inexperienced for such responsibilities as a squad leader, much less barely old enough for imperial standard of conscription. However, through the memories of Jaune Arc, Ruby Rose has proven multiple times in the past that she is a competent leader, far more competent then some of the other squad leaders within this schola.
For now, Julius will give her the benefit of the doubt.
Next is Yang Xiao Long, the eldest sister to Ruby Rose. Looking at her current posture and the confident grin she was directing towards him told Julius that she was very confident of herself. In his past memories, Yang Xiao Long was considered one of the best fighters and a powerful warrior within the schola, especially when she is angry.
However, her overconfidence would be her downfall. Julius has slain numerous heretics and Traitors Marines to know that this is true. She was overconfident enough to wear such a revealing outfit to a match against a warrior such as himself.
He will show her the folly of her overconfidence.
Next to the blonde haired girl is Weiss Schnee, an heiress from a powerful noble family in the Atlas Kingdom. During his silent observation, Weiss was also analyzing Julius, studying his holy armor with mild fascination and critical observation, no doubt searching for any possible weaknesses.
In the past, Jaune Arc was infatuated with this girl, trying numerous times to gain her favour only to meet with constant denial for his affections. Eventually he stopped, wisely accepting that the heiress will just deny him of what he wants most from her.
Also in Jaune's memories, Weiss Schnee was known for her strict attitude, intelligence, and cold personality. However, her skills with blade, Dust, and unique semblance is considered unmatched among the rest of the student body, able to make deadly combos with or without her team.
She will be Julius's first priority of elimination.
Lastly is the abhuman among their group, Blake Belladonna. Julius doesn't need his past memories to know that the girl in front of him was a filthy abhuman, her bow did little to hide her true identity from him.
In the past, Jaune had little interactions with the abhuman, something that Julius was thankful for. However, what made Julius blood boil was the fact that his past self actually accepted the abhuman for who she is.
It was no secret that Julius greatly detest the Faunus race and all their abhuman ilk within the schola. He made his opinion of the Faunus very clear around a week ago when he had to face against a team mostly comprised of abhumans.
Afterwards, both Glynda and Ozpin made it very clear to Julius to at least keep his opinions about the Faunus to himself, however, the damage has already been done.
Since then, most of the Faunus within the schola as well as their human sympathizers greatly detest Julius as much as he detests their heretical existence. However, they keep their opinions to themselves in his presence, no doubt fearing to incur his wrath.
Julius does not care what the abhumans in this schola thinks of him. He is the true defender of humanity, something they could never achieve. As long as they don't give him a reason to, he will abide by Ozpin's wishes and stay both his words and his sword for the time being.
This explains why the abhuman of Team RWBY is currently glaring at him, further proving his claims about the girl.
Other then her hidden identity, Julius knew from his past memories that the abhuman is not to be trifled with. Like the other members of her group, she has considerable skill with both her weapon and her semblance, able to kite and out maneuver most foes with ease.
However, Julius is not like most foes, he has faced far more agile opponents in his career as a Grey Knight. Facing the vile savagery of Slaanesh's daemonettes and even on some occasions fighting the elusive warriors of the Eldar race.
To him the abhuman can easily be dealt with, even if she has a team to support her.
There was a brief moment of tense silence between Julius and the team in front of him. Soon enough, Ruby leaned over towards Yang and the rest of her team.
"Are you sure you guys don't want to um… forfeit? It's not too late to ask." Ruby whispered almost nervously as she shot Julius a nervous/fearful expression.
Both Yang and Weiss gave Ruby an incredulous stare while Blake continued to glare at Julius.
"Ruby… I know that you're scared of him breaking your weapon, but we can take him, we faced far worse in the past." Yang said with a confident grin. However, this did little to ease Ruby's fears. "Yeah but Grimm don't have giant man-sized swords that can cut through anything it touches. Especially SCYTHES!" Ruby explained, hugging her weapon closely to her chest.
Julius frowned underneath his helm. A leader should never show weakness to their allies, soldiers, and most importantly to the enemy. To do so is to admit defeat before the battle has even begun.
This girl still has a lot to learn.
Weiss shook her head. "Though I don't agree with us forfeiting this match, Ruby does make a sound point Yang. Mr. Arch is no Grimm or White Fang grunt; he has considerable skill and powerful weaponry; after all he did defeat your uncle in a one on one duel." Weiss explained. It appears she is the voice of logic for Team RWBY, something that Julius noted.
Yang rolled her eyes. "yeah, yeah, I get it. Blake what do you think?" Yang asked to their silent team member.
"I agree with Weiss. He's dangerous." Blake replied in a serious tone, refusing to break her stern gaze from Julius.
Julius caught the hidden disgust and anger behind the abhuman's tone. However, he kept silent. Let the abhuman hate him, he will soon show the lowly mutant her place.
Soon Glynda approached them from the side of the arena. "Now, if you're done talking, I would like to get this match started." Glynda said, giving Team RWBY a stern look, which they (sans Blake) replied with a quick nod.
Soon each members of Team RWBY simultaneously brought out their respective weapons in a flourish of movements before taking their preferred combat stances. Julius also noted that their leader's once nervous expression turned serious, her eyes straight, posture tense for battle, it was as if a switch was flipped.
Julius frowned. 'Better. But not good enough.' Julius thought to himself. He can still tell she was nervous, by how she constantly adjusts her grip on her weapon to how she constantly eyed his sword, no doubt fearing it's power.
Glynda then brought her attention towards Julius. "Are you ready Mr. Arch?" She asked.
Julius answered by silently bringing his sword from its position and brandishing it to the side, holding it in his dominant hand while bringing his left foot forward.
Glynda nodded. "Then let the match begin!" Glynda announced as she quickly retreated back.
"LADY BUG!"
Immediately, a gunshot rang out around the room as the little red leader shot straight towards Julius, her scythe at the ready. At the same time the abhuman charged with weapons in hand, matching her leader's speed.
Soon Julius was beset by two adversaries as they slashed away at his armor, though their weapons were formidable, it did little to penetrate his holy armor.
As they slashed uselessly away at his armor, Julius noticed the contrast differences between Ruby's strikes and the abhuman's.
The red hooded girl was going for non-lethal attacks, mainly slashing and bashing the back end of her mechanized scythe away from the (relatively) vulnerable areas on his armor.
Julius frowned, did she have qualms about killing her enemies? If she does, then that will significantly reduce his opinion about her.
The abhuman on the other hand was the total opposite, most of her strikes were aimed at the vulnerable areas of his armor with untold amount of vigor. However, to her dismay and Julius growing amusement, her weapon of choice failed to penetrate much less scratch even his most vulnerable spots, only a weapon equivalent of a power sword can have any hope to penetrate his terminator armor.
Julius purposely let them slash uselessly away at his armor for a moment, he learned long ago through his previous matches that the weapons the students of Beacon Academy carry cannot penetrate his armor, no matter how hard many of them tried.
However, that doesn't mean he will not punish them for it.
Ruby fired off another round from her scythe, using the recoil to spin the back end of her weapon towards Julius's helm. However, Julius reacted, bringing up his left hand and stopped her weapon, surprising the young girl.
At the same time, Julius brutally parried the abhuman's next attack, swatting her away like the mutant filth she is.
He then brought his attention back towards Ruby, who was desperately trying to free her weapon from his iron grip, going as far as to repeatedly firing her weapon in hopes to free it with the recoil.
"Ruby Rose. You waste precious ammunition in attacks that fails to kill or cripple your enemy in a single stroke. And also…" Julius then begins to slowly tighten his grip, the metal of the mechanized scythe begins to groan underneath the pressure. "When your weapon is out of commission, resort to a backup or an alternative method of combat. Or else you will perish on the battle field." Julius said as he raised his sword in the air. Ruby's eyes widened in shock, redoubling her efforts to free her weapon.
"HEY BUB! HOW'S THIS FOR ALTERNATIVE COMBAT!"
Julius's century of combat instincts flared as he quickly let go of Ruby's weapon and held sword with both hands to block the incoming attack.
Soon enough, the blonde member of Team RWBY landed a powerful punch against his sword, however, Julius easily blocked the attack. Immediately, Julius broke the brief engagement and brought his sword diagonally down towards the still airborne blonde.
Unfortunately for the large knight, a white glyph curtesy of Weiss appeared in front of the blonde girl as she suddenly shot backwards, dodging Julius's sword by a hair's breath.
Weiss then summoned another white glyph above her, however, this time a large white armored arm appeared from the glyph, catching the flying blonde before she could crash against the arena wall.
As Julius's sword stopped just short from smashing into the arena floor, he then saw that all of Team RWBY were once again together and forming a quick strategy.
"Yang get up! We have no time to be fooling around!" The heiress exclaimed as the armored arm disappeared, dropping the blonde haired brawler to the ground.
Yang quickly stood. "Hey give me a break Ice Queen. I just saved Ruby after all."
"And for that, I commend you. But at the same time, that was extremely reckless." Weiss reprimanded.
"Hey! I don't see-"
"This is no time to fight!" Blake exclaimed. "We need to come up with a plan."
"Right! Ruby, what should we do?" Weiss asked as the rest of her team looked towards their young leader.
Julius can tell that Ruby's mind was racing, trying to find the best strategy to use against him.
However, he won't give them a moments rest.
"Hesitance is the downfall of any warrior!" Julius stated as he charged towards the group at a steady speed, his blade at the ready.
Soon Ruby readied herself once more for combat, as did her team. "TEAM RWBY!"
Just as Julius was upon them, he went for a horizontal slash, aiming to strike all four members in a single stroke.
However, All of Team RWBY quickly dodged Julius's attack as Weiss simultaneously created a large white glyph in front of Julius. Soon a flash of bright light filled the entire room, blinding the audience.
However, thanks to his advance helm, his visors compensated for the bright light, reducing its effects to the point of having no effect on the knight's own physical eyes.
Soon enough, the bright light ceased as it revealed a large fully armored knight standing in front of Julius. The summoned knight stands a head taller above Julius; it's armor bright white as it's emitting an aura of ghostly blue light. Julius for once looked up and sees a black abyss where the eyes were supposed to be. In it's hands is a massive great sword, equally as white as the rest of it's armor.
Soon enough the summoned knight brandished its sword in its' right hand as it charged straight towards Julius.
Any lesser man would've retreated, however, Julius is no lesser man. He is a Space Marine, His Angel of Death, he would rather die standing then run like a coward.
The summoned knight soon raised its sword up and brought it down on Julius. As the blade descended towards Julius, Julius quickly met the massive sword with his own.
In a show of incredible strength of a warrior of his caliber, Julius blocked the full might of the summons' attack, forcing both knights in a struggle for dominance, one that Julius is easily holding himself against.
During the power struggle, Julius spoke. "You think a lowly summon can defeat me!" Julius exclaimed as he started pushing back the summons' sword, much to everyone's shock.
"Send a thousand against me! It does not matter! FOR I AM HUMANITY'S WRATH MADE MANIFEST!" Julius roared as he used his full strength to force the summoned knight's sword to the side, throwing off the summons' footing.
With the summon knight out of balance, Julius immediately pressed forth his advantage. With his full strength, Julius sliced through the summoned knight's left leg, cutting it completely off at the knee.
The summon fell on it's now bisected knee as it quickly used its left hand to stop itself from fully falling on it's face. However, this exposed itself to another attack from Julius.
Seizing the opportunity once again, Julius raised his sword into the air and quickly brought it striking down towards the kneeling summons' exposed neck, completely decapitating the summoned knight.
Soon the body of the decapitated knight collapsed as it immediately faded away.
Julius held his blade ready at the side. The battle was far from over.
"Was that your trump card? To let a summon fight your battle?" Julius questioned, his tone laced with a hint of mockery.
"No! But this is!"
All of a sudden multiple white glyphs surround Julius in a large dome as they almost covered the entire arena.
Julius then noticed how each member of Team RWBY were now surrounding him on all four sides, however, what was different was the time glyphs that were underneath each member as it seems to be giving them energy.
Julius frowned. 'The summon was just a distraction for their real plan. How could I be so foolish.' Julius thought as he readied himself for the incoming attack.
However, Julius was suddenly interrupted when a large white glyph suddenly appeared underneath him. The glyph then launched him high into the air, armor and all.
Immediately, all of Team RWBY charged.
Everything was a blur, Julius was being bombarded from all directions by red, white, yellow and black streaks of Team RWBY. They were speeding all around the dome faster then even the astarte's eyes could track. Team RWBY was using the glyphs surrounding them as platforms to quickly rebound off and resume their barrage of attacks on Julius.
Julius was uselessly hanging in the air, being held in the air by the sheer force of the barrage of their attacks. Even though none of their attacks were penetrating his armor, both his servos and armor plating were being stressed from this constant barrage.
After what felt like an eternity, the attacks stopped as Julius crashed into the arena floor, creating a large crater. As Julius stood, he finally saw each member of Team RWBY shot towards him on all sides simultaneously to finish him once and for all.
Julius has had enough.
Time slowed for Julius just as each streak of red, white, black and yellow were about to collide into him. Quickly gripping his sword with both hands, he slammed the point of his blade into the ground.
Suddenly, just as Team RWBY landed their attack on his armor, an explosion of blinding white light filled the room as all of Team RWBY were suddenly launched back and crashed against the arena walls before slumping onto the ground.
Standing in the middle of the arena is Julius, the numerous glyphs and inscriptions on his armor and sword are glowing bright white as his armor is sheathed in the same holy glow.
Julius saw the disbelief and shock in everyone's eyes as they stared upon him, this included Team RWBY. They have never truly seen Julius's power manifest on his armor till today, let them look upon the true might of Humanity's protector, let them bathe in his glory.
However, like all things, this moment of glory soon passed as he willed his power away, his armor dimmed back to normal.
There was a brief moment of silence before Glynda physically shook her head. "Mr. Arch. I believe you know the ramifications of using your aura in this match, do you not?" Glynda said, much to Julius growing displeasure.
Of course he knew the ramifications of his actions, however, it did little to change the fact that he showed his superiority to the rest of the student body. Though it will leave a sour taste in his mouth for days to come.
Julius answered with a curt nod, much to Team RWBY's and the audience's confusion.
Glynda then turned her attention towards the confused audience. "As a condition of letting him fight against the student body, he is forbidden to use his aura to actively harm any of the students in any way. So therefore…" She then turned her attention to Team RWBY. "Team RWBY is the victor of this match." Glynda announced, much to said team's surprise.
"W-We won!?" Ruby shouted in shocked disbelief.
"Yes. You may have won. However, for all your martial skills it does not change the fact that you all are still lacking experience of a true battle, especially your squad leader." Julius said, his tone serious.
This caught the group's attention. "What do you mean? We got plenty experience from before!" Yang protested, silently hinting towards the infamous Battle of Beacon.
Julius almost scoffed. "If that's so, then why is your leader holding back with her strikes." Julius pointed out as he approached the team.
He continued, stopping just a meter away from Team RWBY, his attention solely on Ruby. "During our match, I noticed how you would avoid attacking the vulnerable areas of my armor. Do you have qualms about killing your enemies?" Julius asked almost demanded in a serious tone.
Ruby nervously fidgeted under his steel gaze. "N-No. I can kill Grimm just fine." Ruby nervously answered, hoping it was enough.
Julius frowned. "Has the Battle of Beacon taught you nothing. The Daemons of Darkness are not the only enemies of Man. Now tell me, do you have qualms of killing the heretics and traitors that turned their backs on humanity?" Julius demanded.
Ruby gave Julius a confused expression. "I'm sorry, but what do you mean by heretics and traitors, like Roman Torchwick?" Ruby hesitantly asked.
Julius gave a curt nod. "Yes. Traitors such as him and the filthy heretical mutants of the White Fang." Julius said.
However, before Ruby could give her answer, someone interrupted. "Excuse me!"
Julius didn't need to turn his head to know who interrupted into their conversation. "Do you have something to say, Blake Belladonna?"
Blake marched straight up towards Julius with a furious expression. "You are wrong about the White Fang! They are just misguided!" Blake said, not caring whether or not the rest of the student body was listening.
Julius fully turned his attention towards the abhuman before him. "Never the less, these mutant filth have still chosen the path of heresy." Julius answered.
Blake growled in anger. "Stop calling them that!"
"I have every right call those detestable mutants as such, for they have turned their backs against humanity in our darkest time, they deserve nothing but complete exterminatus for their crimes against humanity." Julius said with stern conviction.
If Blake was furious before, she's now about to explode. "Crimes against humanity!? The only reason why the White Fang was created in the first place is because of humans like you! Who refuse to treat the Faunus as equals!" Blake shouted out in anger.
Julius actually scoffed. "Equals? You are naïve to think that these abhumans would ever be equal to the glory that is Man. However, humanity has been kind enough to allow the Faunus to fight and die for us. Through their sacrifices, humanity can build a greater empire on this world." Julius said.
"SACRIFICES! The Faunus are not sacrificial pawns to be thrown away at someone else's expense! The Faunus are a proud race of people! Not mutants! Not abhumans! PEOPLE! And the Faunus should not be ashamed for who they are or what others think of them!" Blake shouted out in return.
There was a brief moment of silence, tension between Julius and Blake was high as both waited to see what the other would do in this situation.
However, the tense silence was broken by a single noise.
Clapping.
Blake turned her attention towards Yang who was clapping with a proud smile. Soon Ruby joined her, then Weiss, then Team NPR from the audience, then a few other students. And soon enough the entire room was filled with applause and cheers, everyone giving Blake their support and approval.
It's not everyday you hear of a person openly voice their opposition against the mistreatment of Faunus that doesn't involve violence or mass murder.
Blake was at first shocked, however, her shock turned into a happy smile at all those who agreed with her.
Julius on the other hand was disgusted by all this. It seems there were more Faunus sympathizers within the schola then he would've imagined. Now the abhuman in front of him is giving him a smug grin of victory.
However, Julius has been around numerous Inquisitors long enough to know exactly what to say in order to turn any situation against the supposed victor.
Cranking his vox grills to a loud enough volume, he then delivered the killing blow.
"Then why do you hide behind that bow, abhuman."
Immediately the applause and cheering stopped, now replaced with confused whispers.
However, the abhuman's and her team's expressions did a complete reversal from their previous victorious expressions. "W-What are you talking abou-"
"You cannot fool me. If you are so proud of your race, then why hide who you really are, abhuman." Julius questioned. Blake instinctively raised a hand towards her head, but stopped when she realized her mistake.
Before she could react, Julius reached out and ripped the bow from her head, revealing two distinct cat ears for all those who could see.
There were gasps among the audience and even a few "I knew it!" from the students. The rest of the abhuman's team rushed to her side, however, it was useless. The damage has already been done.
Julius's frown deepened as he bore his sights down on the abhuman before him. "I will ask you once again. If you're so proud of your race, then why hide who you really are? Are you ashamed of being a abhuman, ashamed of your mutant heritage?" Julius questioned in almost an accusing tone, dropping the black ribbon in his hand at the abhuman's feet.
The blonde one turned her attention towards him, eyes red with hatred. "WILL YOU SHUT UP! HOW COULD YOU DO THI-" However, the blonde was silence when the abhuman laid her hand on her shoulders.
"You know nothing…" The abhuman lifted her head up towards Julius, glaring angrily with tears forming in her eyes.
"YOU KNOW NOTHING ABOUT THE SUFFERING THE FAUNUS GO THROUGH EVERYDAY AT THE HANDS OF SCUM LIKE YOU! YOU KNOW NOTHING ABOUT ME AND WHAT I HAD TO GO THROUGH AND THE SACRIFICES I HAD TO MAKE TO GET HERE!" Blake yelled out, screaming angrily at Julius like an angry child.
The abhuman then pointed at Julius. "ALL YOU TALK ABOUT IS SACRIFICE FOR A GREATER HUMANITY! BUT WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT SACRIFICE!" Blake shouted.
There was complete silence as Blake took the time to catch her breath and calm down from her furious high.
However, before anyone could react, Julius grabbed Blake by the throat and brought her up close to his eye level. Blake clawed and scratched at his armor, trying to desperately to free herself but to no avail.
Julius glared furiously at the abhuman in his left hand. One part of him demanded that she should die for even daring to speak out against him. However, another side tells him to spare the abhuman, humiliate her in front of everyone present and show the abhuman her place, setting an example for all those who dare speak out against him.
"MR. ARCH! THAT IS FAR ENOUGH! RELEASE HER AT ONCE!"
Julius didn't need to turn his head to know that the dreaded witch was the one who spoke out against him and has already raised her weapon to readily subdue him. Plus, the abhuman's team already pulled out their weapons.
To answer their open hostility, he tightened his grip on the abhuman's throat, causing her to gag for air. It was a simple but effective warning for all those who dared try to intervene.
Once he knew that Glynda backed off and saw the rest of Team RWBY lowered their weapons, he then slightly loosened his grip on the abhuman, giving her precious air to breath.
"You accuse me of not knowing about sacrifice when you yourself did nothing worthy of being called a sacrifice." Julius said as he dropped the abhuman unceremoniously onto the ground, her team immediately surrounding her.
Julius continued. "Your sacrifices and feats are nothing compared to mine. I was taken from my home to be bred and forged through countless battles against the enemies of Man in order to become its ultimate protector, so that Humanity can live to see another day."
Julius then slammed the point of his blade into the ground. "I have fought and slain thousands of daemons, heretics and traitors who had turned their backs against Humanity. And will continue to slay more as long as I can wield my blade!" Julius said with conviction as Team RWBY stared at him in disbelief.
"I have watched as my brothers and my mentor, valiantly die on the battlefield against the enemies of Man, sacrificing themselves all for Humanity! And if given the chance, I will gladly sacrifice my life so that Humanity can live on!" Julius then leaned menacingly towards the groveling abhuman, his eyes boring into her amber eyes.
"So let me ask you… Blake Belladonna." Julius said, his voice stern and filled disgust as he said her name.
"What have you done for your misbegotten kind? What have you sacrificed to further their so called goals for equality and rights?" Julius asked, challenging the abhuman to give him an answer.
She gave him none, instead the abhuman silently stared at the ground in both frustration and shame.
BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!
The schola alarms went off, signaling the end of the class.
Not receiving an answer anytime soon, Julius straightened his posture as he magnetically attached his sword to the side of his hip. His sights never leaving the abhuman, even for a moment.
"That's what I thought." Julius said in a disappointed tone as he turned to the right and made his way towards the exit.
From a side glance, he briefly saw Glynda giving him a furious glare. No doubt she will report this to Ozpin.
But he could care less about these humans and their heretical beliefs of equality and peace. As long as there still daemons, heretics, traitors and mutants plaguing this world, he will continue to fight the righteous path for Humanity and the God Emperor.
Location: Atlas, Atlas Military Headquarters: Science & Engineering Division
Atlas Kingdom is known all throughout the other three kingdoms to be at the height of technological innovation. Boasting the worlds most advanced military and successful Dust mining operations across the world.
Many of these technologies that changed both Atlas and the other three kingdoms can be credited to the most brilliant scientist that Atlas has to offer, Dr. Polendina.
Since he joined the Altlas Science & Engineering Division almost 90 years ago, he had made many breakthroughs and technological innovations that can be credited to advancing the kingdom of Atlas to what it is now.
Now he is the head scientist and coordinator of the entire Science & Engineering Division of Atlas, responsible for all scientific and technological research, giving him considerable power within Atlas that rivals, if not, outranks most of the Council.
Dr. Polendina is nicknamed "The Father of Technology" for in his long career he has created and continue to advance many of the technologies that Atlas and the other kingdoms have today.
This includes all the standard Atlesian military weapons and equipment's, all Atlesian Knight models, the Atlesian Paladins-290, the Atlesian Airship and their VTOL Jets, the famous Amity Colosseum, and lastly and most importantly the CCT Towers.
He was also secretly famous for creating Remnant's very first synthetic A.I, aptly called Project P.E.N.N.Y. His pseudo daughter.
It was no secret that Dr. Polendina had almost an obsession with Penny, immediately treating her with all the care she needed, like that of a man with a brand new car. He went so far as to give her his last name in order to keep her true identity a secret from the rest of the populace as ordered by the Atlas Military and Council.
However, that all changed when the 40th Vytal Festival came around, held in the Kingdom of Vale. In General Ironwood's vast wisdom, he wanted to "test" Penny in the Vytal tournament against other Huntsmen and Huntresses in training.
Of course he argued against the idea, however, through some persuasion by his pseudo daughter, he allowed her to go with some reluctance.
This became the single worst mistake he could ever make, as during the final rounds of the Vytal Tournament, he watched as his daughter was ripped into four pieces in front of live television.
Then an unknown perpetrator of what came to be the Battle of Beacon, hacked all networks coming in and out of Vale and used the corpse of his daughter as an example of Atlas treachery.
Since then, many of his colleagues and subordinates reported that the famed Doctor threw himself at his work and locked himself in his personal office/work room, refusing to make any contact with anyone unless it was necessary.
Currently he's doing just that, sitting at his computer terminal rapidly imputing hundreds of codes into a new computing program for the CCT.
As some people will describe him, he has a short roundish physique and is very well over his 90's, yet he seemed no older then 60. He has dark tanned skin, a large white beard messy from the lack of care, and a bald head. He's currently wearing the standard attire of a scientist of Atlas, a white lab coat, white dress shirt, black tie and black dress pants, and dress shoes.
His work place is what you would expect from an scientist/engineer of his caliber. Almost everything was white as it was the standard colour of the Atlesian Military. On one side is his entire computer terminal, a large computer with multiple holographic screens. On the other side is his large work bench, messy with tools and numerous electronic/robotic parts laying all over it's surface.
There were no windows since his office is located underground and one automatic door by his own personal preference.
As the Doctor was typing away at his computer, a lone blue haired scientist can be seen walking down towards his room.
It was none other then Dr. Cobalt, carrying something very important in his arm.
Once the lanky Doctor reached Dr. Polendina's room, he first calmed his nervous heart before knocking on the automatic door.
Tock! Tock! Tock! "Dr. Polendina! Are you in?" Dr. Cobalt asked.
"If it's about Jacques Schnee and what he asked for, then forget it! Unless it's something urgent, I suggest you leave at once!" Replied the famed Doctor in an annoyed tone.
Dr. Cobalt visibly winced back at the Docter's hostile tone, he has heard about what happened to Project: P.E.N.N.Y and what happened to Dr. Polendina afterwards, however, he is still taken off guard at just how much her "death" affected the usually kind old man.
Dr. Cobalt replied. "No, it's me, Dr. Victor Cobalt! I have something very urgent to share with you!"
There was a brief pause, after what felt like a minute Dr. Cobalt thought the good Doctor wanted him to leave. However, he was suddenly taken by surprise when the door in front him suddenly opened to reveal the famed Dr. Polendina in the flesh.
"What is it." Dr. Polendina demanded, his tone impatient.
Dr. Cobalt quickly activated the scroll tablet in his arms and started shifting through numerous files. "W-Well… you must've heard about the recent incident that has happened in Vale, have you not? N-N-Not that I'm doubting your intelligence or anything sir! It's ju-"
Dr. Polendina nodded. "Yes I have heard about the incident. Something to do with something attracting the Grimm within the Forever Fall Forest near Vale. You were the head of the research team that was in charge of analyzing whatever was found within the forest, why haven't I received a report from you yet?" Dr. Polendina questioned in an inquisitive tone.
Dr. Cobalt bowed his head in apology. "I'm TRULY sorry about that sir. That's actually the reason why I'm here, I'm here to give you our findings." The Doctor explained as he continued to shift through his tablet.
Dr. Polendina quirked a suspicious eyebrow. "Then why did you come here in person? You do realize that you could've sent your report through a secured CCT network directly to me, saves a lot of valuable time." Dr. Polendina said, his voice laced with annoyance.
Dr. Cobalt nodded once again. "Once again I'm truly sorry. The reason why I'm here is because we have found someone TRULY amazing, and that someone brought technology that could advance Atlas's military hardware even further. However, General Ironwood ordered me to delete all files and research relating to this subject." Dr. Cobalt explained.
This has caught Dr. Polendina's interests. "Then why are you here exactly?" He asked cautiously.
Dr. Cobalt smiled. "I have secretly made copies of all our findings onto this tablet and I wanted to show them to you to see whether or not it's possible for us to recreate this technology." Dr. Cobalt explained as he finally showed Dr. Polendina his findings and research.
At first the famed Doctor just took an uncaring glance at the files and pictures that were shown on the tablet. However, as he looked closely at the files and schematics, his eyes widened in obvious shock.
Dr. Cobalt noticed his apparent shock. "What did I tell you sir? Isn't it ama-"
However, before Dr. Cobalt could finished, Dr. Polendina grabbed him by the lab coat and virtually threw him in his room before closing the doors shut.
Dr. Cobalt managed to catch himself from falling, he then gave Dr. Polendina a shocked/confused expression at his superior's behaviour and impressive amount of strength for someone of his age.
However, before Dr. Cobalt could ask, the famed Doctor fixed him a serious glare while holding his tablet. "Does anyone else know about this?" Dr. Polendina asked in a dangerous tone. Dr. Cobalt quickly shook his head in fear. "No! No one knows of this! You are the only one else who knows about those copies!" Dr. Cobalt hastily answered.
Dr. Polendina nodded as he started tapping away at the files. "This is what's going to happen. I'm going to make copies for myself and permanently delete these files you have here. You will tell no one of this or what happened here today. If you do, then there WILL be consequences. Understood?" Dr. Polendina said, his tone deadly serious.
Normally Dr. Cobalt would've argue against such a deal, however, he felt like the famed Doctor was going to kill him if he said otherwise.
So out of fear and a bit out of desperation, Dr. Cobalt frantically nodded his head. "Y-Y-Yes sir! I'll tell no one! I swear!"
As if a switch has been flipped, Dr. Polendina nodded with a friendly smile. "Good. Now calm yourself before leaving. We wouldn't want you attracting any unwanted attention, do we?" Dr. Polendina asked as he handed Dr. Cobalt back his now empty tablet.
Dr. Cobalt did as he said before collecting his tablet from the doctor and quickly made his way out of the room as fast as he can.
As soon as the door shuts, Dr. Polendina's expression turned serious. He knew that the lanky Doctor will no doubt tell someone about this incident, he would have to take care of him later on.
However, he had more important matters to deal with. Dr. Polendina went over to his computer terminal and opened the files he copied off of Dr. Cobalt's tablet.
He shifted through each and every file once again, recognizing each and every one. Weapon schematics of an aura powered sword, 0.75 caliber armor penetrating explosive bullets, large fragmentation grenades, a thermal energy grenade and lastly a grenade filled with gold dust.
However, what caught the Doctor's attention was the very last file, a picture of the very "someone" who brought all this advanced weaponry.
A picture of an Adeptus Astartes, a Grey Knight to be exact.
After a brief moment of looking at the picture, Dr. Polendina closed all opened files and permanently deleted them from his computer hard drive and database.
Once he was satisfied that the files cannot be restored, he then shut down his computer terminal and laced his finger together in front of his stoic face, mind plagued with numerous questions at what he just saw and pondering on what to do.
Soon he came to a decision.
Dr. Polendina pulled out his personal scroll and dialed an unknown number.
"Yes this is Polendina. I need to get to Vale, make the arrangements when I arrive." The doctor simply ordered as he shut off his scroll.
Getting up from his seat, Dr. Polendina made his way over to a blank area on the white steel wall located between his computer and workbench and on the opposite end of the room from the door.
He stared at the wall for a brief moment before closing his eyes and raising his arms as if he was offering something.
He then bowed his head and spoke.
++By the glory of the Omnissiah, and through the will of the Machine God. Let my path be shown, let my path be paved with metal and steel so that I may venture forth for my quest for knowledge++
Immediately, a large section of the wall in front of him depressurized as it slid open to reveal its inner compartment.
Unlike the white militarized walls of the room, the inner compartment was completely gun-metal grey lined and edged with real gold. Inside was a gothic-like machine shrine, complete with red candles, burnt out incense sticks, and dull lighting on the shrine of tubes and machinery.
On top of the shrine was a human skull, it's right eye socket had a red optic camera as covering large portions of the skull was machinery, antennas, tubing, wires, and even small mechanical arms below it.
However, Dr. Polendina's sole attention was on the very object placed on the "mouth" of the skull.
The object looked aged but seemed to be taken in the utmost of care. It was circular in shape and small in size, about the size of the doctor's palm. The design of the object is very unique as the colour scheme was divided vertically in half, the left side was bone white while the right was gun-metal grey. Embossed on this object was what appears to be a combination of a human skull on the right half and a cyborg skull on the left half within a grey gear.
To most in this world, they would find both the skull and this object disturbing, almost revolting. However, to Dr. Polendina, these objects were one of his very first and most important creations he's built since he was first placed on this world almost a century ago.
The skull was his personal Servo-Skull while the object in it's mouth was the Cog Mechanicum, the holy symbol of the Adeptus Mechanicus.
Dr. Polendina bowed his head in a quick prayer to the Machine Spirit of the Servo-Skull before removing the Cog Mechanicum from it's mouth.
He then stared at the religious symbol of his organization in his right hand, his expression troubled.
"So… the time has finally come for me to act. As the Omnissiah has foretold." Dr. Polendina said as a single Mechadendrite snaked it's way out of his right coat sleeve before grabbing the symbol from his hands and retreating back into his coat.
Once the symbol was secured, Dr. Polendina made his way out of his room and into the hallways.
His duty to the Omnissiah must not be delayed.
AN:
And that's a wrap. Now to answer some questions that you readers most likely will ask.
(1) Does Julius know about Blake's past, especially White Fang? No he doesn't, in the canon it seems he and his team was only told by Weiss about Blake's secret Faunus identity. But of course he has his suspicions.
(2) Why Blake is still wearing a bow? Didn't she get rid of it in Season 4? Blake got rid of her bow because she was going to the Menagerie, a place where all Faunus can live without discrimination. In this fic when she returned she wore the bow once again.
(3) Who is Dr. Polendina? If you don't know him already, he's the "father" of Penny. When Penny died it did cut to show a man watching the match, everyone assumes that was him. We have no information about this man yet, not even a name. So until we receive more information on him from the canon, I will just use Dr. Polendina as his name.
(4) Adeptus Mechanicus? Yes, many of you readers were asking me how in the warp would Julius repair his armor and equipment. After pondering on this question for the longest time, I have come up with a solution that doesn't use the cliché "Just ZOGGIN throw said Git inta da warp an spat out on Remnant!" I'm telling you right now, Julius was the exception, Dr. Polendina is not following this cliché, I will explain his situation in the next chapter.
(5) Will there be any others from WH40K universe? That is a definite yes, if any of you readers have any ideas then I'll be happy to hear them. But nothing too insane such as a Primarch on Remnant (That has been done to death), any of the Chaos gods (That will just ruin the story in general), or an ENTIRE army, just stick to one person.
Now I'm going to write two more chapters for Remnant of the Swarm. If you have any comments, suggestions, or reviews then either PM me or put it in the comment section below and I will read and reply back when I can.
See you all in the next time.
