AN:

Hello everyone! I'm back once again with another chapter.

*IMPORTANT*

Now many of you know about the poll I did last update and I'm proud to say that The Guardian of the Swarm won the poll by a landslide.

I will start writing the new story soon after this chapter's been posted.

Now many of you may be wondering how will this work from now on since I have three stories now.

Well it will go like always, two chapters for each story. But since I'm starting a brand new story, I've decided to write FIVE chapters for The Guardian of the Swarm (not including prologues) before going back to the usual routine.

I believe this will get the story going and that all you readers will enjoy what I have in store.

Now with that out of the way, on with 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 5: A New Path

"Where is Julius Arch?" Dr. Polendina subtly demanded as he gave Ozpin a serious expression.

Ozpin met Dr. Polendina's serious gaze with a suspicious frown before speaking. "Last I checked, Julius was in the Emerald Forest hunting Grimm. May I ask why you would like to meet him?"

The doctor slid his hands off from Ozpin's desk as he brought them behind his back, all the while still holding his serious gaze. "Why Ozpin, I'm sure a man of your wisdom knows exactly why I'm here. After all, there must be a reason why the famed headmaster of Beacon would hire a warrior of Julius's caliber." Dr. Polendina said.

There was a ghost of a frown on Ozpin's face. Call it paranoia but Ozpin highly suspected that the good doctor knew of Julius's true identity. He didn't know how or when but what other reason would the most famous scientist in the world come to Beacon other then the pursuit of new technology?

Ozpin can see it in the doctor's eyes. The eyes of a man that would do everything in his power to get what he wants.

And what Dr. Polendina wants is something Ozpin can't afford to leave his sights.

"You're after whatever technology Julius is holding. But there's more to that." Ozpin finally said, testing the doctor.

For a split second the doctor's eyes creased slightly before closing them entirely and adopted a disarming smile.

"Exactly! But don't misunderstand me Ozpin, I out of all people should know the dangers of applying technology far more advance then anyone could comprehend." The doctor then opened his eyes into a frown. "A mistake that I won't make twice." Dr. Polendina said with a hint of sorrow and malice, looking directly at the general from the corner of his eyes.

Ozpin heard Ironwood sigh. "Dr. Polendina. I swear I-"

"Save your excuses general. Or did you forget what I told you after convincing the Atlas Council that you weren't responsible for the Battle of Beacon?" Dr. Polendina said in a stern tone.

Ozpin knew what the famed doctor was talking about. Around a year ago just days after the Battle of Beacon, James was called back to Atlas to face judgement from the Atlas Council. Even though the general himself was an influential individual holding two entire seats within the Atlas Council, that did not save him from the full wrath of the Atlas Kingdom.

Surprisingly, Dr. Polendina came to his rescue, managing to encrypt and gain substantial proof of the true perpetrator of the attack that proved Ironwood's innocence and saved him from the execution block.

However, right now other then his supposed reasoning for meeting Julius, Ozpin can tell Dr. Polendina's anger towards James is genuine and for good reason. One doesn't easily forget what has happened during the final rounds of the Vytal Tournament. After all, it was broadcasted live to every kingdom, homes and personal scroll devices around the world.

And it seems to Ozpin that the famed doctor still blames James for the death of his "daughter", Penny.

James replied with a silent nod, one that Dr. Polendina curtly returns. "Good." The doctor simply said.

Seemingly satisfied, he then turns his attention back towards Ozpin. "Now where were we? Oh yes! The reason why I wanted to see your charge is because I'm intrigued with him and wish to extend a business proposition." The doctor explained.

Before Ozpin could ask, Glynda spoke. "And what kind of proposition are you offering to that man?" Glynda asked in a stern tone, no doubt sour at the mere mention of the knight in question.

The good doctor turned his warm smile towards Glynda. "Unfortunately I cannot go too much into detail. Classified information and all that nonsense. But I can tell you that I'm offering him to work directly for me as a personal agent." Dr. Polendina explained.

"And why do you need someone of Julius's set of skills? And what makes you believe that he would leave his duties here at Beacon to come and work for you?" Ozpin questioned in an inquisitive tone.

Without missing a beat, the doctor replied. "Because I believe his skills and talents are wasted here in this school."

Ozpin wasn't offended at what the doctor just said, not the slightest. In fact, the headmaster's suspicions only grew. What could the doctor possibly want from Julius? And more importantly, what does he know about Julius to garner such interest?

"What do you mean by that, Dr. Polendina? Do you believe you can offer him a better position than here at Beacon Academy?" Glynda asked, though she did a good job at hiding it Ozpin could tell that Glynda took somewhat of an offense to the doctor's indirect insult to Beacon academy.

The doctor held his smile. "Yes. I believe Mr. Arch's talents could be put to better use under my supervision. And besides, didn't you both suspend Mr. Arch from teaching combat lessons to the students here at Beacon?" Dr. Polendina asked.

Though Ozpin hid it very well, he was caught off-guard at what the doctor just said. How did he know something that has happened a mere two days ago?

Ironwood immediately turned to Ozpin with a stern frown. "You had to suspend him? I told you Ozpin that letting him free was a bad-"

"Not now James!" Ozpin said, silencing the general before turning his attention back towards the doctor with a stern expression. "How did you know?"

The doctor's smile grew. "It's a habit of mine to know exactly who I am hiring. So I took the liberty to browse through your network and databases to find any and all information on Mr. Arch." Dr. Polendina explained much to everyone's shock.

Glynda was the first to speak. "You hacked into Beacon's network!?" Glynda asked in a stern tone, glaring at the short stocky man.

The doctor's expression didn't falter; in fact, he chuckled. "My dear, did you forget who exactly you are talking to? It's not hacking if it's your very own program interface, software and network. It's like accusing me of breaking into my own house with my keys. How silly of an analogy is that?" The doctor explained with a heart felt chuckle.

It was at this point did Ozpin, and no doubt Glynda, realize the full extent of just who they were dealing with. Not only is Dr. Polendina has the backings of practically the entirety of Atlas and connections that possibly surpasses Ozpin's own, but the doctor has complete control and access to the very network where all information is stored and shared.

No secret is safe when faced against the very man who created the very locks of the safe. Dr. Polendina is a very dangerous foe.

However, there was a silver lining to Dr. Polendina's plans for Julius, something that Ozpin is counting on.

"Even so. I unfortunately can't decide for Julius. If you wish to recruit him, then it is his decision, not mine." Ozpin explained.

Dr. Polendina nodded. "Of course, of course. Then is it possible that I meet him personally? Preferably somewhere private?" The doctor kindly asked.

Though Ozpin saw through the kind act he nodded. "Of course. I'll prepare a space for the two of you. But I must warn you, Mr. Arch does not take kindly to those who seek to use him for their own devices." Ozpin explained, hoping once the doctor meets Julius for himself he would be deterred from hiring Julius ever again.

However, to his rising suspicions, Dr. Polendina gave him what seems to be a small, but victorious smirk. "Thank you Ozpin and don't you worry, I'm offering him something that he can't refuse."


Location: Emerald Forest

Julius grasped the neck of a Beowolf as it flailed in a hopeless attempt to escape from his hold. As the daemonic beast clawed uselessly at his armor, Julius shoved his sword through it's body, killing it instantly.

As the now dead daemon started to evaporate back to whatever hellish realm it came from, Julius pulled his sword out and slammed the rest of it's disintegrating body onto the ground, causing it to explode into black smoke.

Julius stared at the ground for a few hard seconds, unlike the many time in the past he found no satisfaction with this kill or any of his previous kills for the past two days.

For two days straight ever since his confrontation with the red haired human, he scoured the forest for any daemons to slay, venting off his anger and pent up frustration.

But no matter how many of these daemons he killed, no matter how powerful they were supposed to be, he still cannot ease his growing frustration. In fact, he could not get the red haired witch out of his fore thoughts.

With every swing, with every step, with every kill he is reminded of the human girl and what he did to her on top of that roof. This in turn frustrated him to no end.

'Even far away from the accursed schola, she STILL haunts my mind! Why!? Why can't I forget about her!? She is NOTHING to me!' Julius angrily thought as he stomped his way through the forest, seeking more daemons to slay.

His thoughts continue. 'Why should I care what I said to her!? She tried to sway me from the Emperor's guidance! To forsake my duty as a Grey Knight! All because she-"

'Loves you…'

Julius stopped. He heard it. Though but a quiet whisper, he still heard it.

'I know you are there. Speak or forever be silent!' Julius demanded.

'She loves you…' The voice whispered a bit louder. It's voice hauntingly calm and quiet.

Julius frowned. 'I do not care what she thinks of me! Now be gone from my thoughts!' Julius thought, however, the voice stayed.

'She loves you… and deep down… you care for her…'

This made Julius's blood boil. 'I had enough of your heretical words! Be gone from my thoughts or I will purge you from my mind!' Julius angrily threatened, however, the voiced stayed.

'She loves you… and deep down… you care for her… you lov-'

"SILENCE!" Julius roared out loud as he slammed his sword into the ground and instinctively activated his aura in an explosion of bright light.

After a few moments Julius's aura dimmed into nothingness as he held his position for a few more moments, listening for the haunting whisper.

However, he only heard the wind blowing through the trees, leaves flowing with the wind.

There was nothing else.

Julius frowned as he pulled his sword from the ground. Multiple questions popped up in his mind, all centered around the haunting whisper.

What was the whisper? Where did it come from? Why did it appear now? Was it right about his-

Julius's century of mental discipline purged the thoughts from his head. What he was thinking was bordering on heresy, he will not be swayed no matter what.

But before he could he could ponder any further, an incoming video call popped up in his HUD screen.

The ID call was from Ozpin.

Julius's frown deepened. He had half the mind of rejecting the call, however, he knew Ozpin wasn't one for wasting his time with trivial talk, Julius made that very clear to Ozpin.

Accepting the call, Julius was met with Ozpin's face for the first time in two days.

"Was is it Ozpin?" Julius demanded in a stern but annoyed tone.

Ozpin's expression was serious. "I need you to return to Beacon Academy. There is someone here who would like to meet you." Ozpin explained, his tone matching his serious expression.

Julius's frown deepened. "Who is it that demands an audience with me?" Julius demanded, clearly unpleased.

"It's the head scientist from Atlas's Science and Technology division. His name is Dr. Polendina, and he wishes to meet you in person." Ozpin explained.

Immediately Julius is on alert. He knew the name Polendina, but it did not belong to a scientist.

"And the reason for this meeting?" Julius asked in an inquisitive tone.

"Dr. Polendina is interested in hiring you. He didn't tell me the specifics, but he wants to meet with you alone."

Julius's suspicions only grew. If the Altas scientists from the time of his confinement and experimentations were any indication, then this Dr. Polendina is no doubt interested in his wargear. Something he will not tolerate.

If that's the case, then Julius could simply reject the meeting, but he thought about it.

This human from what Ozpin has described could possibly be the opportunity he was looking for. A way out of the schola and away from his self torment and frustrations.

However, Julius still has his honor as Grey Knight, he will not simply follow this human blindly and without careful consideration, especially with this human.

With his mind made up, Julius replied. "Very well. I will meet with your guest. I'll be there within the hour." Julius said cutting of the transmission before Ozpin has anything else to say.

Now with a reason to return, Julius turned towards the directions of Beacon Academy and charged through the forest.


Location: Beacon Academy, Dormitories

"Alright Pyrrha! Spill the beans! What happened and who's legs do I need to break!?" Nora questioned in a demanding tone.

It has been two days since Pyrrha confronted Jau- no- Julius on the roof tops. Since then Pyrrha went into a state of depression once again, she spent the entire night on the roof tops and if it weren't for Nora finding her the morning after, she would've been still there.

When Nora found her, lying on the roof fresh out of tears to cry, the energetic girl immediately brought Pyrrha back to their room where Pyrrha refused to move from her bed or answer any questions Nora was asking for two days.

Ren during all this time kept quiet and held Nora back for sometime. No doubt the stoic teen was waiting until Pyrrha was ready to share her feelings with them.

But Ren could only hold back Nora for so long. Especially when she told Team RWBY of Pyrrha's depression.

"Pyrrha come on, talk to us. What happened?" This time Ruby spoke, clearly worried for the red haired champion.

"Please… just leave me alone…" Pyrrha asked, begging as she curled more into herself underneath her sheets.

"Not until you spill the beans buster!" Nora shouted.

"Nora calm down. There is no need to yell at Pyrrha." Ren said in a placating tone.

"But Reeeeeen! She's being stubborn!" Nora whined like a child half her age.

"Nora is right. Pyrrha has been stuck in this room all day yesterday, and I'll be damned if I let another one of my friends go into some stupid depression!" Yang stated as Pyrrha heard someone stomping over to her bed.

Before Pyrrha could react, the blanket that has been covering her was suddenly gone, the sudden cold air biting into her skin.

Pyrrha only curled more into herself for warmth as she shut her eyes, desperately trying to stave away both the cold and the emotional pain in her chest. She hadn't eaten, bathed and much less moved from her bed in two days. Overall she looked almost as horrible as she felt.

There was a pause. "Pyrrha… look at what happened to you. Please… tell us what's wrong so we can help you." Yang said in a somber tone, almost begging.

However, Pyrrha refused to open her eyes as tears started to spill. "What's the point… None of you will ever understand what I'm going through, what I'm feeling right now…" Pyrrha said as she cried into her pillow.

What followed was only the sounds of Pyrrha crying, no one spoke.

After what felt like hours, Yang let out an exasperated sigh. "Then tell us so we can understand. We're your friends Pyrrha! You can tell us!" Yang said in a frustrated tone, but was only met with silent sobs from Pyrrha.

After a moment, Weiss sighed. "It's no use Yang. Let's leave her alone for now. The way she is now, we will never-"

"It's that knight, isn't it?"

A new but familiar voice cut off Weiss. Pyrrha recognized the voice but could care less.

"Blake! You're here!?" Ruby stated, confirming the identity of the voice.

However, Blake seemed to ignore Ruby and everyone else as Pyrrha heard a series of hard foot steps approaching her.

The footsteps stopped besides Pyrrha's bed. No doubt Blake is staring down at her miserable form. "The reason why you're sad is because of the… KNIGHT isn't it? You know something about that monster, don't you!" Blake demanded, her tone seething with boiling anger.

Pyrrha remained silent, refusing to look Blake in the eyes. Pyrrha was waging an internal war with herself. Should she tell her friends and risk being shunned? Or should she remain silent?

However, as she silently pondered, Blake's patience ran thin. "Well! Answer me!" Blake demanded in an angry tone.

Ruby spoke. "Blake calm down… and this goes for you to Yang! You both can't force Pyrrha to speak if she doesn't want t-"

"Yes…"

There was utter silence as Pyrrha slowly lifted herself from her bed and met Blake face to face. Blake is currently in her casual wear, but she seemed just as worse for wear as Pyrrha with unkempt hair and baggy eyes. But the miserable faunus wore a determined expression, one that Pyrrha met with her own dead eyes.

"Yes… the knight… Julius isn't who you think he is." Pyrrha started to explain. However, she was cut off from Weiss. "Wait. What do you mean Pyrrha? You know who Mr. Arch is?" Weiss asked in obvious surprise.

Pyrrha nodded her head. "Yes. I've kept it hidden from all of you ever since Ren, Nora and I returned from our mission from the Forever Fall Forest." Pyrrha explained, everyone's (sans Blake) eyes widened in apparent shock.

Pyrrha took a deep but shaky breath as she steeled her nerves. "The truth is… I believe Julius… is Jaune." Pyrrha finally said, immediately bracing herself with the inevitable disbelief from her friends.

No one spoke as everyone was no doubt digesting what Pyrrha just said.

"What?" Ruby said in a tone of disbelief, breaking the tense silence.

It was soon followed by Yang. "Pyrrha. This is no time for jokes. I know you miss Jaune, but that doesn't mean-"

"I'M NOT JOKING!" Pyrrha suddenly screamed making everyone flinch back at the sudden outburst.

Pyrrha continued. "During that battle, when Ren, Nora and Winter were unconscious, I was almost killed by him, even with all my training I still lost to him!" Pyrrha started crying. "But right before he could kill me! I called out to Jaune! Saying I was sorry! But I didn't die! He stopped his blade just inches from my throat as he recognized JAUNE'S name! JAUNE'S NAME!"

Tears fell from Pyrrha's face as everyone listened. "All of a sudden, his aura came out of him like a bright wave. I FELT his aura! It felt like Jaune's aura! And before he collapsed he said my name! MY. NAME!" Pyrrha outright screamed.

"There was no doubt in my mind that this knight, that Julius, was Jaune! But I was afraid to tell any of you because he changed so much, changed into that-that MONSTER!" Pyrrha cried out as she continued.

"With how much he has changed, I know for a fact that none of you will believe me if I told any of you! And how could I!? How can I convince any of you that the-the- the MONSTER that hurt Blake, that hurt ME two days ago when I confronted him on OUR roof, is very same man that I used to love, that you all used to call a friend!?" Pyrrha cried out as tears flowed freely from her face. No one dared to interrupt her.

Finally, Pyrrha looked towards Blake with the most broken expression they ever saw on her face. "Blake… you asked what I know about him… I can tell you that whoever he is now… he's no longer Jaune… Jaune is truly gone..."

That did it. Pyrrha broke down for the second time of her life. Her friends could do nothing but watch in both shock and disbelief as Pyrrha cried.

It felt like hours as Pyrrha's cries slowly became more silent. Not one of her friends moved, probably disgusted with Pyrrha.

She doesn't blame them, she deserved their hate, their scorn for keeping such a secret from them for so long.

After what felt like hours, someone spoke.

"We have to tell Ozpin about this. He must know."

The voice belonged to Ruby. Pyrrha wiped the tears from her eyes before turning towards the teen in question.

"I agree. The headmaster should be informed about this." Weiss added as the rest nodded, surprising Pyrrha even further.

Weren't they mad at her? Did they actually believe her?

"But we can't take out the possibility that Ozpin may already knew about Mr. Arch's true identity. How should we approach this?" Ren questioned.

"We will confront him about it. If he allowed that monster to teach in this academy, then I will know the reason." Blake answered, her voice promising redemption.

"Then what are we waiting for!? Let's go!" Nora said as she rushed out the door.

"YEAH! Right behind you!" shouted Ruby as she sped out the door leaving behind a trail of roses.

Everyone else sans Pyrrha sighed at the two easily excitable girls. Pyrrha on the other hand was wide eyed shocked. "Why…?" Pyrrha asked in utter disbelief.

Yang gave her a smug smirk. "Because miss cereal box, we're your friends! And friends are always there to listen and lend a helping hand, no matter how ridiculous you may sound." Yang explained as Ren, Weiss and lastly Blake nodded in agreement.

"I… I agree. Pyrrha… let's get to the bottom of this together." Blake said as she extended a hand to Pyrrha.

Pyrrha looked at the offered hand in shocked disbelief. Then slowly a smile adorned her face as she grasped the offered hand and finally moved from the bed. "Yes Blake. We shall." Pyrrha said, her confidence returning.

Returning her smile, both Yang and Blake made their way out of the room as well as Weiss. Before Pyrrha could follow, Ren placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

"It's good to have you back Pyrrha." Ren said with a small smile as he made his way past her and out the room.

Pyrrha smiled, filled with renewed confidence. However, she soon adopted a more serious expression, thinking back to what Ren said earlier. If Ozpin truly knew about Julius's identity as Jaune, then she and her friends will get to the bottom of this if it's the last thing she does.


Location: Beacon Academy, Combat Arena

Julius stomped his way through the halls of the schola towards his destination.

Just a few minutes ago he received a message from Ozpin to meet the one named Dr. Polendina in the Combat Arena, as it's one of the few places that can house him and the doctor comfortably with room to spare.

Ozpin also told Julius that it will only be him and the doctor in the arena, no one else to intervene.

Julius wasn't fooled. No doubt Ozpin has cameras set up in the arena before hand. But it did not matter. If this Dr. Polendina turns out to have any ulterior motives or even thinks about using Julius as a tool for any of his experiments, then no Huntsman in this schola can stop him from crushing the doctor underneath his boot.

Julius now finds himself in front of the arena's entrance, his helmet's auspexs detected a single signature within the arena.

Steeling himself, Julius pushed opened the doors and stomped his way into the arena.

The first thing he sees is a short, stocky human with a bald head and large white beard wearing what appears to be a white lab coat. This human has his back towards Julius, seemingly unaware of the Grey Knight.

It was only when Julius got closer did the human turn around to see him.

"Ah! You've arrived! And on time as well! No doubt Ozpin told you already, but I'm Dr. Polendina, head director of Atlas's Science and Technology Division." The doctor greeted in a calm and friendly tone.

Julius frowned at the doctor from underneath his helm. To the ignorant the doctor seemed to pose no threat to Julius. But Julius was no ignorant fool.

Unlike Julius's previous encounters with humans of this world, this was the first human to greet the Astartes with calm friendliness. The human's eyes showed no signs of shock or ounce of intrigue, as if the doctor is already used to seeing a warrior of Julius's calibre.

Julius stopped a few feet away from the doctor as he stabbed the point of his blade into the ground before him, both hands gripping the handle of his force sword.

Julius won't let his guard down; his blade is ready at a moment's notice.

As Julius stood stoically silent in front of the doctor, said doctor continued. "I see your reputation proceeds you. No wonder Ozpin seemed so adamant of your friendly personality." The doctor said with a friendly smile, no doubt trying to rile a reaction from Julius.

However, the Grey Knight gave no immediate response, in fact Julius grew impatient.

"Drop your meaningless façade. Why have you called me here?" Julius demanded in a stern tone.

Immediately, Dr. Polendina's friendly expression vanished and was quickly replaced with stern seriousness. "I see… To the point then. The reason why I came here and sought you out is because I want to recruit you to my cause." Dr. Polendina explained.

Julius frowned. "And what cause may that be?" Julius asked suspiciously.

This time Dr. Polendina gave Julius a knowing smirk. "The very same cause that you and I continue to fight till this very day." Dr. Polendina's eyes bored straight into Julius own with intense seriousness. "To safeguard humanity and to annihilate the enemies of Man. Isn't that what the Adeptus Astartes were created for, Grey Knight?" Dr. Polendina asked.

Julius's eyes widened with shock, however, it lasted only for a fraction of a second before Julius quickly raised his now glowing blade to the doctor's throat. "Who are you? How do you know who I am?" Julius demanded in a dangerous tone.

Dr. Polendina for his part seemed unfazed, not breaking his gaze from Julius even for a moment. After a moment of tense silence, the doctor replied. "Words will not convince you, I worked with your chapter before. But this will prove my identity." Dr. Polendina then slowly raised his right hand as something snaked its way through his sleeve coat.

What appeared out of the sleeve was a single Mechadendrite as it held what appeared to be a hand-sized coin. The mechanical appendage dropped the coin into the doctor's right hand before snaking back into his sleeve. Dr. Polendina then tossed the coin to Julius, who in return caught it with his left hand by reflex.

Still keeping the doctor at sword point, Julius flipped to coin in his left hand over as his eyes widened in recognition.

The coin had the symbol of the Cult Mechanicus embossed on the one side.

There was no mistaking it. "Where did you get this?" Julius demanded.

Dr. Polendina frowned. "I will explain until you lower your nemesis force sword from my throat." The doctor asked, however, Julius's didn't comply. "No, I will not. How do I know you're not some traitor for the foul forces of Chaos?" Julius questioned, not trusting the doctor for a second.

Instead of replying, Dr. Polendina leveled an annoyed glare towards Julius. "If it's proof you want, then it's proof that I shall provide."

Before Julius could question the doctor any further, a sudden burst of white noise erupted from Dr. Polendina's mouth as it continued on for several more seconds.

Julius's expression hardened as he went to cut the head off of the doctor in front of him. However, he immediately found himself unable to move as both his arms and legs refused to budge even an inch. Julius's HUD showed that his armors' locking mechanisms located in the arms and the legs were engaged remotely and refused to unlock through his mental commands.

After a moment of trying to unlock his armor, a status update appeared.

++Identification code 213399084-66745743390 accepted++

++Armor lockdown procedures initiated++

++Praise to the glory of the Omnissiah++

Julius glared hatefully at the doctor before him. "WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO MY ARMOR!" Julius roared out in fury as he strained his arms and legs uselessly against his armors hold to no avail.

Dr. Polendina leveled an annoyed frown on Julius. "Only what you have asked from me. Proof of my identity. Only the devoted followers of the Cult Mechanicus can possibly do what I just did to your Aegis Terminator Armor." Dr. Polendina explained as he stepped to the side away from Julius's blade and reclaimed the symbol from Julius's hand.

However, Julius was far from pleased. "RELEASE ME AT ONCE!" Julius roared as his armor started to glow with his growing anger.

Dr. Polendina shook his head. "I will not, I have dealt with your kind before on many occasions. If you want to be free then listen to what I have to say." Dr. Polendina said, leaving no room for an argument.

Julius would want nothing more than to run his sword through the doctor's throat, silencing him permanently. But his logical side told him to listen to what the doctor has to say if he had any hope of escaping his now armored prison.

So after taking a second to calm his rage down to simmering levels, Julius gave a curt nod. "I am listening."

The doctor nodded. "Good. I'm glad there is still some form of logic within that adamantine covered skull of yours." Dr. Polendina said, the insult passing over Julius's head.

The doctor took a few steps past Julius's outreached sword with his hands clasped behind his back. "Now you may be wondering who I am exactly. It is true that I am a devoted follower of the Machine God and the Cult Mechanicus. But certain circumstances and events had me ended up on this planet through powers greater then my own. No doubt those same powers sent you here as well."

Dr. Polendina then turned back and walked back the way he came. Julius following the doctor's movement every second of the way. The doctor's claims seemed down right heretical at best, but Julius cannot deny the proof that the doctor "provided" him with so far.

Soon enough the doctor stopped in his tracks as he turned back towards Julius, meeting his stern gaze with his own. "On this world I am known as Dr. Polendina. The Father of Technology. But 90 years ago before finding myself on this planet, I was once known as Archmagos Polendinius of the 12th Explorator Fleet from the holy forge world of Mars." The now revealed Archmagos explained.

Even with his helmet obscuring his face, Julius's expression did not falter. His stern gaze boring into the self-proclaimed Archmagos before him.

"You have yet to tell me how you arrived onto this world, Tech-priest." Julius reminded in a stern tone.

Polendinius's frown hardened. "I was just getting to that. As you may or may not know, as a Magos Explorator it was my holy duty to the Cult Mechanicus to scour the universe in the eternal search for knowledge. With a Explorator fleet and a legion of Skitarii under my direct command, I set off in the year 826.M41 into the far edges of the Ultima Segmentum for the endless pursuit of knowledge. For 125 years my fleet alone discovered new unclaimed worlds, fought the numerous xeno forces over lost technology and abandoned forge worlds, and even discovered a valuable STC database for the forge world of Mars." The Archmagos said, his tone filled with small hints of pride.

However, his expression turned stern. "However, that all ended when my fleet was attacked by a large Ork Waaagh led by an Ork warboss named Head Smasha. My ships held their ground, my skitarii fought against the unrelenting boarding parties of Greenskins, but it was all for naught as I watched my fleet being ripped apart from my command ship."

Polendinius looked towards Julius's still outstretched blade, seemingly analyzing the glowing sword. "So as a final attempt of defiance, I ordered my remaining tech-priests to overload my ship's warp drives and charged straight towards the Warboss's own flagship. As expected, the Warboss couldn't help but meet my charge head on, being an Ork and all. So my ship crashed into the detestable xeno's vessel as the warp engines soon detonated upon impact." The Archmagos explained.

He continued. "You would imagine my surprise when I woke up in this world. But unlike you, I was instead reborn, resurrected into this world with all my memories and knowledge intact."

This got Julius's attention, this story sounded oddly familiar to his own. "You were resurrected into this world? How is that so?" Julius asked, his stern tone masking his confusion.

The Archmagos chuckled. "I asked myself that question everyday for the next 15 years. Why have I been reborn? Was it the Omnissiah's? What purpose did he have for me on this world? It wasn't until I turned the age of 20 did I realize my true purpose on this planet was." Polendinius said as he hovered his hand along the edge of Julius's blade, no doubt knowing exactly what will happen if he were to touch his sword.

"And what purpose will that be?" Julius asked with a hint of stern curiosity.

Polendinius turned his attention back towards Julius. "My purpose came to me one night while I was sleeping, a vision given to me by the Omnissiah." Polendinius explained.

Julius's eyes widened. "What did he show you?" Julius demanded.

The Archmagos answered. "He did not speak. Nor did he show himself to me. But somehow I knew it was none other then the Omnissiah. He showed me a brief vision of three Astartes standing against the very darkness that chokes this world." Polendinius then levels a serious gaze on Julius.

"And one of these Astartes was you. Grey Knight."

Julius frowned, questions plagued his mind at what the Archmagos just told him. Julius then thought back to his own purpose on this world, the reason why he was sent here by the God Emperor in the first place.

It all makes sense now.

"So with this vision, I set off to prepare for the day my vision came true. For 90 years I consolidated my power, gathered allies and spread my influence on this world. I also made another startling discovery during these past 90 years. I found those like me, those who were resurrected into this world from our Imperium." Polendinius explained

"There are others from the Imperium?" Julius asked as the Archmagos nodded in reply. "Yes there are definitely others, but so far I only managed to find two. The first I found in Altas' Officer training program. The second I found rotting away in an Atlas detention center located in the far north. I have yet to find anyone else from the Imperium or… the other factions from our universe." Polendinius explained.

Julius frowned. If there are others from the Imperium, then what is the possibility that the Imperium's enemies were also on this world. The Tech-priest arrived into this world decades before Julius, what's not to say that a chaos demon, sorcerer or a single cultist made their way into this world also. Chaos always seems to find a way to spread their corrupting influence.

If that's the case, then he now has a second objective, to hunt down these traitors and heretics that has crossover into this world.

But first he needed to deal with the Archmagos.

"I see you're finally realized the full weight of what's at stake here. Not only do we have to worry about the possibility of our enemies coming to this world, but the new enemy we face on this very world." Polendinius explained as he continued on.

"The enemy we face now is elusive, cunning and has connections everywhere. Not even I could track their every move… which has lead to severe… consequences." Polendinius said in a low tone as he looked off to the side.

Julius frowned but remained silent. After a moment the Archmagos turned back to Julius after seemingly collecting himself, suddenly a burst of white noise erupted from his mouth.

Immediately Julius's outstretched arm dropped as the locks finally disengaged. After testing each of his limbs, making sure he could move freely he turned his attention back towards the Archmagos, sword still in hand.

The Archmagos in return simply turned his back towards Julius with both hands behind his back. "No doubt even after my explanation, you still have your doubts about me. Not uncommon for one who works so closely with the Inquisition. So since you politely listened to what I had to say, it's only common courtesy that I do the same." Polendinius said.

Julius tightened his grip on his sword handle. "You have cleared any doubts in my mind that you come from the Emperor's Imperium. But if you are truly who you say you are, then you will answer my questions. But I will warn you, if I sense that you are lying to me, then I will strike you down where you stand." Julius warned as his sword glowed to reinforce his threat.

However, if Polendinius was worried he didn't show it, still standing with his back towards the Grey Knight. "I understand. Ask away."

"If you're truly a follower of the Cult Mechanicus, especially a magos, then why do you still have more flesh then machinery?" Julius asked in an demanding tone.

Polendinius turned to face Julius. "It's more of preference and hiding my true identity from the public and from my enemies. Also it takes time to upgrade one's body to surpass the weakness of the flesh." The Archmagos explained

He continued. "However, unlike the Imperium, humanity on this world are against the idea of experiments that goes against human rights unless it's for medical purposes. And besides… who said I was mostly flesh?" The Archmagos said as Julius noticed the Archmago's pupils suddenly dilate and increase at an unnatural rate. Julius also noticed multiple thing snaking their way through the Archmago's coat and sleeves.

These movements soon stopped when Julius asked his next question. "Why did you share your knowledge of technology so freely to the kingdoms of this world? I refuse to believe that a tech-priest of your caliber willingly shared such precious technology."

Without missing a beat, Polendinius answered. "If you call a Vox broadcast tower, handheld cogitators, auto-weapons, and simple automations precious technology then you are sorely mistaken. I wouldn't even entertain the idea of making power weapons and giving it to humans or abhumans who would misuse them, much less laz-weaponry for the Atlas Military." The Archmagos explained, his tone laced with annoyance.

Julius then asked the next question. "And the A.I's of the Atlas Military. They were your creations. Were. They. Not?" Julius asked in a dangerous tone as he readied his sword.

However, the Archmagos glared at Julius. "Watch your tongue Astartes, I am no heretek. Those are nothing but simple drones that carry out only the most mundane of tasks, they are equivalent to a servitor with an autogun." Polendinius explained, his tone filled with anger.

However, Julius wasn't convinced. "And what about the abominable intelligence named Penny? Did you or did you not create that abomination against mankind?" Julius asked, demanding and answer.

This time Polendinius didn't answer as all the anger in his expression suddenly replace for one of pure stoicism.

Julius's frowned. "So it's true then. Your created an abdominal intelligence." Julius said as his sword glowed in preparation.

"Project: Penny wasn't an A.I. She was my perfect creation." The Archmagos said, halting Julius's sword.

Julius's frown hardened. "What do you mean?" Julius questioned inquisitively.

Instead of answering, the Archmagos reached into his lab coat and pulled out an object that Julius immediately recognized.

It was a servitor.

Polendinius closed his eyes as unintelligible white noise once again erupted from his mouth. Soon enough the servitor's single red optic activated as it soon started hovering besides the Archmagos.

The servitor then showed a holographic image of the very A.I. they were discussing. Showcasing each of the A.I's individual parts and what energy source it uses.

Julius paused at what he saw.

"Project: Penny was to be the very first of my skitarii, a secret project for the kingdom of Atlas. But the kingdom of Atlas abhors the use of humans and even the abhumans for any sort of experiments and instead wanted me to create a synthetic A.I. So I made Penny in secret." Polendinius explained as Julius examined the schematics once more.

The entirety of Penny's body was mechanical, however, the only parts that wasn't mechanical was the skin, a large portion of the upper torso, synthetic muscles made from real human muscles, a human heart and finally the head housing only a quarter of a living brain, the rest machinery.

Penny had human parts perfectly incorporated with her vast machinery. One could not tell the difference at face value.

The Archmagos deactivated the servitor and returned the skull back into his lab coat. "By my luck I found a dying girl in a random alleyway. After doing some background checks, she was an abandoned orphan and was dying of an incurable disease. She was the perfect subject for my project. So I went to work, and after three years I created the perfect being. A perfect fusion between flesh and machine." Polendina explained with a hint of pride in his tone.

He continued. "I managed to fool the Altas Council and Military to thinking Penny was a synthetic A.I. So for a year after her creation I have taken the upmost care when looking after her even when she started to question her own existence, not knowing for certain whether she's an A.I or something much more."

Julius frowned at this. Even though Penny was made from a human being, she still questioned her existence as a human or A.I. If it was Julius's decision, then he would've gotten rid of the girl from the very beginning. Perfect or not her mere existence disgusted Julius.

Not that he would openly admit it to the Archmagos.

Polendinius suddenly became serious. "But then Atlas Military wanted to test Penny's combat capabilities at the Vytal Tournament. In the beginning I refused such ideas, for I was worried that they will do nothing but desecrate my perfect creation, not realizing her true potential. But in the end it was Penny that convinced me to let her go to the tournament, she wanted to see what the kingdom of Vale had to offer." The Archmagos explained as Julius listened silently.

Then the Archmagos expression turned furious. "Letting her go to the Vytal Festival was one of the biggest mistakes of my life here on this world. During the final rounds of the Vytal Tournament, I watched helplessly as Penny was split into four pieces. Then the enemy used the remains of MY perfect creation as a statement!" Polendinius said as he is now seething in anger.

"They made one mistake that very night… They made an enemy out of me, and I swore to myself that I will find them and I will make them suffer for what they did."

Julius said nothing as the Archmagos visibly calmed himself before looking towards Julius.

"Are you satisfied now?" Polendinius calmly asked.

Julius gave a curt nod. "Yes. My doubts about you are now cleared Archmagos. I have but one question." Julius asked as he stabbed the point of his sword into the ground.

The Archmagos raised a curious eyebrow. "What is your question?"

"Who exactly is our enemy?" Julius asked in a dangerous tone as he tightened his grip on his sword handle.

Polendinius adopted a serious expression. "She is the one that leads the daemonic Grimm and her minions from the shadows. Her name is Salem." The Archmagos said.

Julius's frown hardened. "Where can I find this witch?" Julius demanded.

However, Polendinius shook his head. "I unfortunately do not know where she is, much less seen her. And she is no witch, she is an ancient daemon that has been on this world for untold centuries." Polendinius explained, however, Julius could care less.

"It does not matter. If she's the one summoning the daemons of darkness to this world, then I will find her and banish her back to whatever hellish realm she spawned out from." Julius promised.

The Archmagos nodded. "There is a way we can possibly track her and her minions." Polendinius suggested.

This caught Julius's attention. "What is it then?" The Grey Knight asked almost impatiently.

"Salem is looking for the ancient artifacts hidden away in each of the Huntsmen Academies in each of the four kingdoms. With all the relics she could reshape this world as she sees fit, bringing an end to all of humanity here on this world. That is why her minions attacked Beacon, to get to the relic. But with the failure at Beacon, Salem will no doubt target the other academies. It's all the matter of which one?" The Archmagos explained.

He continues. "I have no doubt that you will travel to each of these scholas now that I have told you this information. So I offering you this Julius Arch. Since our goals are aligned, come with me and together we will find and gather any loyalist other from the Imperium on this planet. Once our forces are sufficient enough then we will bring the full wrath of the Omnissiah down on Salem's head." The Archmagos said as he reached out a hand for a shake.

Julius stared at the Archmagos. Julius is Grey Knight, for as long as he has known his sole purpose of existence is to be the Hammer of the God Emperor, His Angel of Death.

In his previous life he had died saving the very kingdom he is in now, slaying the one who he thought was responsible. But now he realizes that the death of Jaune Arc has only delayed the inevitable, that his fight with Cinder was just a small part of a much larger war.

Julius does not know why the Emperor has returned him back to this world, or why given him a second chance in the first place. But If the Emperor has sent him to this world for the purpose of finishing this war, then Julius will finish what Jaune Arc started in his previous life.

With his mind made up. Julius clasped the Archmagos hand. "I. Julius Arch, Botherhood Champion of the 1st Brotherhood of the Grey Knights Chapter. Will lend my sword to your cause Archmagos Polendinius."

The Archmagos gave a curt nod before breaking the handshake. "Good. Come Julius. There is work to be done." Polendinius said as he made his way past Julius and towards the exit. Julius soon followed suit. For the first time since his arrival to this world, he felt his purpose for the God Emperor renewed.

A new path has opened for him. One that he will see to the very end.

AN:

And done! Now to answer some questions that some of you readers may have.

1) How Does Dr. Polendina know about Salem? He is an Archmagos, no information is too far from his reach.

2) Will there be Skitarii? Unfortunately no, I want this fic to be focused more on the Astartes, an army of Skitarii seemed a bit too over the top for me.

3) Dr. Polendina talked about three Astartes in his vision, who are the other two? They will appear later in the story, but for now all I can tell you is that I already picked the Space Marines that will be joining Julius later.

4) Will there be anyone else coming from the Warhammer 40k universe? That's a definite yes, if you have any suggestions then I would like to hear them.

Thank you for all your support. If you readers have any comments, reviews, suggestions or questions then either PM me or write it down in the comment box below.

Now as promised I will start writing my newest story The Guardian of the Swarm. Keep an eye out, it may come sooner then you think.

See you all then.