Thank you readers for your reviews, they are appreciated.
Also if another warhammer 40k race were to have caught wind of the world of Remnant which would you like it to be? (Other than Chaos)
Anyways onto the story
Previous Chapter:
However, others had differing plans, 'Oh this year is bound to be fun.' Thought a girl with ashen-black hair, her bright amber eyes promising the worst one could imagine. "Oh, you've made this year a whole lot more fun." Her voice full of malice spoke as she retreated back into the shadows whilst glowing segments of her clothing came to life.
3rd Person
101.42M
Strike Cruiser 'Titus'
Metrios Carr, Captain of the Tenth Company was leading three, strike cruisers to the 'Eternal Crusader' the flagship of the Black Templars. The massive ship was surrounded by various ships used by the Adeptus Astartes, from escorts to strike cruisers. Metrios requested a vox-transmission to speak with High Marshal Helbrecht, something the high marshal accepted.
"What do you wish, brother?" The voice of the high marshal piercing through the silence on the Titus' bridge. "I believe we both know what I am here for brother, our Primarch has returned, surely you sensed his presence appear," Metrios spoke calmly but with the expected fervor of a space marine.
"Aye, I did sense it. However I am weary to send support with you, the Black Templars can not grant support to an expedition if we are already spread thin." Helbrecht spoke in a earnest manner, unwilling to allow a company or two to be wasted on possibly false hopes. "I understand your peril brother, I feel for you, however, I'd expect the Black Templars to understand the utmost importance of this. Brother if our Primarch does return you might not even need to worry about your numbers. We could become a Legion once more, with our father's gene-seed we could bolster our numbers tenfold. With our father we might finally reach the pinnacle of penance, we might bring down Chaos. I only need two companies, I request this if I fail you may request Chapter Master Dessian to bolster your numbers by four companies. I swear it." Metrios' speech was passionate and truthful, no half-truths or attempts at deceit, a true son of Dorn.
The marshal thought for a minute as all the eyes of the Black Templars and Imperial Fists landed on him. "Primarch-Progenitor, to your glory and the glory of Him on Earth. Aye brother, you're right, two companies of the Black Templars will stand with you in your search, you will receive two fighting companies. Our father will return to us and he will lead the Imperium to triumph over Chaos! Ave Imperator!"
The Astartes were later transferred to the Vengeance Incandescent and the Capulus. The Imperial Fists welcomed the their distanced brothers with open arms and as the three strike cruisers were about to warp-jump to commence their search for their gene-sire.
However before warp-jumping Captain Metrios had some final words to say.
"Brothers, we are about to embark on a treacherous journey we may not return from. However, we have sworn to find our gene-sire, our father, we know he is out there in the grimm expanse of space. We shall succeed for the Emperor knows that our cause is just, he knows that should our Primarch return, our Imperium will beat back the xenos, we will finally be triumphant. To his glory and the glory of him on Earth!" The Black Templars were a known successor chapter to the Imperial Fists and joined in the war cry. The sheer strength behind the words filling the hearts of the Astartes and the crews of the cruisers. They all knew it was bound to be a successful expedition.
101.42M
Terra
Imperial Palace
The Emperor looked on as the expedition travelled through the warp, he would protect them. His stoic son Rogal Dorn would return and with his help he could get off the damned Throne. They would bring Chaos to its knees and finally bring peace and prosperity to the Imperium as he longed to do so long ago. 'Rogal may fate have mercy on you.'
Remnant
Beacon Academy
After a brief introduction of the rules, including stuff like knock on the bathroom door, no nudity and so on and so forth. Some of the rules were a tad demanding of Eran but he stuck with it so he could have a room to sleep in. They continued heading to their room as he slowed slightly, right beside Blake and just out of hearing range. "Nice to see you again." He said with complete normalcy, his smile never leaving his face.
Blake's eyes widened to the size of dinner plates as they continued walking but she looked up to Eran in shock. She started to stutter but was stopped when Eran held his hand up. "There is no need for alarm, you didn't harm me or anyone else. I understand that you're not ready to trust me however you should really stop hiding those ears. If Weiss finds out she'll most likely attempt to kill you. Trust is one of the most components in any relationship. I would advise you to stop living in the shadows." He spoke monotonously, with a stoic look on his face, the pleasant smile having disappeared. After the brief advice he gave he walked faster to catch up with the rest of the group. His face warped from its stoic look into a friendly smile. 'I'm quite the hypocrite aren't I' Eran thought as he walked away from Belladonna.
Meanwhile the faunus was just trying to understand the situation she was in. Eran remembered her and could reveal her identity to the group any time he wished and had forgiven her. Quite the game-changer, but did she have the courage to come out of the shadows? 'Do I have the strength to do it?' she thought before continuing to walk, at a faster pace to catch up with the rest of the group.
Ruby as the leader of the team had the key and opened the door to reveal a room with four beds, a crimson curtain, a bookshelf under a window, the window being in the centre of the room separating right from left. A door on the left which most likely led to the bathroom. The walls were a marble colour with intricate grey designs but were cut off about a quarter of the wall to the floor. The one quarter that touched the ground was a wintry grey, a black floor and a circular red carpet with intricate red and gold designs. Tables were on both sides of the entrance door as to provide spaces for the students to do their work. As well as bookshelves above the tables.
Eran had plans to sleep on the floor with a sleeping bag which was of no consequence, except a sore back in the morning but that was something he could overlook. The girls went into the bathroom first allotting him time to set up his sleeping bag. The girls eventually were all finished with their necessities and he was given a turn to use the bathroom. As he got out of the bathroom with his pyjamas on he walked to the carpet and got into his comfortable sleeping bag.
Ruby just now realized that there were only four beds and could only look on in disappointment as she didn't realize sooner. However a very ambitious part of her brain screamed at her to invite Eran to share a bed, it brought a maddening blush to her face as she scurried under her blanket. However, it was more of an early teenage crush, it was a small seemingly temporary thing.
Yang saw this and went to her sister, whispering to her in sarcastic worry. Ruby told her what was on her mind. Yang adopted a teasing smile as well as flushed cheeks. Yang teased Ruby on her growing infatuation with Eran. However she herself couldn't help but realize that she too was hot under the collar due to these thoughts.
The group soon went to sleep.
Weiss had dreams of her receiving her first report card, straight A's. As she was receiving the report card from Headmaster Ozpin, a loud noise awoke her from her dream.
Blake had less savoury dreams about her time with the White Fang as well as revealing it to her teammates. Their reactions were not pleasant, her fears only grew but she also saw Eran, looking at her with a smile, no hate, no disgust just a genuine smile. Behind him was an open door that had a blinding light emanating from it with Eran holding his hand out, waiting for her to join him in exiting the room of fears. As she was about to walk through an extremely loud noise assaulted her cat ears. Bringing her out from the dream
Ruby had a more romance based dream with Eran joining her in it.
Ruby had a dream that she and Eran were sitting in a cafe enjoying their time talking, laughing and constantly smiling. Eran's scars were still there but she couldn't help but ignore them, in her mind they were irrelevant. They eventually got back to Beacon after a wonderful afternoon, they decided to look out from the edge of the cliff towards the city. The sun was reaching its setting point, an orange light covering the sky. They turned to each other, both with infectious smiles. Ruby jumped up wrapping her arms around Eran's head and legs around his waist and kissed him with love. Eran wrapping his arms around her back, returning the kiss in full force. It was adoration, love, whatever you wanted to call it, at its purest. It was a beautiful thing and Ruby loved every second of it. She woke from her dream right after to a loud noise, it wasn't her alarm.
Meanwhile Yang's dream was more diverse, however Eran was also there for the most part.
It started with Blake being ganged up on by a bunch of goons and a man in a mask with flame designs. They were in what seemed to be a ruined building with debris all over and some fires in the background. She felt absolutely lethargic for some reason but the sight of her friend being treated that badly brought adrenaline pumping back into her being.
Anger clouding her judgement she charged in like a mad bull into the fray. However the guy in the mask somehow got behind her and struck her in the back of the head just enough to daze her severely. Her vision was filled with dark spots as her arms were tied together. She lazily looked around to see Blake looking at her in worry, the group circled the two teammates once more, blades out. Darkness encroaching upon them like hungry wolves. However heavy footsteps were heard from behind the goons, Yang coincidentally was recovering from her daze just enough to be able to see who it was.
The goons turned around offering an avenue for Blake and Yang to look through as well. It was a man in bloodied dull gold armour, a two-headed bird design of some kind adorning the cuirass. Eagle-like designs on the spaulders as well as on the cuirass accompanied by other intricate designs on the other parts of the armour. However, the thing that caught everyone's eyes was a massive chainsaw/sword thing that had blood dripping off of it in droves. She looked up to the man's face, blood splattered all over, a stoic frown looking like it had been placed there for centuries, white hair and two pure white globes that spoke volumes to her.
The eyes, they say that the eyes are the pathway to the soul, she could very well agree. She saw anger, sadness, adoration, love, worry and so much more. The more positive aspects being directed at her of course, she felt her heart bloom with warmth at the sight of the globes she already held dear. He charged and the dream ended with the resounding roar of his voice. The roar from the dream only to be replaced another, full of pain.
The girls were all woken from their dreams by a horrific scream, they bolted out of their beds to see Eran twisting and turning in his sleeping bag.
The sweat coming off him in waves, his eyes were shut and he looked so, so pale, an unbearable shade of pale that made Grimmula look healthy. They rushed to his side shaking his massive frame, he awoke from his slumber, his eyes tiredly switching attention between the four girls around him. "Thank you, this one's been the worst one in years." He said in a shaky voice, Ruby's eyes growing red, her heart feeling the pressure of the sadness of reality pressed on it. Weiss looked at him sorrowfully. Yang in anguish, he looked so fragile, so brittle, it was disturbing and she couldn't help but feel her heart sink to the back of her chest.
Blake, she just witnessed the repercussions that the White Fang had caused to so Eran and many others.
Blake had to get away from the situation, "I'll get you some water." She said as she walked away from the scene in regret, her time with the Fang was a humongous mistake. 'It was a mistake, we were peaceful activists! We weren't this…" She thought bitterly, now understanding the truth, the current White Fang was a mistake, a horrendous one.
Weiss simply held her brother's hand tightly, with care.
Yang couldn't do anything but look on with hate, she blamed the Fang for this and no other. 'Bastards, how could they!?' However fear filled her mind as well, 'what kind of hell did they put him through!?' Tears starting to come to her reddened eyes.
Ruby, couldn't help it, she brought her arms around Eran's head, wrapping him in a wondrous hug. Eran, albeit surprised by the action saw that Weiss looked about ready to explode, stopped her from doing anything drastic and wrapped his left arm around Ruby in a heartwarming hug.
The group eventually put this matter to rest after Eran repeatedly said that he was fine. Eran really did appreciate their care, but this wasn't supposed to be their burden, only his own. Soon enough the whole debacle was behind them well that was what it seemed like to him. Ruby and Yang's cheerful smiles were brought back into existence. A sight that he couldn't be happier to see.
Moving on from the debacle they changed and had their first group decision. A 'unanimous' decision to decorate the room, sadly with all the space they used up their beds were in disarray. Ruby decided to make them bunk beds, however, if Eran weren't there they would most likely have ended up as death traps instead of beds.
Unknown to them they were almost late to class and comically ran out to get to their first class on time, first impressions were important. With team JNPR rushing after them also realizing that they were almost late.
Eran and the guys were wearing the Beacon Academy male uniforms consisting of black suits lined with gold, accompanied by a blue vest and a white shirt with a red tie. Eran's having been tailored to his measurements.
The girls were wearing the female uniforms consisting of a red plaid skirt, stockings of various lengths, and a brown jacket with a tan vest and white shirt with a red ribbon tied at the collar. However, it seemed students were allowed to give their uniforms adjustments as Ruby had, she was wearing her red hood over the uniform.
They burst into the classroom exactly ten seconds before the bell rang and took their seats quickly.
The class itself was to be taught by none other than professor Peter Port. Peter appeared to be a man reaching the older stages of life. He wore a double-breasted burgundy suit with gold piping and buttons. The pants he wore tucked into olive boots, similar in appearance and construction to cavalry boots. He had grey hair, accompanied by a grey moustache and appeared to be slightly overweight.
The class itself was a bore to most students and was seemingly mainly about professor Port's exploits. Eran himself was just curious about how the hell he used his weapon, it was a blunderbuss with axes on the butt of the gun. How Professor Port shot it without getting stabbed by the axes, Eran would most likely never know.
To Eran, the class was, in contrast to what most of the students were thinking, was educational, in a way.
While everyone was too busy falling asleep, or doing something else to keep themselves occupied, except Weiss of course. They listened and saw the lesson professor Port was trying to teach them. He spoke about Grimm's weak points, he orated the story and said the values a Huntsman should have. In reality professor, Port knew that the more virtuous side of things were lies meant to fill the student's heads with virtue. All that mattered was surviving because at the end of the day it's a dog eat dog world.
Soon enough professor Port finished his story and asked the class who believed they were all the values that a Huntsman should have. As the overachiever she was Weiss raised her hand.
Professor Port decided it would be good to test that by making Weiss fight a boarbatusk he captured and had in a cage, in class. Something which nobody commented about.
Said boarbatusk was a quadruped creature with many features associated with a boar, including cloven-feet, a line of hair sprouting from its spine, a snub snout and tusks. The boarbatusk had four eyes and a bone-like mask that seemed to be strapped to its face by a black vein-like organic tether. It had a series of plates along its back and on its thighs, and two extra sets of tusks, including two large curving tusks. However, it's underside was comparatively under-protected and vulnerable, with little to no protection.
What followed was a small fight between Eran's sister and the boar-like grimm, R_BY and Eran supported Weiss with a few flags and supportive chants. Eran saw a slight smile spread over Weiss' face. However again Eran had another question, 'wherein the name of the Emperor did the flags come from?!' Finding this amusing Eran brought his own smile to his face and chuckled lightly.
Again not wanting to bother thinking about lest it gives him a headache, Eran left it alone and moved on. Weiss won the bout with the boarbatusk via stabbing the thing in the belly. However it concerned him that one boarbatusk was all it took to make Weiss out of breath, they would have to work on endurance.
The rest of the day passed in a flash, however after classes, as he was searching for Weiss, he unknowingly came upon Ruby. Her face was marred with a frown and her eyes full of doubt and worry.
Ruby didn't realize Eran was there until she felt a large hand squeeze her shoulder tenderly.
Ruby looked over and saw Eran looking down at her with a concerned look spread across his face. "Are you ok Ruby?" He asked with care and warmth in his voice, it warmed Ruby's heart but it didn't stop her worries. Ruby sighed and spoke, "Eran do you think I'm the best choice to be the leader of this team?"
Eran squeezed Ruby's shoulder affectionately, "Ruby listen well, you currently aren't the best choice to be team leader, but you have the capacity to become a great leader. Trust me, I'm guessing Weiss is the reason you're feeling down but listen to me, you are still quite young. You can adapt, you will become a great leader, believe in yourself, you can do it. Your sister believes in you, Blake believes in you, Jaune, Ozpin and so do I. Come on let's go to the dorm." Eran spoke with warmth in his voice, Ruby looked like a kid at the Vytal Festival.
"Thanks, Eran, I really appreciate it," Ruby spoke joyfully but still had a slight air of melancholy in her voice.
Eran heard this and his head came up with a sly idea, as they were about to start walking he picked Ruby up and put her on his shoulders like a parent would do a child. Much to Ruby's weak protest, "Eran! What are you doing!" She spoke with surprise and laughed in between. "It's simple Ruby, I won't have you sad under my watch so stay up there and have some fun!" He spoke with determination and happiness at seeing her smile, and laugh like her usual self.
They weren't too far from their dorm but still received some very amused looks from many people who happened to be along their way to the dorms.
However Eran and Ruby couldn't care less, they were having fun, they laughed and Eran couldn't help but start to run a bit when Ruby wasn't expecting it. When the Schnee heir started to run Ruby yelped and held on tighter. But soon the pair just started to laugh, they simply started to laugh wholesomely. He continued to run and soon enough they were outside going through the avenue.
Eran decided to take a detour and slowed down in front of the cliffside and set Ruby down. Looking out to Vale, seeing the gorgeous sunset, Eran looked towards Ruby, "That was fun wasn't it?" He spoke with joy evident in his voice, adopting a smile. "Yeah, it was! Wow, I never felt so tall in my life! That's how you feel every day! I'm going to have to drink more milk!" Ruby spoke with superfluous amounts of pure joy and happiness. It truly brought a smile to Eran's face and an overpowering tug on his hearts' strings. 'I should tell her, but what proof do I have? None, they won't believe me even if I told them. If they saw my organs they would merely call them extreme mutations. Oh, Father what do I do?...' No response at the moment, 'Well I'll enjoy what I have for now.'
Eran was brought out of his thoughts when Ruby started to speak, "Eran, thanks I really had fun. I owe you one." "Hey no problem I just helped you out when you were in the dumps, you don't have to say thank you to me for that. Besides I couldn't let your adorable self stay like that." He spoke with truth and care, it also brought a wave of redness onto Ruby's face.
She stuttered for a bit before looking at Eran nervously, "You think I'm adorable?"
"Ruby the real question here is how could I not." He spoke with truth and seriousness, it only gifted Ruby a redder face. They turned to each other, one looking like tomato and the other with a warm smile. Ruby reigning in her shock just to speak, "Thanks Eran, no one ever said that… except for Yang and my dad." At this Eran became curious, "What about your mother?" Instantly he knew that he stepped on a minefield.
Ruby grew sad and the smile he cherished so much turned into a frown, "My mom, she died…" She spoke mournfully, Eran regretted his question but he had to apologize, it was the least he could do. "Ruby I'm sorry I stepped into a touchy area, forgive me, please." He spoke with regret and sadness Ruby looked to him and could see that he cared for her that she couldn't doubt. "It's okay Eran it's in the past, I can't do anything about it, but I can move on from it, for the most part, I have but she was my mother…I don't think anyone can completely get over losing a parent." Ruby spoke with a tone of determination and slight sadness.
Eran in an attempt to alleviate the mood rubbed Ruby's head which did succeed to a marginal extent. Ruby again puffed her cheeks in slight annoyance but the suddenness did bring her mind off the more depressing subject. He once again hoisted her up and put her on his shoulders, "Come on Ruby we still have to get to the dorms, should I run or walk?" He spoke with a happy tone as well as with a sly smile. Ruby didn't even have to think, "Hmmm, you should…. Run!" With that, the laughs again were heard throughout Beacon and happiness reigned supreme once more.
When they returned to the dorm Ruby got off Eran's shoulders much to her very own daunting protest. This occurred in front of Blake who wasn't really paying attention and Yang who now had sooooo much ammo to use on her sister. However Yang couldn't help but feel jealousy, she wanted to do something like that with Eran.
Soon enough it was dark and everyone looked to be in bed and Weiss apologized to Ruby who fell asleep studying. Eran saw this from the point of view of his sleeping bag. it seemed he was going to be in a sleeping bag for the foreseeable future which didn't by no means bother him, it was merely an observation. Now onto the subject at hand, his heart swelled up with pride when Weiss apologized. 'She has finally learned to control her pride, good job Weiss. I'm truly proud.'
In an attempt to make this situation a bit more comical he cleared his throat in a stereotypical way to gain attention. That he did, Weiss looked over to him and he merely nodded his head and looked at her with pride. That alone made Weiss happy and she knew she made the right decision.
The three remaining awake hunters in training eventually fell to the welcoming grasp of sleep. The last one to completely fall asleep was none other than Ruby Rose. Who looked over to her companion Eran Schnee, she used her semblance and teleported over to Eran's side. She knelt down by Eran's head and gifted a caring kiss to his cheek, one which brought a smile to Eran's face. This made Ruby think Eran was awake but it was merely a reaction to the kiss. The adorable Ruby Rose beamed at this, a beautiful smile grew onto her face and she stood up and went back to her bed to sleep.
Unknown to her Eran was awake and asleep using his augmentations, the Catalepsean Node. It was an organ that allowed him to switch off parts of his brain, and leave others still functioning. 'What a bold move Ruby, a bold move indeed. Yang and you really are half-sisters.' He thought before drifting off to rest for tomorrow.
Combat Class - Professor Goodwitch
Cardin Winchester vs Eran Cornelius Schnee
The day started off like any day, normal, Eran and all the other students woke up, did their necessities and went to class.
This class was a combat class, every student's favourite… currently, it wasn't Cardin's favourite. Cardin was facing off against the scarred Schnee as some people called him, but they really don't talk about his psychotic strength! Cardin prided himself on being one of the strongest out there, this Atlesian was overpowering him easily.
The faunus in the room were jubilant, having front row seats to see Beacon's resident racist being beaten like a drum. This match started after Eran had enough with Cardin beating Jaune and so after Jaune's bout ended Eran challenged Cardin.
Cardin, being Cardin accepted Eran's challenge with no idea of what he just put himself into, even acting cocky before the match commenced.
Cardin had at this point, severely regretted his decision.
Team RWBY and JNPR were cheering Eran on with fervour, Yang and Ruby especially.
Meanwhile was looking over the two combatants' battle style with an analytical gaze. She had to admit the heir to the SDC had a very aggressive battle style, offering the opponent no time to think with quick, heavy attacks. Not allowing the opponent a fraction of a second's respite, ruthless indeed. Cardin just couldn't keep up.
Eran struck again with Ríkr, slamming it's face onto Cardin's armour, sending him flying, the landing wasn't pleasant to say the least. The resident bully tried to get up but was too slow, he looked up and saw the spear-head of the hammer millimetres from his face. Luckily enough professor Goodwitch shouted out that the match was over before anything else could occur.
Immediately announced the winner to be Eran and sent them to their respected teams. Eran returning to the group within victory, Ruby said, "You were amazing Eran!" Yang followed up with, "I want to see what else those muscles can do." With a sly but good-natured voice only to be rebuked by Weiss.
Not soon after they were sent off for lunch.
The dining room had a formal air to it, it ran down the length of a cloister-like hall. The dining room featured four long tables running the length of the hall with benches to either side and walking areas located in between. Students were able to sit not only with their teams but other groups. Like all parts of the academy's buildings, the dining hall had a somewhat Gothic appearance. The walls are marked with the academy's crossed-axe logo. 'Wow, they do not know how to use the Gothic look.' Eran thought in amusement.
As they got to their seats Eran relieved his head from his helm and sat down with Ríkr being placed in between his legs and his placed his helm on the table. He decided to have a good old rib-eye steak with vegetables, bread and potatoes, it smelled divine. However it was interrupted by Pyrrha and Ruby's concern for Jaune, they questioned him on his well being before a laugh erupted from Cardin's throat alongside his goons and the begging of the female faunus student. The faunus was trying to get out of the situation but Cardin pulled on one of her rabbit ears.
'So he's bullying again… I think it's about time this has ended once and for all.' Eran thought as he stood up, picking up Ríkr as he walked towards Cardin. JNPR, RWBY and basically everyone else stared at him intently, it looked like a movie scene. The hero going to thwart the antagonist's bullying, Yang and Ruby felt a slight amount of jealousy but kept it at bay.
Eran continued to walk, his steps reverberated through the hall and his armour making its metallic clangs. His face cold as could be and his eyes sharp, team CRDL looked over and saw the massive Schnee, his shadow over them.
Cardin was immediately at odds, "What do you want Schnee?" He spoke roughly, still bitter about his loss.
"What I want is for you to stop harassing the innocent faunus." He spoke with the utmost coldness, most in the room flinched away from his blizzard-like tone, team CRDL included. "Why should I? Surely you should know that faunus deserve this! Look at what they did to you! You don't have an arm because of them!" Cardin spoke with fervour defending his case with valid points but there is always an Achilles heel in any armour, statement, etc. As he spoke Cardin pulled also with more force on the rabbit's ears, making her whine in pain. Meanwhile, the lunchrooms occupants' breaths hitched, a specific team had just entered to hear this defence, it's leader fuming. However, they didn't move from their position, curious to what the SDC's heir would do. Team RWBY was seething at the mention of Eran's arm, but Blake could be seen trying to cower away from the situation. Silence reigned from then on, everyone waiting for the reaction of the heir to the SDC.
It seemed like an eternity until Eran spoke his voice even colder than before, "Yes, my arm was removed from me by a faunus, but those faunus were White Fang. There are similarities between this girl and the men that tortured me that's true, they are all faunus, the similarities end there. This faunus here is not a killer, or a torturer, or even a White Fang supporter. She is merely a young girl attending Beacon academy in hopes of becoming a Huntress and eventually defending faunus and humans alike. When I first came out of the hospital, I said that faunus are not to blame, only the White Fang. My views haven't changed. When and if I catch sight of the White Fang I will kill them with glee. I've done it before and I will do so again. So I would advise you to allow her to let her go or the last thing you will see are your intestines all over the floor. So what will it be?"
The entire cafeteria was staring at Eran in shock, would he really do it? They didn't know, but Cardin and the rest of the team looked into the Schnee's eyes and saw the seriousness he spoke with. They were sweating bullets, they were becoming pale at the thoughts of what Eran would do. So Cardin wisely let go of the faunus' ear and walked away along with his team. However it seemed their legs couldn't go faster than a walk, with rightful reason, everyone could see the palpable fear in team CRDL's eyes. They weren't the only ones, the entire cafeteria stared at Eran in fear, it was thick in the air, you could cut through it with a knife.
The faunus girl stood straight the pain finally leaving her, she was thankful but scared. She could see her team across the cafeteria but her legs were paralyzed in fear.
The steps, Eran's steps were again echoing in the halls of the cafeteria, inspiring pure fear. The faunus girl heard them getting closer to her and she grew paler and soon enough she felt a hand being placed on her shoulder. The rest of her team were brandishing their weapons in preparation for conflict, the leader growing nervous. Eran then spoke with his detached voice, "Are you ok?" The cafeteria finally felt the tension lower just slightly, the hairs on the back of people's necks finally calming down.
The faunus Eran just protected turned to him, face filling itself with colour once more and a wide smile was adopted onto her face. Her rabbit ears were not wavering in shame as they were before his intervention, now standing tall with joy. "I'm better thank you, Eran. I'm Velvet, Velvet Scarlatina." She spoke with an uncommon tone of happiness that was not normally used towards him by strangers. He took his hand off her shoulder in understanding that she was ok.
Taking a closer look the newly named Velvet had long, brown hair and brown eyes. She also had a pair of brown rabbit ears, identifying her as a faunus. Velvet was wearing the Beacon Academy uniform, which consisted of a white, form-fitting top, with a collar lined with black and a pink ribbon tied neatly below. She also appeared to be wearing a dark-brown, long-sleeved jacket that came down around her chest, over the shirt. Her leggings consisting of two parts: a pair of dark-brown shorts and a pair of black form-fitting leggings that came just below her hips.
Eran nodded in acknowledgement and walked off, Velvet doing the same when Eran came back to team RWBY and JNPR the air was thick.
However, Eran would have none of it. He set down Ríkr, sat down and started to hum 'Betty Boop' by Charles Puthicus and dug into his food. His humming only adding to the eerie situation.
"Hey Eran, would you actually do it? Would you kill?" The question came from Blake, he turned his attention from his steak to the faunus hiding her identity, "Why yes, yes I would as I have before." He spoke clearly for all in the cafeteria to hear not afraid of hiding the fact, adding a chuckle at the end of it. The entire cafeteria except Weiss staring at Eran in fear.
Eran realizing their fears, "Oh don't worry, I've only killed the White Fang, besides you have to agree that they've given me a good reason to. It's not like I'm going to turn psycho, trust me. You're all my friends and family in a case, but please understand that I wouldn't harm any of you with intent. You've been with me since the start of the year and if you need me I'll gladly help you without any regret, no matter the costs." Eran spoke with warmth and adoration in some moments, rubbing Ruby's head who was to his right and squeezed Yang's shoulder, who was on his left. With that fear soothing speech, the group's fears were swept away, Eran was their friend, most even felt ashamed that they thought of the worst.
Eran was a loving person to friends and a demon to any enemy and they now understood that. Well, Weiss already knew it but the speech was soothing nonetheless.
The entire cafeteria heard the speech in the deafening silence, it was quite an eye-opener. Soon enough the room continued to be filled with the conversations of friends and teammates, all was back to normal. All except the eyes filled with interest from a girl with amber eyes promising nothing but fire and ruin. Now she had to change her plan, she then walked out not being seen by anyone in the cafeteria.
History Class - Bartholomew Oobleck
Professor Bartholomew Oobleck, a man with messy green hair, has brown eyes. His attire was dishevelled: his white shirt partially tucked into his dark-green pants and its collar raised, showing a slack yellow tie, along with mismatched brown and black shoes. He also has round glasses that appeared to be opaque. His Lecture hall similar to his attire, dishevelled, papers stacked taller than small children and coffee mugs randomly placed everywhere. The entire board was practically covered in papers that were connected by pins attached with red yarn forming a spider web of red yarn, with its background being the map of Remnant
He was a very energetic man, to say the least, always moving at impossible speeds around the classroom, casually taking sips from his coffee cup, he taught at an extreme pace. The students, except the Schnee twins, were struggling to jot down the plethora of notes they had to learn. Yang, Ruby and Blake were going to take advantage of their teammate and Eran's abilities to write at unimaginable speeds and were planning to ask for their notes at the end of class. They knew Weiss would scorn them for their laziness and refuse to give them a peek but Eran sure as hell would. Thankfully it didn't stop them from taking on the brutal challenge known as 'Bart's blabbermouth'.
Currently, they were learning about the Faunus Rights Revolution, had asked the faunus in the class if they had ever been bullied by humans for their heritage. Some responded, including the girl Eran had assisted, Scarlet. Weiss took a slight offence to that for her brother and was about to call the professor out until Eran put a hand on her shoulder saying that it was ok.
The professor, not realizing his mistake, then went on to rant about how ignorance caused the divide between humanity and its sub-specie. As well as the White Fang, he immediately moved on form that topic to ask the class when they thought was the turning point in the faunus rights revolution/the faunus war. Weiss being Weiss raised her hand up in a swift action, gaining a slight chuckle from Eran as well as an amused look from the same person. "The battle at Fort Castle," she spoke with slight pride at her own intelligence.
then asked the class who could tell him what the advantage the faunus force had over the inexperienced General Lagune. The answer was near perfect vision in the night, since General Lagune had planned for a nocturnal attack he was thwarted from success by the faunus' near perfect vision in the dark and was soundly defeated, his massive army massacred.
Cardin, being Cardin flicked a triangular piece of paper with surprisingly good aim at the back of the now almost asleep Jaune. This caused Jaune to groan out 'hey' and sadly this attracted the attention of the history professor. Who then embarrassed Jaune in front of the class for his lack of input in class. So the professor asked him the question, Jaune stuttered a bit before looking around for assistance. "They are able to see in the dark," it was Eran who spoke out, Jaune breathed out in relief. Professor Oobleck turned to Eran and said, "Why exactly did you help, it is clear that he is unknowing of this subject?"
"Well, I am merely following the virtues that professor Port taught us in his lesson. Also, how can you embarrass my friend about a subject that occurred ages ago when you can not remember the recent subject concerning the fact that the pain inflicted by racism can go both ways. I am a living testament to that fact. Or have you forgotten that?" Eran spoke in his cold, deadpan voice, the air of the room being changed with words. The entire class staring at Eran in absolute shock, even the Headmaster who was in his office watching the class alongside, said, "Damn, that kid has some balls. Glynda, do you think I should put this up on Valetube?" Meanwhile Glynda shook her head and continued to stared at the image with an amused look, before responding with a "Yes." As that was happening Professor Oobleck started to sputter out words with no coherence, in obvious indignation, his face growing red, before simply using his power as a teacher to trump his student. However, everyone who would learn of this on Valetube and from gossip in school would know Eran won the bout.
"Eran you along with Cardin are to stay in class for additional readings. Moving on!" spoke in quick succession, unwilling to receive more embarrassment. As the class went on things went back to normal and Cardin received a 'whipping' per say for his racist statement, something that Blake and Pyrrha relished in giving him.
After the class was dismissed team RWBY were talking about Eran's absolutely wrecking. Team RWB_ decided to go ahead first, Yang telling them that she would wait for their newly dubbed, 'rebel'. Team _NPR did the same thing but with Pyrrha, both girls decided to pass the time by talking about their experiences whilst in their teams and such.
Meanwhile inside the lecture hall, scolded Jaune and Cardin for the lack of effort they put into the class and gave them a massive amount of work. He then turned to Eran, his opaque glasses not allowing Eran to look into his eyes. " , I want to apologize, I understand that I was in the wrong, however, please refrain from following up your answer with an insult. If it occurs again you and I will be going to the Headmaster's office, is that understood?" Professor Oobleck spoke with an apologetic voice, Eran thought it was only prudent if he responded with candour and a level of respect, "Ok professor I understand and sorry about that as well, I may hae taken it too far." With that sorted, they were allowed to go.
Waiting on the other side of the doors were Yang and Pyrrha talking away about the upcoming Vytal Festival.
The girls looked over, walked over to Eran and Jaune whilst Cardin walked away back to his dorm in irritation. Pyrrha took Jaune on an excursion to who knows where and Yang and Eran stayed there for a few minutes talking. "So Eran, how do you feel being the 'rebel'?!" Yang asked enthusiastically, Eran looked on in amusement at the name, even smiled warmly at the name, making Yang blush slightly. "You know I don't mind being called that, but I don't think I'll be doing that again." He spoke truthfully, with warmth in his voice and hint of amusement.
They continued to talk for a bit as they walked back to their dorm, however, bad memories started to come back to the light. They stopped talking, just taking in the night's sky in all its beauty, the moon overhead and the noises of the waterfall accompanied by a slight wind. Eran started to look at his left arm knowing it was nothing but a prosthetic. A slight scowl marring his face as they walked silently to their dorm.
Yang turned to him noticing and couldn't help but want to speak with Eran about it. "Eran, are you ok? You know you can always count on me to help." She spoke seriously, her smile turning into a slight frown marring her gorgeous face in deep concern. Eran turning to her looked straight into her eyes, those entrancing lilac globes staring at him with deep concern rooted in them. The Schnee sighed and then spoke, "It's just some bad memories, no need to concern yourself." Yang reacted in a more volatile manner, her eyes pulsating a crimson hew and her flawless mane of gold turning fiery in the darkness. "Like Hell, it isn't! Eran, you had a panic attack the first day and now you're sulking! I am asking you to let someone help you! Let me help! I'm not going to stop until you let me! So please Eran, please." Her ire slowly diminishing as her demand/rant went on.
She had expressed her anger in more ways than one, she got up in Eran's face about it and made several actions in a furious rage. Until she came to a screeching halt when she said her final words rushing Eran into a one-sided hug, pushing her head into his chest. Eran looked on in shock, his clothing started to feel slightly damp but he didn't care, he brought his arms around Yang. After a minute of no movement, just the two of them enjoying each other's company, Yang looked up straight into Eran's white eyes. She saw them full concern, care, adoration, and so much more, it warmed her heart as well as making it pick up its pace.
"S-so are you going to tell me or not?" Yang spoke slightly nervous, knowing she stepped out of line a bit, Eran adopted a smile and decided to tell her. However he did warn her that it was gruesome, she merely batted it away saying if he had the strength when he was fourteen she could do the same now.
However, he still spoke wearily and with the utmost sadness at the memories. "Yang… when they tied to the chair, they went from top to bottom. They started with my smile." Yang listened intently, but couldn't help but cringe, both holding each other's hands in deep adoration and in Yang's case support as well.
They both had decided to adopt a more comfortable position and sat on the grass, in front of each other.
"Their officer used a butter knife to stab through both my cheeks and cut through them slowly, while I just screamed. I felt so powerless, helpless, useless, I didn't even have my Aura at the time, the pain simply did not end. Eventually, he got to the ends of my lips, I looked up, the bastards were all smiling, even had their idiotic smug looks on their faces, like they were proud. I tasted my blood, it came into my mouth in waves, I drank it all, like iron or copper. They took off the armour on my chest and arms and they continued to 'slice and dice' or at least that's what they called it, I can still hear their voices in my head…" He stopped for a second remembering the scene in its gory detail.
"Some deep, some not so, some struck a bit too deep, my blood came rushing out. I just felt so drained my very life force being sucked away from me. But they left the worst for last, my arm, as you can imagine I was already suffering from blood loss but I didn't lose too much yet. I could barely feel my head, I started to feel dizzy and darkness closing in centimetre by centimetre. But a whole new level of torture was what they put me through when they poured alcohol on my entire body. It burned, it burned like nothing before. The officer finally brought something akin to his prized weapon, a butcher's knife, the other goons kept themselves busy holding my arm out. I wasn't thinking straight and only figured it out when he started to bring the knife up over his head. Then I just felt pain, it's indescribable. When it first pierced my skin, he failed to get through it all, he hadn't gone through my bone about halfway. He did it another two times to get through my arm, throughout the entire thing I was screaming, my vocal cords were shot. I felt blood coming up from there, but when he cut off my arm I felt a blooming light come over me, washing the pain away, not much though. My aura finally came to me, the smaller cuts started to heal slightly and the deeper ones had at least stopped bleeding as much. Then everything just seemed to explode, beowulves came from the walls and killed the bastards and by some luck, loosened my restraints."
He paused again to have a breath. "But they weren't grimm lucky as that was, they were my sister's glyphs. I was so spent, my heart was racing faster, blood pumping out of me faster, I walked out of the wall my other arm against the side of the wall, my arm hanging loosely by a thread of my shirt. I looked over and saw my sisters there, I smiled at seeing them there but the darkness took over and I fell over." He paused for a second breath hitched, but he forced himself through it, he had turned his head away from Yang to not see her face.
"Next thing I know I woke up in a hospital and a few hours later I was walking out of there, I gave a speech and went home. I was promised a prosthetic and life continued. The worst part was the dreams, everything that I experienced was increased tenfold. I would be in the same place, same time but in the dream, I would die, each time a different death. It all felt so real, I felt the pain, but in some sort of distorted way, I felt that through the pain I'm being condoned for my sins. It felt right, like I deserved it, hell I probably do." Eran said, there wasn't as much emotion as one might expect throughout the monologue just a shallow level of resignation to the past. 'I do deserve this… I failed the Emperor, I failed Humanity.' Rogal thought, reflecting on the memories that he had from times long past.
Those words would be his undoing, Yang was outraged, absolutely fuming. She had let go of his hand once the words came out of his mouth, she just couldn't believe it. So she slapped him right on the cheek, there was so much force behind it that he fell backwards, back hitting the ground. She got up and started to straddle him, slapping him a few more times, but he didn't do anything, he didn't retaliate. She finally finished and looked him right in his pearly white eyes, a furious look in her eyes. "Eran… how can you say that about yourself?! How!? Haven't you suffered enough?! Do you have any idea how that affects others, or ME?!... Eran, we care about you. Your sisters care, Blake cares… in her own way, Jaune, Pyrrha, Ren, Nora, Ruby cares for you and so do I. Let us help you, that burden isn't meant for one person, please."
She started her speech with a force that no one could stop, but as she went on tears started to well up in her eyes and by the end of it a few tears had spilt onto her beautiful face.
Eran couldn't do anything but stare at her in shock, he had never been treated like this by anyone, in all his years. He felt like a weight was taken off him, he felt his shoulders relax, he felt forgiven but not completely. He was on his way to reaching it though, all due to the intervention of the girl in front of him, Yang Xiao Long. His face shifted from it's shocked state and turned into eyes filled with adoration and warmth, a smile graced his slips as he stared longingly into Yang's eyes. He brought up his arms and brought Yang into a hug like no other, he brought her head to his and spoke, "Yang, I don't know how I can express my gratitude. Thank you." Yang stared back longingly into his eyes, but she reigned in her senses, "Just don't do this to yourself, just stop, that'll be good enough for me." She spoke softly her cheeks starting to flare up but she laid her head down on his chest, enjoying the soft thumping of his heart.
101.42M
Strike Cruiser 'Titus'
Space Marines hailing from the Imperial Fists and all its successor chapters, throughout the galaxy felt a small warmth flutter in their hearts. It felt pure, it felt like you've just killed Horus Lupercal and saved the Imperium, it felt perfect. However, it felt as if something old was brought back and renewed, most of the marines of their didn't know what it was, some had ideas, but only few knew what it really was. Only those who were there when the disappearance of Dorn occurred, and with it those that knew had a burn re-ignite within them, a growing burn to fight.
Carr immediately ordered that the three strike cruisers to bear down on that location. The navigators told him it would still take some time to reach it but it didn't matter, they had found their Primarch. He told the tech priests to bring him a vox communicator so he could be heard in all ships at once. "My fellow Marines-" Every Marine stopped what they were doing to listen to their leader. "-you have all felt the touch of warmth, it may yet lead us to our reason for this Crusade. Have faith brothers, we may yet find our Primarch."
The three Strike cruisers manned by the most loyal Space Marines roared in triumph and absolute jubilance, they continued their journey at maximum speeds.
Their cheers could be heard from the Eye of Terror, the Dark Gods indeed turned their gazes momentarily. One specific Daemon Prince turned his disgusting head, 'The Breaker', 'The Lord of Iron', Perturabo, Primarch of the IV, Iron Warriors legion. Once he heard the ravings of the Imperial Fists he knew he had to go, if Dorn was back, then he would make sure to bring him down permanently. He took a portion of his forces off the front lines, granting the Imperials much-needed respite and chance to counter-attack but he didn't care. The thief who had stolen so much from him had returned and he would be the one to kill him, even if the Dark Gods forsake him.
Remnant
Beacon Academy
Yang enjoyed hearing Eran's beating heart, it was soothing. However she couldn't help but realise it was quite fast, 'Maybe he feels the same way.' She thought giddily. Eran was truly happy now, albeit a bit nervous, he really did feel for Yang, he felt happy around her and sad without her, feeling anger when she was sad and the utmost joy when she was happy. She was beautiful, kind, bold, loving and so much more and in all honesty he wanted it all for himself. 'How selfish of me, *internal chuckle* am I worthy of such a gift?' He asked himself staring down at the wondrous blonde on his chest, surprisingly though he heard a voice in his head.
'Why aren't you deserving, Rogal? You served the Imperium for centuries and even in your new life you have suffered a substantial amount.' The voice of the Emperor was in his head once more, 'True father but I don't have any experience with women, well unless you count that one time a daemonette attempted to flirt with me but that happened ages ago.' Eran/Rogal thought in slightly discouraged, the Emperor, however, heard this and started to laugh his head off. 'Oh Rogal you damned fool, you may be my son but you truly have a hard time with women! Come on, you have to remember that time Saint Celestine was talking to you with massive blush?' Eran/Rogal recalled the conversation, 'Father, I merely thought she was being friendly, anyways do you have any news of the Imperium?'
The Emperor when asked this question grew slightly weary, 'The Imperium may have a chance to breath much needed respite and beat back some Chaos forces with the departure of Perturabo from the front lines. Son, we both know the reason he has backed away is due to you, at least that is what I fear. He will come here to this world eventually in search of you and if you are not ready, you will fail against him my son, as much as I loathe the thought, it is true. I must go now my son, stay well.'
With that the Emperor left Rogal's mind, he contemplated how he would fend off Perturabo but all the reason he needed was on him, literally, as well as in the dorms but that's beside the point.
He once again looked down and saw Yang lying down against the left side of his chest calmly listening to his heartbeat. He smiled, he brought Yang out of her calm situation and kissed her on her forehead, adoringly, making her blush immensely but she leaned her head into the kiss either way. They both got up after the meaningful 'kiss' and looked at each other in the eyes, Yang spoke first. "Well Eran, let's go, we need some sleep." Eran smiled at her and they started walking one more in the night, Eran reaching out and holding her hand while they walked, Yang blushing but accepting it wholeheartedly. She looked again at his face as they walked, the scars seemed to disappear in her eyes like they didn't matter and in a way it was true, they didn't matter. They never did.
As they walked to the dorms once more they were truly at peace, enjoying each other's company.
Across the campus, a similarish event came to pass with their next-door neighbours, Jaune and Pyrrha. Pyrrha had offered her help to Jaune, however, he had expressed his rejection of the idea quite boldly. Ranting about how if he couldn't do it alone then he couldn't do it at all, how his transcripts were forgeries and all. He revealed himself completely for all to hear, Pyrrha obviously frustrated left the scene, only for a bully to come in and make Jaune's life a whole lot worse. That bully was none other than Cardin Winchester, he overheard his rant and the part about Jaune's forged transcripts. He was blackmailing Jaune and Jaune could do nothing about it, if he didn't he would be expelled and scorned for the rest of his life. So sadly he had to obey.
Well sorry guys for the late chapter. I am truly sorry, but the school has been hogging me like Nurgle hogs Isha. Also it feels like Tzeentch is teaching me math online.
Well for now farewell, and I'll see you in the next chapter.
Comments and or constructive criticism appreciated.