When the two singularity brothers fought, he'd hope that the younger of the two would win and end the Eater of the Benevolent reign of terror across all of creation. The destruction of life was something he never wanted to involve himself with; he wanted a life of peace and to spend the rest of his immortal life with his loved ones. Unfortunately for the ancient super-soldier, tales of his legend were heard across the Universe; the 'Protector of Humanity,' the 'Angel of Death,' the 'Weapon conjurer,' and the 'Last of the Elder Guardians'; all these meaningless titles attracted the older void walker.
Before Ryzorin Vero Narakas was well known across the Universe as the Eater of the Benevolent, the Singularity Inheritor asked the Elder Guardian to join his cause and become one of his champions. He scoffed and told the man to leave; otherwise, he ended his pathetic existence right there, along with his companions.
The void walker gave the human known as 'Atherius' two choices to aid him in his goal; the reward for doing so would be that the Elder Guardian and his family would get to live in a dimension that he created personally for all that served him or die alongside his family in ways no mind could comprehend.
Atherius, in return, attempted to take the boy's life for threatening him and his family; however, the results weren't favorable. The boy and his eight champions defeated him with ease.
"As you can see, you stand no chance of defeating all of us, old man," Ryzorin said, getting in Atherius's face as Ryzorin's two champions held the ancient super-soldiers arms in place. Ryzorin gave him a feral grin that caused the hardened soldier to shiver. "Bring them in, Kal!" The void walker shouted.
Atherius's heart sank as he saw his beautiful wife and children being dragged into the temple. He saw the fear in their eyes and saw the innocence of his two sons and two daughters had been taken away. The Elder Guardian looked at Ryzorin with a burning rage that caused the boy's champions to almost run in fear, but they were more afraid of what the Singularity Inheritor would do, so they stayed in their place.
"Im being extremely patient with you, so don't waste it with your meaningless pride. It will only get your family killed." He said that last part with pure bliss in his tone.
Knowing his family was in danger and couldn't win, he conceded. "Very well...I accept your offer.." He said with sorrow in his voice.
Ryzorin gave him a sinister grin and stood up. "Wise choice Elder Guardian but...before I make you my Champion, I need you to prove your loyalty." His grin was getting impossibly wide as he thought of the perfect way for Atherius to prove himself.
Atherius knew that grin all too well. His heart shattered, knowing his initiation would destroy what was precious to him.
"I want you to destroy Terron, the ancient homeworld of humanity. Do that, and I swear on the Singularities and the All-father that your family will not be harmed and will be safe at a secure location," he looked at Atherius's face of horror, causing the void walker to chuckle, "come on, did you think I'd let you be around your family knowing you would attempt to escape with them once you thought no one was watching?" Ryzorin laughed for a moment and stopped to look the older man dead in the eye, "once we release the ebony dragon then you the six of you will be reunited. Safe from the destruction of creation."
After that, Atherius didn't see his family for years. He and the champions would destroy everything in their path to empower Ryzorin quickly while they were at war with Elridian and the millions of factions that attempted to eliminate them.
All of his accomplishments and goals were shattered. He killed trillions upon trillions of innocent men, women, and children. Atherius failed humanity, failed the ancestors of the Elder Guardians, failed himself, and most of all failed his family.
Atherius was a husk of a man. Hell, he wasn't a man anymore. He was just Atherius, the Champion of despair and, worst of all, the slave of Ryzorin.
But everything soon changed.
Once the two brothers fought, a glimmer of hope almost came to the ancient super-soldier. He prayed for the elder of the brothers and the Champions to be defeated so that he could reunite with his family at last, but his hopes were shattered when everything he knew and loved was destroyed.
At least his suffering would end, and he could see his family in the afterlife. Unfortunately, he wasn't named the Champion of despair for nothing as he instead woke up on a planet Atherius was unfamiliar with; nonetheless, he cursed the All-father for letting him live.
For the past few days, he explored the planet and eventually learned it was called Remnant from a nearby settlement, then decided to make it his new home and protect the people from the atrocities known as Grimm.
They weren't much of a challenge for Atherius; he had experience, power, intelligence, and the best technology that the Elder Guardians had to offer.
He quickly became the local hero of the settlement; the people loved and respected him, whatever Grimm attempted to attack the territory would immediately be eliminated by the automatic turrets he stationed around the small town, the local bandit tribes feared him, and his new home prospered.
However, no matter what Atherius did, he knew he could never redeem himself, and he could never have his family back. He couldn't feel the warmth of his family's love. He couldn't be forgiven, nor did Atherius deserve forgiveness. All he could do now was to continue to aid the people of his new home.
Over a month had passed, and everything seemed well for the immortal super-soldier. It was dark, and Atherius was walking back home after a long day of upgrading the settlement's defenses; however, once he heard a familiar voice call out his name from behind, the rage within grew instantly, and he turned around, aiming his weapon at the two individuals he hated with a passion.
There, his eyes locked with two individuals that were several meters away.
Yender the Champion of Madness and the most devoted follower of Ryzorin. The bitch was pale as a ghost and had that smile that caused most to run away in fear.
Then Kalheerus, the Champion of Greed and could potentially be the most dangerous of the Champion if given enough time. Atherius narrowed his eyes under his helmet. "That better not be the blood of my people," Atherius snarled.
Kalheerus gave him a toothy grin." It wasn't sadly..but now that you-" the hydian didn't finish his sentence as he could hear Atherius cock his shotgun.
"If anyone here is harmed, I won't hesitate to fucking kill you." He said with venom in his voice.
Despite his threat, he really didn't want to face them here in the middle of the town. Atherius knew he could take the two, as he had them beat on physical power alone, and the other advantages he had over them were unfair, but that wouldn't matter if all the civilians were dead due to them letting loose.
Kalheerus put his hand up. "Woah there, big guy, it was just a joke," he chuckled.
"Oh, Athery, no need to be so serious. We're just having a little bit of fun." Replied Yender replied, giving her signature feral smile.
"Get the fuck out of my area. I served my time and lost everything because of it. I don't care how you two made it or how we ended up on Remnant or how you found me." He pauses. "I just want to be left alone." He puts his finger on the trigger.
"Awe and I were hoping we could have a big happy reunion." Yender mocked sadness at Atherius's comment. "Come, let's go, my big kitty. The big lousy human doesn't want us here." They both turned to leave.
Before they left, Kalheerus turned his head to Atherius, giving him a sinister toothy smile. "I'll be sure to inform Ryzorin of your disobedience, slave." Then like that, both of the Champions disappeared.
Atherius eyes widened, and he dropped to his knees. How could Ryzorin be alive? Does that mean the others could be alive? He paled at the thought. Not again, not more lives, not another planet, not another dimension destroyed. The rage within him began to build up until he screamed, he wouldn't be a slave to a madman again. Atherius wouldn't kill any more innocents, not again, he refused.
Then a thought came to mind if Ryzorin and his Champions were alive, what about the other brother? It was possible; the only question was how the fuck was he going to find him.
With Elridian
After everyone saw his new eye, he was bombarded with questions that he didn't bother to answer and played ignorance. They all loved the look, especially Ruby and Neo.
Team JNPR was surprised but waved it off.
Ozpin and Glynda weren't entirely surprised since they knew about his odd arrangement.
His other allies didn't care all that much but thought it looked 'badass.'
All in all, another day of progress for the heterochronic teen.
Now late at night, the void walker couldn't fall asleep, so he played a few games on his scroll until he got a text message from Wrath.
Wrath: we need you at the club ASAP.
Elridian: On it.
Juniors club
As soon as he reached the club, Wrath called for a meeting; within an hour, everyone was in the VIP area. Wrath and Adam broke the news to everyone, which caused several reactions ranging from worry, anger, and fear. When everyone turned to face Elridian, they saw his face expressed no emotion, which worried Neo significantly, causing her to tug her lover's arm, but there was no response.
Wrath knew that look wasn't of anger, worry, or fear. Elridian was forming a plan as if Ryzorin's Champions were alive and wandering around Remnant. Then it was more than likely that Ryzorin himself was on the planet, meaning he needed to step up his plans. Elridian was originally only going to train his Team RWBYE and Neo as he wanted to ensure their survival, but now he would have to step up their training further. He would also have to train team JNPR and his allies if they were going to stand a chance against his brother's Champions and army, as a war between them was inevitable.
Elridian broke out of his thoughts and looked at the others. "If what you say is true, you guys need to know what you're dealing with."
They all nodded for him to continue.
"While I have my Sentinels, my brother has his Champions, who each have their own set of unique abilities that will undoubtedly make our lives a pain in the ass, then to top it all have, they all have physical and regenerative capabilities that are beyond anything that Remnant has ever seen and are all immortal."
That last statement caused everyone to go pale at the thought of such powerful enemies.
"So what you're basically saying is that we're fucked?" Roman asked incredulously.
Elridian smirked and raised his finger, waving it from side to side. "Now, now, Torchy, I never said that sure this won't be no walk in the park, but this also is walking in the depths of hell either." Before he continued motioned for Neo to sit on his lap, and she happily did so and looked back at the others. "One of the best ways of getting yourselves killed is being unprepared or not being able to adapt to the situation at hand. So want to start us off Wrath? He remembers this shit better than I do, mostly cause I don't bother to remember." Elridian asked, glancing at his loyal servant.
Wrath nodded. "Ryzorin has nine individuals he calls his champions and gives them a title that fits their character the best in his eyes. The best example is Kalheerus, the Champion of Greed. Kalheerus was once a prince whose lust for power was so great that he killed his entire family to claim the throne."
"How the fuck did he manage to get away with that?! Surely someone suspected him or witnessed it!" Adam asked.
Wrath shrugged as he and Elridian didn't know how he did it either. "He ruled for several years, indulging himself with the benefits of leading a galactic-sized kingdom, but this wasn't enough. He wanted more, and Kalheerus eventually got that when he met Ryzorin, who granted him the ability to copy other's powers and increase their capabilities tenfold."
"So don't let the furry bastard touch us? Got it loud and clear." Roman added, sounding unnerved as this was just one of the people he had to face inevitably.
"Im killing that overgrown cat once I get the chance. No one takes Moonslice from me!!!" Adam thought angrily.
Wrath nodded. "Yender the Champion of Madness due to the woman being batshit crazy, but this wasn't always the case. She was once an ordinary little girl who lived on a farm with her family. Life was simple, yet it was good as she lived in one of the protected parts of the universe. Nonetheless, no matter how safe you think you feel theirs always something to remind you that danger is always lurking around the corner." Wrath stopped at the part ominously before continuing. "The danger inevitably came when one of the largest Raider tribes in universal history invaded her homeworld. Yender was one of the few that survived the invasion, but it would've been better if they had just killed her."
Everyone wasn't liking where he was going with this story. It made them uncomfortable, yet they couldn't help but listen; they wanted to know who they were facing. Sure they just wanted to know their strengths and weaknesses, but they had a feeling there was a message in all this, and they wanted to know what it was, so they continued to listen without interrupting the Void beast.
"For decades, she was subjected to enslavement, rape, torture, humiliation, and every unthinkable thing you could imagine. Her mind was shattered. Her will was non-existent, just a shell of a woman who never got to experience the luxuries of life. Then one day, it changed when Ryzorin saved her, and when he did, something inside of Yender snapped. She devoted herself entirely to him. After proving her loyalty, she was granted the ability to bend reality to her will and subject others to her insanity."
"So under no circumstances are you to engage her, does everyone understand?" Elridian asked seriously. They nodded, and the teen gestured for Wrath to continue.
"Atherius, the Champion of Despair. Once a part of an ancient order of super-soldiers that protected humanity, it eventually was no more as all the Elder Guardians besides Atherius mysteriously disappeared."
"An entire group sworn to protect humanity just disappeared?" Adam asked.
Wrath nodded. "Indeed. With his order gone, he decided it was time to settle down with his family permanently. It didn't last long as Ryzorin forced him into joining his cause made him destroy an entire planet inhabited mostly by humans. His actions were all to protect his family, but he lost everything when the destruction of our universe came"
Everyone, including Elridian, felt pity for the man. He gave his duties as a protector in order to save the ones you love, just for it all to be pointless in the end. That would make nearly anyone start drinking the hardest shit one could find.
"He was granted the ability to invoke the feeling of hopelessness and drains an individual's will to continue live if they continue to be within his radius."
"All these guys so far are fucking depressing..your brother is one sick son of a bitch, my love." Neo thought, disgusted with the backgrounds of the Champions.
"Hey, boss, you think we could get this 'Atherius' guy to join us?" Junior asked Elridian curiously.
"Im uncertain Atherius has lived for thousands of years fighting nearly non-stop. I wouldn't blame the guy if he wanted to live a life that somewhat reassembles peace." The teen answered back.
If he could get the ancient super-soldier to join his side, Atherius would be an invaluable asset.
"Forty-Four, the Champion of Darkness. Not much is known about his past, but you need his story. All you need to know is he's the second most dangerous amongst them, as he's the embodiment of the unknown and inconceivable horror. He was granted the ability to manipulate, you guess it, darkness and dark energy."
"So major edgelord?" Roman asked
"Essentially," Elridian Answered while resting his head on his Neo's.
"Gotcha," Roman replied, putting a cigar in his mouth and lighting it.
"I really hope by the end of this; you'll tell us how we'll be able to face these Champions better as far as I can tell; our chances," Adam points to himself, then gestures to everyone in the club, "are slim to none," Adam said in a worried tone.
Elridian gave Adam a feral grin. "Oh, don't worry, I already have a solution for our problem. Now let Wrath just the last of them so I can tell you."
Everyone was confused. "I thought you said there were nine of these guys?" Melanie asked.
"There used to be nine. I killed three, and Wrath killed one of them." The teen answered.
"Ah."
Everyone left it off like that.
Wrath took this as his cue to finish. "The last one is Luseerian, the Champion of Death. Like the Forty-Four, not much is known about his past, but one thing is clear. Death follows him wherever he goes; voluntary or involuntary bodies will drop." Wrath paused himself for a moment. He looked uncomfortable almost but continued nonetheless. "Under no circumstances are you to engage him as he was granted the ability to manipulate and absorb souls and use said souls to increase his powers to levels that the others could never achieve."
Their allies went silent after hearing what the last of the Champions could do, and it was terrifying to know that this being could take their souls out of their bodies. So none disagreed when they were told not to engage them in combat. They would rather fight a colossal-sized Grimm than face Luseerian.
Wrapping his arm around Neo's waist, he tells his allies his plans. Roman, Adam, and the Twins were ecstatic to know that Elridian would make them into his Sentinels to negate most of their enemy's abilities but paled once they saw the training regiment they would have to go through five days a week. They all collectively shat themselves as this would practically be killing themselves. However, if they wanted to have incredible abilities and stand a chance against the enemy, they would do whatever was necessary.
Elridian also gave them a detailed description of what each of the Champions looked like and to find the whereabouts of Atherius. If they could get the Elder Guardian on their side. They would have a tremendous advantage against the opposing side.
Since he's nearly at five percent power, thus allowing him access to create Void beasts, he had plans to set Spawns for his creatures to produce without him needing to be involved in the process. The only thing that would suck is that he'd only have access to his weaker units. He cursed his fucking limitations but was grateful nonetheless. He missed his loyal servants a great deal.
The next day
Team RWBYE were at their usual spot to train with Elridian, but oddly enough, he wasn't anywhere to be seen. However, to their surprise, Team JNPR was there.
Seeing no harm, they walked up to greet their friends.
"Hey, guys!!!" Ruby shouted, being her usual cheery self.
"Heyoo!" Yang said, waving at them.
Weiss and Blake were indifferent but acknowledged them.
"Oh hey, guys!! What are you guys doing here?" Nora asked.
"Yeah, we weren't expecting anyone else to be here except for Elridian," Jaune added.
"This is where we usually train with the alien hunk," Yang replied, grinning.
Team JNPR looked at one another and then back at their friends.
Pyrrha quirked an eyebrow. "Is that so? Well, he chose a great area." She said with a smile.
"YEAH, THERE'S SO MUCH ROOM TO BREAK SHIT!!!" Nora shouted enthusiastically while taking out her hammer.
Ren rubbed the front of his head, already not wanting to put up with this shit so early in the morning. "Please, Nora, not now..."
"So, how long have you guys been waiting here for?" Ruby asked while sitting on the ground with the members of her team.
"Not too long. I think five minutes, but I haven't been keeping track...Ive been distracted." Jaune replied with a low tone in his voice.
Everyone noticed this, and Pyrrha was already by his side, placing a hand on her shoulder. "You alright?"
"Yeah, just been thinking a lot about Elridian said thats all..."
Pyrrha frowned, still now happy with Elridian's harshness towards Jaune.
"Don't take it too personal, Jaune. Elridian doesn't like it when good people get pushed around and likes it even less when that person allows themselves to be pushed around." Weiss commented while doing some stretches.
Jaune sighed. "I wish I was as good as him at fighting..."
"Trust me, I think we all do, or otherwise Grimms wouldn't be such an issue anymore," Ren commented.
"I agree. Elridian's style of fighting is unlike anything Ive ever seen." Pyrrha added, thinking about his match with Ozpin. "Ive been meaning to ask if he could train with me from time to time. I'd love to expand my fighting style."
"Im sure El Bear would be happy to show you!!" Ruby jumped up from her spot.
After another five minutes, everyone was beginning to wonder where the void walker was.
"OH MY GOD, WHAT'S TAKING HIM SO LONG?!!!!" Nora groaned.
"My Yang senses are tingling," Yang said with a grin on her face.
"Yang senses?" Blake asked with a quirked eyebrow.
"Yuppers!!"
"What does that even mean?" Jaune asked.
Ruby knew the answer as she was also endowed with these senses and excitingly disappeared and reappeared with Elridian leaving rose petals behind them.
"Sup guys," Elridian said before giving each of his women a kiss on the forehead, causing them all to smile. "Sorry for taking so long. I didn't think it would take so long to create these," Elridian said, handing each member of Team JNPR several sheets of paper.
They looked at what it was, and their eyes widened. They all had personalized training regimens and diet plans to maximize their results. They were surprised yet impressed with how detailed it was but were terrified at the number of sets and reps with each exercise.
"This is...INSANE!!!" Jaune shouted.
"Eh, you get used to it," Blake replied.
Before things got off-topic, Elridian stepped in. "Anyways, I have Team JNPR here cause from now on. They will be training alongside you guys for the foreseeable future."
Nora, Ruby, and Yang high-fived while the others seemed excited yet curious about this arrangement.
"May I ask why?" Pyrrha asked politely.
He sighed, not looking forward to having to explain almost everything to them. "Your all gonna want to sit down, for it's gonna take a while."
